City Comparison · Updated May 2026
Indonesia
COL index 30.2
Thailand
COL index 28.4
Bali (Denpasar) vs Chiang Mai — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Chiang Mai is 6.0% cheaper than Bali (Denpasar) for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Bali (Denpasar) | Metric | Chiang Mai | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30.2 | Cost of living index | 28.4 | -6.0% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €46,550 | Net at €50,000 gross | €47,500 | +2.0% |
| €560 | Rent — 1BR centre | €420 | -25.0% |
| €850 | Monthly COL (single) | €701 | -17.5% |
| €154,139 | PPP — net / COL | €167,254 | +8.5% |
| 6.9% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 5.0% | -27.5% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in Indonesia = €3,879 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Chiang Mai, you would need roughly €46,079 gross in Thailand (≈ €3,648 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
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Pros & cons
- +Low overall cost of living (index 30)
- +Favourable tax rate (6.9%)
- +Significantly cheaper rent (€420)
- +Low overall cost of living (index 28)
- +Favourable tax rate (5.0%)
The verdict
Across the data, Chiang Mai delivers a higher take-home on a €50,000 gross salary; Chiang Mai carries a lower cost-of-living index; Chiang Mai has the lighter effective tax burden; Chiang Mai wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Chiang Mai edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Bali (Denpasar) cheaper than Chiang Mai?+
Chiang Mai is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Bali (Denpasar) 30.2, Chiang Mai 28.4 — a 6.0% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Bali (Denpasar) and Chiang Mai?+
Bali (Denpasar) sits at 30.2 on our COL index, Chiang Mai at 28.4. That works out to roughly 6.0% — Chiang Mai being the cheaper of the two.
Is Bali (Denpasar) a good place to live compared to Chiang Mai?+
It depends on priorities. Bali (Denpasar) delivers €46,550 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 6.9% effective tax rate. Chiang Mai delivers €47,500 at 5.0%. Centre 1-bed rent: €560 vs €420.
How do salaries compare in Bali (Denpasar) vs Chiang Mai?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €46,550/year (€3,879/month) in Bali (Denpasar) and €47,500/year (€3,958/month) in Chiang Mai.
Which city has lower taxes, Bali (Denpasar) or Chiang Mai?+
Thailand has the lower effective rate at €50,000: Indonesia 6.9%, Thailand 5.0%.