Chiang Mai

🇹🇭Thailand•Southeast Asia

City Score

"The original Southeast Asian digital nomad capital — cheap, quiet, mountainous, and packed with coworking spaces and vegan cafes."

City Metrics

Cost of Living48

Safety59

Healthcare75

Career Opportunities69

Climate64

Transport74

Air Quality62

Family Friendliness68.33

Education69

Top Neighborhoods

Nimman (Nimmanhaemin)

Old City

Santitham

Chang Phueak

Housing Reality

Incredibly affordable. Modern studios from $200-400/mo. Many condos offer month-to-month. Burning season (Feb-Apr) causes severe air pollution — check AQI before signing a lease.

Getting Around

No rail transit. Red songthaews (shared pickups) are the local bus. Most nomads rent a scooter ($80-100/mo) or use Grab.

Other Cities in Thailand

Frequently Asked Questions

▸Is Chiang Mai a good place to live?

Chiang Mai scores 64/100 overall. It is relatively expensive (cost score: 48/100), moderately safe (safety: 59/100), and has excellent healthcare (healthcare: 75/100). Top neighborhoods include Nimman (Nimmanhaemin), Old City, Santitham.

▸What is the cost of living in Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai has a cost of living score of 48/100 (higher = more affordable). Incredibly affordable. Modern studios from $200-400/mo. Many condos offer month-to-month. Burning season (Feb-Apr) causes severe air pollution — check AQI before signing a lease.

▸How do I get around Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai has a transport score of 74/100. No rail transit. Red songthaews (shared pickups) are the local bus. Most nomads rent a scooter ($80-100/mo) or use Grab.

▸What are the best neighborhoods in Chiang Mai?

The most recommended neighborhoods in Chiang Mai are Nimman (Nimmanhaemin), Old City, Santitham, Chang Phueak. The original Southeast Asian digital nomad capital — cheap, quiet, mountainous, and packed with coworking spaces and vegan cafes.

▸Is Chiang Mai safe for expats?

Chiang Mai has a safety score of 59/100. The city moderately safe and has an air quality score of 62/100.

Back to Thailand Overview Explore All Countries

City Deep Dive

Is Chiang Mai actually livable? See neighborhood rankings, real cost breakdowns, and local quality-of-life scores

Unlock with Pro