Chiang Mai vs Da Nang
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Da Nang is ~19% 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
Da Nang
Vietnam
COL+Rent
14
Rent Index
6.4
Groceries
26.1
Restaurant
12
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Chiang Mai | Da Nang | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $247 | $237 | +$10 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $156 | $146 | +$10 |
| Groceries | $187 | $144 | +$43 |
| Restaurant Meal | $4 | $2 | +$2 |
| Transit Pass | $21 | $5 | +$16 |
| Utilities | $55 | $38 | +$17 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Chiang Mai | Da Nang |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $379/mo | $298/mo |
| Typical | $570/mo | $454/mo |
| Comfortable | $704/mo | $548/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Chiang Mai | ≈ in Da Nang | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,214/mo | -$286 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,618/mo | -$382 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,428/mo | -$572 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Chiang Mai vs Da Nang for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Da Nang is approximately 19% more affordable than Chiang Mai when combining rent and daily living costs. Chiang Mai's COL+Rent Index of 17.3 vs Da Nang's 14 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a relatively small gap, meaning the decision between these cities often comes down to lifestyle preferences rather than pure cost.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Chiang Mai costs $247/month versus $237/month in Da Nang — giving Da Nang a $10/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, the rent difference is modest and may be offset by other cost categories.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Chiang Mai ($187/mo) vs Da Nang ($144/mo) reflect Da Nang's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $4 vs $2 show Da Nang offers cheaper dining. For digital nomads and remote workers who eat out frequently, this difference compounds quickly.
Bottom line: If you earn in a strong currency (USD, EUR, GBP) and work remotely, Da Nang offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $454 buys a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings. Use the purchasing power table above to see exactly how far your specific budget stretches in each city.