Siem Reap vs Chiang Mai

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Siem Reap is roughly 13% more affordable than Chiang Mai (index 16 vs 18, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Siem Reap
More affordable overall
13% cheaper than Chiang Mai · Cost index: 16 vs 18

Life Power at $3,000/mo

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

Head-to-Head Stats

16Cost Index18
245Median Income /mo1,400
68Safety Index82
10Income Tax %5
35Internet (Mbps)45
150Coworking /mo120

Price Breakdown

Siem ReapCategoryChiang Mai
$330/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
3% cheaper →
$340/month
$1.88/liter
Meal for One
6% cheaper →
$2/liter
$5.65/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
38% ← cheaper
$3.5/meal
$0/month
Monthly Transit Pass
$25/month
$60/month
Utilities (Monthly)
8% ← cheaper
$55/month
$30/visit
Doctor Visit
6% cheaper →
$32/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Siem Reap

Internet35 Mbps
Coworking$150/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability68/100

Chiang Mai

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Siem Reap cheaper than Chiang Mai?

Siem Reap is cheaper than Chiang Mai. Siem Reap has a cost of living index of 16/100 compared to 18/100 for Chiang Mai (New York = 100), making it roughly 13% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Siem Reap than Chiang Mai?

Siem Reap is approximately 13% cheaper than Chiang Mai based on cost index scores (16 vs 18, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Chiang Mai could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,625/month in Siem Reap.

What is the rent comparison between Siem Reap and Chiang Mai?

In Siem Reap, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $330/month. In Chiang Mai, the equivalent is around $340/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Siem Reap offers 35 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$150/month. Chiang Mai offers 45 Mbps and coworking at ~$120/month. Siem Reap has a cost advantage of 13%.

What is the average income in Siem Reap vs Chiang Mai?

The median net monthly salary in Siem Reap is approximately $245 USD, compared to $1,400 USD in Chiang Mai.

Compare Siem Reap with…

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