Chiang Mai vs Quito: cost of living for digital nomads
Chiang Mai, Thailand and Quito, Ecuador, 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 and Quito cost about the same per month ($1,100).
- Rent is the biggest gap: $400 in Chiang Mai against $420 in Quito.
- Chiang Mai scores higher on safety (8/10 vs 6/10).
- Internet is faster in Chiang Mai: 210 Mbps typical against 90 Mbps.
- Chiang Mai is tropical; Quito is temperate.
Chiang Mai wins 4 of the measured lines; Quito wins 3.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Chiang Mai or Quito?
Chiang Mai and Quito cost about the same per month for a remote worker, both around $1,100.
Which city is safer, Chiang Mai or Quito?
Chiang Mai scores higher on safety: 8/10 against 6/10 for Quito.
Which has faster internet, Chiang Mai or Quito?
Chiang Mai has faster typical internet: 210 Mbps against 90 Mbps in Quito.
| Line | Chiang Mai | Quito |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $1,100 | $1,100 |
| Rent | $400 | $420 |
| Food | $320 | $310 |
| Transport | $40 | $35 |
| Coworking | $100 | $85 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 8/10 | 6/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 210 | 90 |
| Climate | tropical | temperate |
| City size | mid | metro |
| Setting | inland | mountain |
| Nomad score (out of 10) | 10/10 | 7/10 |
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, Quito September 11, 2026.