Can I Afford to Live in Seattle 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.

Seattle, WA
$7,155/mo take-home
Rent: $2,400/mo (34% of take-home)
Manageable
Chiang Mai, TH
$7,155/mo take-home
Rent: $390/mo (5% of take-home)
Very comfortable

Monthly budget breakdown

Seattle
WA
Chiang Mai
TH
Monthly take-home (est.)
$7,155Best ✓
$7,155
1BR rent
$2,400
$390Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$410
$380Best ✓
Transport (est.)
$100Best ✓
$150
Utilities
$120
$55Best ✓
Internet
$65
$20Best ✓
Left after essentials
$4,060/month
$6,160/month
Both Seattle and Chiang Mai have no state income tax — your take-home is higher than in most states.

Frequently asked questions

Is $120K a good salary in Seattle?

At $120K/year in Seattle, your estimated monthly take-home is $7,155. With 1BR rent around $2,400/month, rent takes up 34% of your take-home. That's considered manageable.

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 $4,060/month in Seattle.

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

Yes. At $120K in Seattle, rent takes 34% of your take-home, leaving $4,060/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.

Compare other salary bands — Seattle 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