City Comparison
Chiang Mai vs Bali
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Bali is ~8% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Chiang Mai
Thailand
COL+Rent
17.3
Rent Index
7.2
Groceries
32
Restaurant
16.5
Bali
Indonesia
COL+Rent
16
Rent Index
8
Groceries
30.9
Restaurant
13.9
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Chiang Mai | Bali | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $247 | $299 | $52 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $156 | $202 | $46 |
| Groceries | $187 | $170 | +$17 |
| Restaurant Meal | $4 | $3 | +$1 |
| Transit Pass | $21 | $10 | +$11 |
| Utilities | $55 | $39 | +$16 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Chiang Mai | Bali |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $379/mo | $382/mo |
| Typical | $570/mo | $563/mo |
| Comfortable | $704/mo | $687/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Chiang Mai | ≈ in Bali | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,387/mo | -$113 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,850/mo | -$150 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,775/mo | -$225 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Explore More
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chiang Mai or Bali cheaper to live in?
Bali is approximately 8% cheaper overall. Chiang Mai's COL+Rent Index is 17.3 vs Bali's 16 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Chiang Mai vs Bali?
A 1BR in Chiang Mai city center costs ~$247/mo vs $299/mo in Bali. Outside the center: $156 vs $202.
What is $2,000/month in Chiang Mai worth in Bali?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Chiang Mai has the purchasing power of approximately $1,850/month in Bali.
Are groceries cheaper in Chiang Mai or Bali?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $187 in Chiang Mai vs $170 in Bali. Groceries Index: 32 vs 30.9 (NYC = 100).