Can I Afford to Live in Chiang Mai vs Columbia on $80K?

Here's how a $80K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Chiang Mai, TH
$5,057/mo take-home
Rent: $390/mo (8% of take-home)
Very comfortable
Columbia, MO
$4,743/mo take-home
Rent: $1,250/mo (26% of take-home)
Comfortable

Monthly budget breakdown

Chiang Mai
TH
Columbia
MO
Monthly take-home (est.)
$5,057Best ✓
$4,743
1BR rent
$390Best ✓
$1,250
Groceries (est.)
$380
$365Best ✓
Transport (est.)
$150
$45Best ✓
Utilities
$55Best ✓
$158
Internet
$20Best ✓
$60
Left after essentials
$4,062/month
$2,865/month
Chiang Mai (Chiang Mai Province) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Columbia (MO rate: 4.7%).

Frequently asked questions

Is $80K a good salary in Chiang Mai?

At $80K/year in Chiang Mai, your estimated monthly take-home is $5,057. With 1BR rent around $390/month, rent takes up 8% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Is $80K a good salary in Columbia?

At $80K/year in Columbia, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,743. With 1BR rent around $1,250/month, rent takes up 26% of your take-home. That's considered comfortable.

Which city is more affordable on a $80K salary?

Chiang Mai leaves you with more money after core expenses — $4,062/month vs $2,865/month in Columbia.

Can I afford to live alone in Chiang Mai on $80K?

Yes. At $80K in Chiang Mai, rent takes 8% of your take-home, leaving $4,062/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.

Compare other salary bands — Chiang Mai vs Columbia

$40K$50K$60K$75K$100K$120K$150K

See the full cost-of-living comparison

Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.

Full comparison

Take-home estimates use simplified federal/state brackets and do not account for pre-tax deductions, 401(k), or local taxes. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only