Chiang Mai vs Lisbon

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Chiang Mai is roughly 51% more affordable than Lisbon (index 18 vs 36, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Chiang Mai
More affordable overall
51% cheaper than Lisbon · Cost index: 18 vs 36

Life Power at $3,000/mo

The same salary ranks differently depending on where you live — from Beggar to King.

Head-to-Head Stats

18Cost Index36
1,400Median Income /mo1,460
82Safety Index78
5Income Tax %25
45Internet (Mbps)176
120Coworking /mo220

Price Breakdown

Chiang MaiCategoryLisbon
$340/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
75% cheaper →
$1,380/month
$2/liter
Meal for One
57% ← cheaper
$0.85/liter
$3.5/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
71% cheaper →
$12/meal
$25/month
Monthly Transit Pass
38% cheaper →
$40/month
$55/month
Utilities (Monthly)
62% cheaper →
$145/month
$32/visit
Doctor Visit
47% cheaper →
$60/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Chiang Mai

Internet45 Mbps
Coworking$120/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitylarge
Walkability70/100

Lisbon

Internet176 Mbps
Coworking$220/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability78/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chiang Mai cheaper than Lisbon?

Chiang Mai is cheaper than Lisbon. Chiang Mai has a cost of living index of 18/100 compared to 36/100 for Lisbon (New York = 100), making it roughly 51% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Chiang Mai than Lisbon?

Chiang Mai is approximately 51% cheaper than Lisbon based on cost index scores (18 vs 36, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Lisbon could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $1,477/month in Chiang Mai.

What is the rent comparison between Chiang Mai and Lisbon?

In Chiang Mai, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $340/month. In Lisbon, the equivalent is around $1,380/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Chiang Mai or Lisbon?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Chiang Mai offers 45 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$120/month. Lisbon offers 176 Mbps and coworking at ~$220/month. Chiang Mai has a cost advantage of 51%.

What is the average income in Chiang Mai vs Lisbon?

The median net monthly salary in Chiang Mai is approximately $1,400 USD, compared to $1,460 USD in Lisbon.

Compare Chiang Mai with…

Popular head-to-heads — see exactly where Chiang Mai wins or loses.

Cities that cost about the same as Chiang Mai

Same spending tier, different part of the world — the head-to-heads people actually weigh when relocating.

Explore this comparison interactively

See radar charts, detailed category breakdowns, and compare any two cities in real time.

Free to start · No credit card needed