Chiang Mai vs Koh Phangan: cost of living for digital nomads
Chiang Mai, Thailand and Koh Phangan, Thailand, line by line from the catalogue: what a month costs, rent, food, coworking, safety and internet. Every figure links back to its source on the city page.
The short version
- Chiang Mai is about 12% cheaper than Koh Phangan for a month of nomad living ($1,100 vs $1,250).
- Rent is the biggest gap: $400 in Chiang Mai against $500 in Koh Phangan.
- Both score 8/10 on safety.
- Internet is faster in Chiang Mai: 210 Mbps typical against 60 Mbps.
- Both have a tropical climate.
Chiang Mai wins 6 of the measured lines; Koh Phangan wins 0.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Chiang Mai or Koh Phangan?
Chiang Mai is cheaper: about $1,100/month against $1,250/month in Koh Phangan, roughly 12% less for a typical remote worker's budget.
Which city is safer, Chiang Mai or Koh Phangan?
Chiang Mai and Koh Phangan score the same on safety, 8/10 each.
Which has faster internet, Chiang Mai or Koh Phangan?
Chiang Mai has faster typical internet: 210 Mbps against 60 Mbps in Koh Phangan.
| Line | Chiang Mai | Koh Phangan |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $1,100 | $1,250 |
| Rent | $400 | $500 |
| Food | $320 | $350 |
| Transport | $40 | $60 |
| Coworking | $100 | $100 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 210 | 60 |
| Climate | tropical | tropical |
| City size | mid | small |
| Setting | inland | island |
| Nomad score (out of 10) | 10/10 | 8/10 |
Koh Phangan
Thai island with a fast-growing nomad scene around Sri Thanu — beaches, wellness, low cost.
Compare Koh Phangan with
Costs are typical monthly figures for one person in USD, from the sources named on each city page; safety and internet are the catalogue's own ratings. Cost figures verified (Eastern Time): Chiang Mai November 6, 2026, Koh Phangan August 30, 2026.