Moving from Dayton to Chiang Mai (2026)
Chiang Mai has a COL index of 39 vs 83 for Dayton (100 = US average). You'd pay about 54% less for the same lifestyle.
Change cities
Key differences
Salary needed in Chiang Mai to match your Dayton lifestyle
Based on the 54% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Dayton | Equivalent in Chiang Mai |
|---|---|
| $40K | $18,554 |
| $50K | $23,193 |
| $60K | $27,831 |
| $75K | $34,789 |
| $80K | $37,108 |
| $100K | $46,386 |
| $120K | $55,663 |
| $150K | $69,578 |
Adjust your salary
Monthly budget at $75K — Dayton vs Chiang Mai
| Expense | Dayton | Chiang Mai |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,522 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,100 | $390 |
| Groceries | $361 | $380 |
| Transport | $60 | $150 |
| Utilities | $162 | $55 |
| Internet | $58 | $20 |
| Left after essentials | $2,781 | $3,746 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $746 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Dayton — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Chiang Mai cheaper than Dayton?
Yes. Chiang Mai has a cost of living index of 39 vs 83 for Dayton (100 = US average). That's about 54% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Dayton to Chiang Mai?
On a $75K salary, moving from Dayton to Chiang Mai saves roughly $929/month on core expenses. That's ~$11,148/year.
What salary do I need in Chiang Mai to match my Dayton lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Dayton, you'd need roughly $34,789/year in Chiang Mai. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only