Last update: Nov 2026

Cost of Living Comparison Between Zgorzelec and Chiang Mai

For one person, living is cheaper in Chiang Mai: $935 a month against $1,416 in Zgorzelec, rent and utilities included – about $5,800 less a year. Rent and utilities account for most of the difference.

Zgorzelec, Poland
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Zgorzelec
🇵🇱 Poland
$1,416
/mo nomad
Chiang Mai
🇹🇭 Thailand
$935
/mo nomad
Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Zgorzelec and in Chiang Mai

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Zgorzelec and in Chiang Mai actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

A single person spends $1,416 per month in Zgorzelec vs $935 in Chiang Mai, rent included.

  • Zgorzelec $1,416
  • Chiang Mai $935

A couple spends around $2,062 per month in Zgorzelec vs $1,467 in Chiang Mai, rent included.

  • Zgorzelec $2,062
  • Chiang Mai $1,467

A family of three spends $2,707 per month in Zgorzelec vs $1,999 in Chiang Mai, rent included.

  • Zgorzelec $2,707
  • Chiang Mai $1,999

Zgorzelec costs about 51% more than Chiang Mai, and outside of rent the biggest gap is in eating out.

Zgorzelec sits 5% above the global median, while Chiang Mai is 31% below – they fall on opposite sides of the world average.

Currency
🍽 Eating Out
Zgorzelec
Chiang Mai
Difference
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$8.90 zł 34.77
$2.13 ฿71.8
317.84%
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$51.7 zł 202
$18.62 ฿626
177.82%
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$7.51 zł 29.35
$5.60 ฿188
34.11%
Cappuccino
$3.09 zł 12.08
$1.66 ฿55.9
86.14%
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.91 zł 3.57
$0.65 ฿21.75
40.00%
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.63 zł 6.38
$0.30 ฿10.25
443.33%
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.48 zł 5.77
$2.32 ฿78.1
-36.21%
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.05 zł 8.00
$3.67 ฿123
-44.14%
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Zgorzelec
Chiang Mai
Difference
Milk (1 liter)
$0.95 zł 3.71
$2.02 ฿67.8
-52.97%
White Bread (500g)
$1.20 zł 4.70
$1.41 ฿47.34
-14.89%
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.40 zł 5.47
$1.39 ฿46.79
0.72%
Eggs
$3.51 zł 13.74
$2.37 ฿79.6
48.10%
Local Cheese (1kg)
$8.58 zł 33.54
$16.52 ฿555
-48.06%
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$5.84 zł 22.81
$2.67 ฿89.8
118.73%
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$13.05 zł 51.0
$9.02 ฿303
44.68%
Apples (1kg)
$0.86 zł 3.37
$2.40 ฿80.6
-64.17%
Banana (1kg)
$1.50 zł 5.84
$1.04 ฿35.01
44.23%
Oranges (1kg)
$1.64 zł 6.40
$1.66 ฿55.8
-1.20%
Tomato (1kg)
$1.55 zł 6.04
$1.56 ฿52.4
-0.64%
Potato (1kg)
$0.62 zł 2.42
$1.24 ฿41.61
-50.00%
Onion (1kg)
$1.01 zł 3.94
$1.09 ฿36.53
-7.34%
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.27 zł 4.96
$0.76 ฿25.61
67.11%
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.64 zł 2.49
$0.51 ฿17.29
25.49%
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$4.64 zł 18.13
$4.12 ฿139
12.62%
Wine (Bottle)
$7.53 zł 29.42
$17.93 ฿603
-58.00%
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$0.85 zł 3.32
$1.62 ฿54.6
-47.53%
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.47 zł 5.73
$2.82 ฿94.9
-47.87%
🚌 Getting Around
Zgorzelec
Chiang Mai
Difference
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.09 zł 4.27
$0.93 ฿31.42
17.20%
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$29.10 zł 114
$52.9 ฿1,778
-44.98%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.32 zł 9.07
$1.18 ฿39.56
96.61%
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.05 zł 4.09
$0.17 ฿5.76
517.65%
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$12.75 zł 49.82
$1.81 ฿60.9
604.42%
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.62 zł 6.31
$1.47 ฿49.51
10.20%
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$30.4K zł 118.7K
$21.0K ฿706.4K
44.52%
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$27.7K zł 108.1K
$26.5K ฿891.4K
4.35%
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Zgorzelec
Chiang Mai
Difference
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$288 zł 1,127
$62.6 ฿2,103
360.82%
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$7.87 zł 30.75
$11.60 ฿390
-32.16%
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$18.41 zł 71.9
$20.30 ฿683
-9.31%
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Zgorzelec
Chiang Mai
Difference
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$37.66 zł 147
$37.88 ฿1,274
-0.58%
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$21.48 zł 84.0
$3.70 ฿124
480.54%
Cinema Ticket
$7.34 zł 28.67
$6.51 ฿219
12.75%
🧸 Childcare & Education
Zgorzelec
Chiang Mai
Difference
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$483 zł 1,887
$727 ฿24.4K
-33.58%
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$7,450 zł 29.1K
$16.6K ฿557.2K
-55.05%
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Zgorzelec
Chiang Mai
Difference
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$77.2 zł 301
$53.5 ฿1,800
44.10%
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$37.75 zł 148
$24.80 ฿834
52.22%
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$86.2 zł 337
$90.4 ฿3,039
-4.69%
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$109 zł 425
$72.0 ฿2,420
51.29%
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Zgorzelec
Chiang Mai
Difference
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$599 zł 2,339
$481 ฿16.2K
24.40%
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$515 zł 2,012
$310 ฿10.4K
66.13%
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$968 zł 3,785
$1,058 ฿35.6K
-8.49%
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$824 zł 3,218
$659 ฿22.1K
25.05%
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,959 zł 11.6K
$2,418 ฿81.3K
22.39%
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$2,159 zł 8,438
$1,609 ฿54.1K
34.21%
💵 Salaries & Financials
Zgorzelec
Chiang Mai
Difference
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,369 zł 5,349
$595 ฿20.0K
130.11%
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.63
5.57
19.03%

