Chiang Mai vs Madrid

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Chiang Mai is roughly 53% more affordable than Madrid (index 18 vs 38, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Chiang Mai
More affordable overall
53% cheaper than Madrid · Cost index: 18 vs 38

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 Index38
1,400Median Income /mo2,200
82Safety Index71
5Income Tax %22
45Internet (Mbps)271
120Coworking /mo200

Price Breakdown

Chiang MaiCategoryMadrid
$340/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
72% cheaper →
$1,200/month
$2/liter
Meal for One
45% ← cheaper
$1.1/liter
$3.5/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
71% cheaper →
$12/meal
$25/month
Monthly Transit Pass
48% cheaper →
$48/month
$55/month
Utilities (Monthly)
61% cheaper →
$140/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

Madrid

Internet271 Mbps
Coworking$200/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability75/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chiang Mai cheaper than Madrid?

Chiang Mai is cheaper than Madrid. Chiang Mai has a cost of living index of 18/100 compared to 38/100 for Madrid (New York = 100), making it roughly 53% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Chiang Mai than Madrid?

Chiang Mai is approximately 53% cheaper than Madrid based on cost index scores (18 vs 38, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Madrid could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $1,412/month in Chiang Mai.

What is the rent comparison between Chiang Mai and Madrid?

In Chiang Mai, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $340/month. In Madrid, the equivalent is around $1,200/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Chiang Mai offers 45 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$120/month. Madrid offers 271 Mbps and coworking at ~$200/month. Chiang Mai has a cost advantage of 53%.

What is the average income in Chiang Mai vs Madrid?

The median net monthly salary in Chiang Mai is approximately $1,400 USD, compared to $2,200 USD in Madrid.

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