City comparison

Austin vs Chiang Mai

Austin scores higher on salary; Chiang Mai has a lower cost of living. Compare Austin and Chiang Mai on earnings, rent pressure, career opportunity, and 3-year financial impact.

Overall verdict

Austin scores higher overall

Chiang Mai is a step down on both savings and career opportunity

How they compare

If you want to save more

AustinOverall fitChiang Mai
72 / 33+39 Austin
AustinSavingsChiang Mai
71 / 25+46 Austin
AustinCareerChiang Mai
78 / 24+54 Austin
AustinLow pressureChiang Mai
67 / 67

If you want career growth

AustinOverall fitChiang Mai
74 / 33+41 Austin
AustinSavingsChiang Mai
71 / 25+46 Austin
AustinCareerChiang Mai
78 / 24+54 Austin
AustinLow pressureChiang Mai
67 / 67

If you want better balance

AustinOverall fitChiang Mai
72 / 54+18 Austin
AustinSavingsChiang Mai
71 / 25+46 Austin
AustinCareerChiang Mai
78 / 24+54 Austin
AustinLow pressureChiang Mai
67 / 67

Financial impact: moving from Austin to Chiang Mai

Based on a representative $80,000 USD salary. Not tax-adjusted.

-$3,015
Monthly
-$36,180
1 year
-$108,540
3 years

Moving from Austin to Chiang Mai: trade-offs

You lose

Weaker savings potential — Chiang Mai is 46 points lower on savings capacity
-$3,015/mo estimated net reduction — $36,180 over the first year
Smaller career market — fewer top-tier roles and lower salary ceiling than your current city

Austin

US
Salary index
82
Cost index
58
Rent pressure
33
Opportunity
76

Chiang Mai

TH
Salary index
10
Cost index
20
Rent pressure
33
Opportunity
32

Get a personalised verdict for your salary

The comparison above uses a representative salary. Enter yours for an accurate picture.

Compare with my salary →