Can I Afford to Live in Los Angeles vs Chiang Mai on $120K?

Here's how a $120K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Los Angeles, CA
$6,225/mo take-home
Rent: $2,800/mo (45% of take-home)
Tight
Chiang Mai, TH
$7,155/mo take-home
Rent: $390/mo (5% of take-home)
Very comfortable
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Monthly budget breakdown

Los Angeles
CA
Chiang Mai
TH
Monthly take-home (est.)
$6,225
$7,155Best ✓
1BR rent
$2,800
$390Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$410
$380Best ✓
Transport (est.)
$100Best ✓
$150
Utilities
$145
$55Best ✓
Internet
$70
$20Best ✓
Left after essentials
$2,700/month
$6,160/month
Chiang Mai (Chiang Mai Province) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Los Angeles (CA rate: 9.3%).

Frequently asked questions

Is $120K a good salary in Los Angeles?

At $120K/year in Los Angeles, your estimated monthly take-home is $6,225. With 1BR rent around $2,800/month, rent takes up 45% of your take-home. That's considered tight.

Is $120K a good salary in Chiang Mai?

At $120K/year in Chiang Mai, your estimated monthly take-home is $7,155. With 1BR rent around $390/month, rent takes up 5% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Which city is more affordable on a $120K salary?

Chiang Mai leaves you with more money after core expenses — $6,160/month vs $2,700/month in Los Angeles.

Can I afford to live alone in Los Angeles on $120K?

It's tight. Rent in Los Angeles would take 45% of your $120K take-home pay. You may need to find roommates or look at studios to stay within the 30% rule.

Compare other salary bands — Los Angeles vs Chiang Mai

$40K$50K$60K$75K$80K$100K$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