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What is a realistic monthly budget for a couple living in Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai Cost of Living Expat Life Living Expenses Housing Food Transportation Local Markets Scooter Rental

Feb 25, 2026

2 months ago

CopperHed*********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Monthly budget for 2 in Chiang Mai?

I cant seem to turn up any results in the search bar and the youtubers are all over the place with answers.

Looking for a realistic budget for a couple to live in a city like Chiang Mai or equivalent, walking distance to shopping, love eating local when we've travelled and using wet markets for fresh produce.

Might either rent a scooter or just use Grab to get around.

Would like a 1 to 2 bedroom unit ideally with pool and gym.

Thanks very much

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The monthly budget for a couple living in Chiang Mai can vary significantly depending on lifestyle choices and desired accommodations. On one end, it's possible to find basic 1-bedroom apartments starting at around 3,000 baht, while more modern 2-bedroom units in good locations with amenities like pools and gyms may cost 50,000-60,000 baht. Enjoying local cuisine and shopping at wet markets can keep food costs reasonable, with meals starting at about 100 baht. For transportation, motorcycle rentals are around 200-300 baht per day, or 3,000-4,000 baht for longer rentals. The impact of living in a tourist area versus a less commercialized place is also highlighted, as well as considerations like air quality during certain seasons.

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Rae ******

dont forget to budget for lung cancer

2 months ago

Terary **********

airbnb - although not entirely legal - it will give you an idea of prices for short term stay

bahtsold.com - will give you an idea of prices for longer term stay

Motorcycle rental 200-300 baht a day.. If you're staying a month or longer 3000-4000.

100 baht buys you rice and egg.. of course you can spend more if you want.

2 months ago

Sylvia ********

Living in a tourist city is a trap, rentals are often overpriced as they can offer them on short term.

If prepared to stay 5kms outside then you'd see a sufficient difference, same with shopping in the local market too.

Then old building, no lift or pool will be cheap.

New building with security, pool, views from balcony etc more, the price also increases if the chosen floor is higher.

Look up estate agents on Google just give location etc and you will see many listed

2 months ago

Paulccfc **********

£1000

2 months ago

Duncan *******

How long is a piece of string? There is no average monthly budget as you can spend a lot or very little in Chiang Mai and everything in between. Depending on where in Chiang Mai and how old/new the building is, you can still find a very basic 1bd for 3,000 baht a month, but you could easily spend

*****

k for a 2bd in a modern complex. Food the same - you can spend very little or a lot.

2 months ago

FarangJ********

5000 baht per night. Air pollution is free.

2 months ago

CopperHed*********

ORIGINAL POSTER

FarangJaiDee123 any recommendations of better places then?

2 months ago

Terary **********

CopperHedgehog8334 Yeah you have to be cautious of burn season in the North. He is pulling your leg about Russian mafia. No doubt they have a presence but if you're not doing business here they're not interested in you.

Krabi is nice but I haven't been in awhile. The place people go is call Ao Nang. Phuket will be expensive but it's nice. I like Krabi better (the Russian thing).

ayutthaya - good for culture as is Siam Rep (Cambodia) is nice place to visit.

Hua Hin is where a lot of expats end up for retirement. I live in pattaya and the expats that end up here aren't generally the best quality.. I always thought maybe the quality expats end up in Hua Hin.

Of course, you may have been to bangkok many times but I am sure you haven't seen everything.. I lived there for a few years and I know I haven't seen everything... Urban exploring is a blast day or night. Always something new to see.

You could adopt a local and take them on an adventure. I mean pay them to be your guide. They will show you a Thailand you just can't see in youtube.

You could google temples and go visit various temples. Temply of the tiger (I think it's called, Krabi). Phraya Nakon Cave looks interesting.

Kao Tao is great not easy to get to ... which makes it great

Koh Lipe - same, not easy to get to but great.

Kanchanburi (River Kwai) is a couple hours out of bangkok.

2 months ago

FarangJ********

CopperHedgehog8334 The south is far more expensive and controlled by Russian mafia. Have you considered Vietnam?

2 months ago

CopperHed*********

ORIGINAL POSTER

FarangJaiDee123 we loved vietnam but i don't think they offer a similar visa

2 months ago

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CopperHed*********

John **********

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