Chiang Mai vs Mombasa: cost of living for digital nomads
Chiang Mai, Thailand and Mombasa, Kenya, 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
- Mombasa is about 3% cheaper than Chiang Mai for a month of nomad living ($1,065 vs $1,100).
- Rent is the biggest gap: $400 in Chiang Mai against $420 in Mombasa.
- Chiang Mai scores higher on safety (8/10 vs 6/10).
- Internet is faster in Chiang Mai: 210 Mbps typical against 80 Mbps.
- Both have a tropical climate.
Chiang Mai wins 4 of the measured lines; Mombasa wins 4.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Chiang Mai or Mombasa?
Mombasa is cheaper: about $1,065/month against $1,100/month in Chiang Mai, roughly 3% less for a typical remote worker's budget.
Which city is safer, Chiang Mai or Mombasa?
Chiang Mai scores higher on safety: 8/10 against 6/10 for Mombasa.
Which has faster internet, Chiang Mai or Mombasa?
Chiang Mai has faster typical internet: 210 Mbps against 80 Mbps in Mombasa.
| Line | Chiang Mai | Mombasa |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $1,100 | $1,065 |
| Rent | $400 | $420 |
| Food | $320 | $300 |
| Transport | $40 | $30 |
| Coworking | $100 | $75 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 8/10 | 6/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 210 | 80 |
| Climate | tropical | tropical |
| City size | mid | metro |
| Setting | inland | coast |
| Nomad score (out of 10) | 10/10 | 6/10 |
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, Mombasa September 11, 2026.