City Comparison
Phuket vs Chiang Mai
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Chiang Mai is ~22% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Phuket
Thailand
COL+Rent
22.1
Rent Index
10.8
Groceries
39.1
Restaurant
21.3
Chiang Mai
Thailand
COL+Rent
17.3
Rent Index
7.2
Groceries
32
Restaurant
16.5
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Phuket | Chiang Mai | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $371 | $247 | +$124 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $234 | $156 | +$78 |
| Groceries | $229 | $187 | +$42 |
| Restaurant Meal | $4 | $4 | $0 |
| Transit Pass | $25 | $21 | +$4 |
| Utilities | $67 | $55 | +$12 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Phuket | Chiang Mai |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $502/mo | $379/mo |
| Typical | $752/mo | $570/mo |
| Comfortable | $913/mo | $704/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Phuket | ≈ in Chiang Mai | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,174/mo | -$326 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,566/mo | -$434 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,348/mo | -$652 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phuket or Chiang Mai cheaper to live in?
Chiang Mai is approximately 22% cheaper overall. Phuket's COL+Rent Index is 22.1 vs Chiang Mai's 17.3 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Phuket vs Chiang Mai?
A 1BR in Phuket city center costs ~$371/mo vs $247/mo in Chiang Mai. Outside the center: $234 vs $156.
What is $2,000/month in Phuket worth in Chiang Mai?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Phuket has the purchasing power of approximately $1,566/month in Chiang Mai.
Are groceries cheaper in Phuket or Chiang Mai?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $229 in Phuket vs $187 in Chiang Mai. Groceries Index: 39.1 vs 32 (NYC = 100).