Moving from St. George to Chiang Mai (2026)
Chiang Mai has a COL index of 39 vs 96 for St. George (100 = US average). You'd pay about 60% less for the same lifestyle.
Change cities
Key differences
Salary needed in Chiang Mai to match your St. George lifestyle
Based on the 60% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in St. George | Equivalent in Chiang Mai |
|---|---|
| $40K | $16,042 |
| $50K | $20,052 |
| $60K | $24,063 |
| $75K | $30,078 |
| $80K | $32,083 |
| $100K | $40,104 |
| $120K | $48,125 |
| $150K | $60,156 |
Adjust your salary
Monthly budget at $75K — St. George vs Chiang Mai
| Expense | St. George | Chiang Mai |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,447 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,300 | $390 |
| Groceries | $372 | $380 |
| Transport | $40 | $150 |
| Utilities | $148 | $55 |
| Internet | $63 | $20 |
| Left after essentials | $2,524 | $3,746 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $928 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in St. George — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Chiang Mai cheaper than St. George?
Yes. Chiang Mai has a cost of living index of 39 vs 96 for St. George (100 = US average). That's about 60% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from St. George to Chiang Mai?
On a $75K salary, moving from St. George to Chiang Mai saves roughly $1,204/month on core expenses. That's ~$14,448/year.
What salary do I need in Chiang Mai to match my St. George lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in St. George, you'd need roughly $30,078/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