Chiang Mai vs Lusaka

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Chiang Mai is roughly 9% more affordable than Lusaka (index 18 vs 20, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Chiang Mai
More affordable overall
9% cheaper than Lusaka · Cost index: 18 vs 20

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 Index20
1,400Median Income /mo425
82Safety Index61
5Income Tax %20
45Internet (Mbps)39
120Coworking /mo110

Price Breakdown

Chiang MaiCategoryLusaka
$340/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
38% cheaper →
$550/month
$2/liter
Meal for One
60% ← cheaper
$0.8/liter
$3.5/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
30% cheaper →
$5/meal
$25/month
Monthly Transit Pass
29% cheaper →
$35/month
$55/month
Utilities (Monthly)
36% ← cheaper
$35/month
$32/visit
Doctor Visit
6% ← cheaper
$30/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Chiang Mai

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

Lusaka

Internet39 Mbps
Coworking$110/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability35/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chiang Mai cheaper than Lusaka?

Chiang Mai is cheaper than Lusaka. Chiang Mai has a cost of living index of 18/100 compared to 20/100 for Lusaka (New York = 100), making it roughly 9% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Chiang Mai than Lusaka?

Chiang Mai is approximately 9% cheaper than Lusaka based on cost index scores (18 vs 20, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Lusaka could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,743/month in Chiang Mai.

What is the rent comparison between Chiang Mai and Lusaka?

In Chiang Mai, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $340/month. In Lusaka, the equivalent is around $550/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Chiang Mai offers 45 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$120/month. Lusaka offers 39 Mbps and coworking at ~$110/month. Chiang Mai has a cost advantage of 9%.

What is the average income in Chiang Mai vs Lusaka?

The median net monthly salary in Chiang Mai is approximately $1,400 USD, compared to $425 USD in Lusaka.

Compare Chiang Mai with…

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