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update for Zgorzelec: November 1, 2026

Last update for Chiang Mai: November 1, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Accommodation & Living
Zgorzelec
$515
Chiang Mai
$310 39.8% $205
Monthly Utilities & Internet
Zgorzelec
$315
Chiang Mai
$94 70% $220
Groceries & Markets
Zgorzelec
$202
Chiang Mai
$237 17.3% $35
Eating Out
Zgorzelec
$152
Chiang Mai
$77 49.8% $76
Clothing & Footwear
Zgorzelec
$139
Chiang Mai
$108 22.3% $31
Sport & Entertainment
Zgorzelec
$52
Chiang Mai
$51 2.7% $1.4
Getting Around
Zgorzelec
$41
Chiang Mai
$59 43% $18

Cost Breakdown

A central one-bedroom costs $599 in Zgorzelec versus $481 in Chiang Mai. Rent is usually the largest line item in a monthly budget, so the gap here sets the tone for the overall comparison.

Salaries in Zgorzelec are about 2.3 times higher. Purchasing power depends on which expenses matter most to you.

A mid-range dinner for two costs $52 in Zgorzelec versus $19 in Chiang Mai. Groceries tell a different story – $202 in Zgorzelec vs $237 in Chiang Mai – so Zgorzelec wins on supermarket bills even if dining out costs more.

Good to know
🇵🇱 Zgorzelec
🇹🇭 Chiang Mai
🕒 Local time
00:55 12:55 AM
06:55 6:55 AM
6 h ahead of Zgorzelec
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
29,534
127,240
💱 Currency
Thai Baht THB ฿
Exchange rates and currency converter

THB, USD, EUR to PLN – Polish Złoty Converter

Polish Złoty exchange rates as of November 4, 2026: 1 USD = 3.91 PLN (1 PLN = 0.256 USD). 1 EUR = 4.4 PLN (1 PLN = 0.227 EUR).

Thai Baht exchange rates as of November 4, 2026: 1 USD = 33.62 THB (100 THB = 2.97 USD). 1 EUR = 37.85 THB (100 THB = 2.64 EUR).

On the map
Between locations
  • Zgorzelec Chiang Mai 7,980 km ≈ 10 h nonstop flight
From you
  • Zgorzelec
  • Chiang Mai

Distances are measured in a straight line. Your location is detected approximately.

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
Zgorzelec vs Chiang Mai: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions
Which city is more expensive, Zgorzelec or Chiang Mai?
Zgorzelec costs about 51% more than Chiang Mai, and outside of rent the gap comes mainly from eating out. That’s enough to noticeably affect everyday spending and lifestyle for anyone choosing between the two.
How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Zgorzelec and in Chiang Mai?
For a comfortable life, plan on about $2,125 per month in Zgorzelec and $1,403 in Chiang Mai. That covers rent, food, utilities, transport, and enough left over to feel settled – not just surviving.
Where is rent cheaper, Zgorzelec or Chiang Mai?
Rent is clearly cheaper in Chiang Mai, especially for central apartments: a one-bedroom in the center costs $481 there versus $599 in Zgorzelec.
How do childcare costs compare in Zgorzelec and in Chiang Mai?
Kindergarten costs $483 per month in Zgorzelec and $727 in Chiang Mai. For families with young kids, this one expense can tip the scales when choosing between the two cities.
Are groceries more expensive in Zgorzelec or in Chiang Mai?
Interestingly, groceries are about 15% cheaper in Zgorzelec – one category where the pricier city actually offers better value.
Can you live on $800/month in Zgorzelec or in Chiang Mai?
$800 is a stretch for both – monthly costs hit $1,416 in Zgorzelec and $935 in Chiang Mai. You’ll need shared housing and careful budgeting no matter which city you pick.
Which city offers a better quality of life: Zgorzelec or Chiang Mai?
It depends on your priorities. Chiang Mai has an edge in some lifestyle areas, with costs from $935 in Chiang Mai to $1,416 in Zgorzelec. Climate, culture, job market, and personal taste all factor in.
How safe is Zgorzelec compared to Chiang Mai?
Both cities have a reputation for safety. In either place, the choice of neighborhood matters more than the choice between the two cities.
Should I move to Zgorzelec or to Chiang Mai?
If budget matters most, go with Chiang Mai. If higher salaries or specific career opportunities are the priority, Zgorzelec makes more sense. Both are solid long-term options with distinct trade-offs.

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