πMonthly costs for one person with rent: $82.8 in Abadan versus $869 in Chiang Mai.
πEstimated couple costs with rent: $104 in Abadan versus $1,362 in Chiang Mai.
πMonthly costs for a family of three with rent: $125 in Abadan versus $1,855 in Chiang Mai.
πLiving in Abadan costs roughly 90% less than in Chiang Mai, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.
πBoth cities sit below the global median: Abadan94% lower, Chiang Mai35% lower.
Currency
π½ Eating Out
Abadan
Chiang Mai
Difference
Meal at Budget Restaurant
-
$1.98ΰΈΏ64.3
-
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
-
$18.80ΰΈΏ612
-
Fast Food Meal(McDonalds, etc)
-
$7.75ΰΈΏ252
-
Cappuccino
-
$1.92ΰΈΏ62.5
-
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite(0.33 liter bottle)
-
$0.79ΰΈΏ25.79
-
Water(0.33 liter bottle)
-
$0.36ΰΈΏ11.62
-
Local Beer(0.5 liter draught)
-
$2.21ΰΈΏ72.1
-
Imported Beer(0.33 liter bottle)
-
$3.66ΰΈΏ119
-
π Groceries & Markets
Abadan
Chiang Mai
Difference
Milk(1 liter)
-
$1.65ΰΈΏ53.8
-
White Bread(500g)
-
$1.63ΰΈΏ53.2
-
Rice(white)(1kg)
-
$1.19ΰΈΏ38.86
-
Eggs
-
$2.00ΰΈΏ65.1
-
Local Cheese(1kg)
-
$15.98ΰΈΏ520
-
Chicken Fillets(1kg)
-
$3.03ΰΈΏ98.5
-
Beef Round Steak(1kg)
-
$10.86ΰΈΏ354
-
Apples(1kg)
-
$2.76ΰΈΏ90.0
-
Banana(1kg)
-
$1.18ΰΈΏ38.42
-
Oranges(1kg)
-
$1.64ΰΈΏ53.5
-
Tomato(1kg)
-
$1.52ΰΈΏ49.51
-
Potato(1kg)
-
$1.38ΰΈΏ45.10
-
Onion(1kg)
-
$1.19ΰΈΏ38.84
-
Lettuce(1 head)
-
$0.70ΰΈΏ22.86
-
Water(1.5 liter bottle)
-
$0.56ΰΈΏ18.13
-
Cigarettes 20 Pack(Marlboro, Camel)
-
$4.58ΰΈΏ149
-
Wine(Bottle)
$41.41TMTΒ 139
$16.56ΰΈΏ539
150.06%
Local Beer(0.5 liter bottle)
-
$1.83ΰΈΏ59.5
-
Imported Beer(0.33 liter bottle)
-
$3.20ΰΈΏ104
-
π Getting Around
Abadan
Chiang Mai
Difference
One-way Ticket(Public Transport)
-
$0.88ΰΈΏ28.56
-
Public Transport Monthly Pass(Regular Price)
-
$18.72ΰΈΏ610
-
Taxi Start(Normal Tariff)
-
$1.36ΰΈΏ44.16
-
Taxi(Normal Tariff)(1km)
-
$1.34ΰΈΏ43.65
-
Taxi 1hour Waiting(Normal Tariff)
-
$7.84ΰΈΏ256
-
Gasoline(1 liter)
-
$1.23ΰΈΏ39.92
-
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l(Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
-
$21.6KΰΈΏ704.3K
-
Compact Sedan 1.6l(Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
-
$22.5KΰΈΏ734.3K
-
π§Ύ Monthly Utilities & Internet
Abadan
Chiang Mai
Difference
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
-
$70.5ΰΈΏ2,298
-
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
-
$13.68ΰΈΏ445
-
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
-
$17.45ΰΈΏ568
-
π Sport & Entertainment
Abadan
Chiang Mai
Difference
Gym Membership(Monthly)
-
$41.33ΰΈΏ1,346
-
Tennis Court(1 Hour on Weekend)
-
$6.96ΰΈΏ227
-
Cinema Ticket
-
$5.77ΰΈΏ188
-
π§Έ Childcare & Education
Abadan
Chiang Mai
Difference
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child(Monthly)
-
$307ΰΈΏ10.0K
-
International Primary School, 1 Child(Yearly)
-
$14.6KΰΈΏ475.9K
-
ππ Clothing & Footwear
Abadan
Chiang Mai
Difference
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
-
$55.8ΰΈΏ1,817
-
Summer Dress(H&M, Zara, etc)
-
$26.21ΰΈΏ854
-
Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
-
$85.8ΰΈΏ2,793
-
Men's Leather Business Shoes
-
$72.2ΰΈΏ2,353
-
π Accommodation & Living
Abadan
Chiang Mai
Difference
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
-
$430ΰΈΏ14.0K
-
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
-
$239ΰΈΏ7,774
-
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
-
$817ΰΈΏ26.6K
-
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
-
$511ΰΈΏ16.6K
-
Buy Apartment in City Center(m2)
-
$1,983ΰΈΏ64.6K
-
Buy Apartment Outside City Center(m2)
-
$1,484ΰΈΏ48.3K
-
π΅ Salaries & Financials
Abadan
Chiang Mai
Difference
Average Monthly Net Salary(After Tax)
-
$619ΰΈΏ20.2K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate(Annual %)
0
5
-
CityCost data is based on AI and user input β minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update for Abadan: June 9, 2026
Last update for Chiang Mai: June 7, 2026
City Median Internet Speeds Comparison (Updated April 2026)
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
Abadan vs Chiang Mai: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chiang Mai cheaper than Abadan?
Abadan is cheaper overall, especially in Groceries & Markets, Eating Out, Getting Around, Monthly Utilities & Internet, Clothing & Footwear. The 949% gap adds up to real monthly savings that compound significantly over time.
What income do you need for each city?
You'd need roughly $124 in Abadan and $1,303 in Chiang Mai to live well. The gap comes down to housing and overall price levels. Both cities are liveable on less, but these numbers represent actual comfort.
How do food prices compare in Abadan and Chiang Mai?
Supermarket bills run roughly 191% higher in Chiang Mai. For households that cook at home regularly, that difference adds up over a month.
What are total monthly expenses in Abadan vs Chiang Mai?
All in, you'll spend $82.8 per month in Abadan versus $869 in Chiang Mai β a 949% gap that adds up to real savings over time for anyone picking the cheaper option.
Is $1,000 enough for either Abadan or Chiang Mai?
Either city works on $1,000 a month, though Abadan gives you more room to save. At this income level, the choice is more about lifestyle than financial pressure.
Is Abadan or Chiang Mai more family-friendly?
For families, Abadan is more practical. Housing and childcare are both notably cheaper than in Chiang Mai, and the savings on those two alone free up budget for education, activities, and family trips.
Which city is safer, Abadan or Chiang Mai?
Safety-wise, Abadan and Chiang Mai are on par. Petty crime is typical for cities this size, and most residents feel comfortable going about their daily routines in either place.
Which city is easier to live in as a foreigner?
Expats usually find Abadan gentler on the wallet β expenses run 949% less than in Chiang Mai. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.