The Best Places to Live in Thailand for Expats and Digital Nomads

Want to move to Thailand but don’t know where to start?

Choosing the right city makes all the difference.
There are options for every lifestyle: big city, quiet town, beach or mountains.
You decide.

Here you’ll find clear answers to plan your move with real data and practical tips.

Where do most digital nomads live in Thailand?

Chiang Mai is the unofficial capital of digital nomads.
Thousands of freelancers, programmers, and creatives choose it every year.

Why?

Fast and affordable internet.
International community.
Low cost of living.
Cafés and coworking spaces everywhere.

Another strong option is Bangkok.
Many nomads split their time between both cities.

Where do most expats live in Thailand?

Bangkok tops the list.
It’s the city with the largest expat community.
Many move here for multinational jobs or to run their own businesses.

Pattaya and Phuket also attract thousands of expats.
These areas offer beaches, nightlife, and active communities.

In the south, Koh Samui and Krabi are quieter but increasingly popular.

👉 Do your Cost of Living Analysis before you decide.

Is Thailand a good option for digital nomads?

Yes! Many consider it one of the best destinations in the world.

Why?

Special DTV visa for digital nomads.
Fast internet.
Good transport infrastructure.
Active remote worker community.
Lower cost of living compared to Europe.

👉 Book your free first consultation and check your options.

What’s the best place to live in Thailand as a digital nomad?

It depends on what you’re looking for. There’s no single answer.

Chiang Mai

Perfect if you want peace and cafés with Wi-Fi.
Lots of coworking spaces and cheap accommodation.
Cool weather in winter.

Bangkok

Big city, endless options and activities.
Cheap flights to all of Asia.
Active and modern nightlife.

Phuket and Krabi

Beach and relaxation.
More expensive than the north.
Large expat community in tourist areas.

Koh Samui

Island to disconnect.
Beachfront coworking spaces.
Less crowded than Phuket.

Think about it: What do you prefer?
Cafés and coworking? Or the sea and a motorbike to explore islands?

Where do foreigners live in Thailand?

Most concentrate in:

Bangkok: over half a million registered foreigners.
Chiang Mai: tens of thousands of remote workers.
Pattaya: retirees, entrepreneurs, freelancers.
Phuket and Krabi: beaches and long-term tourism.

Some choose rural areas or lesser-known islands.
But most end up near cities with hospitals, banks, and stable services.

How much does it cost to live in Thailand as a digital nomad?

The cost varies by city and lifestyle.
But it’s almost always cheaper than Europe.

Average monthly expenses:

Accommodation: $300 to $800 per month.
Food: $200 to $300.
Internet and mobile: $20 to $50.
Transport: $30 to $50.
Leisure and cafés: depends on each person.

With about €1,200–1,500 per month, you can live comfortably.
With €2,000, you have room for extras: trips, gym, island getaways.

Is $2,000 per month enough?
Yes. Many live on less.
It depends on where you rent, how often you eat out, and what lifestyle you want.

In Bangkok, a city-center apartment costs more than one in Chiang Mai.
In Phuket, high season pushes prices up.

👉 Do your Cost of Living Analysis to plan your budget.

Tips for choosing where to live

Before you move, answer these questions:

Do you prefer a big city or a quiet town?
Do you want a beach or mountain climate?
Do you need coworking spaces nearby?
Are you staying for just a few months or several years?
What type of community are you looking for?

Visit different places before deciding.
Many nomads stay a month in Chiang Mai, then try Bangkok or an island.
This way they compare internet, vibe, and real costs.

What else should you keep in mind?

Get international health insurance.
Check which visa suits you best: tourist, retirement, or the new DTV for nomads.
Keep your paperwork and taxes organized to avoid trouble.
Connect with other expats to share tips and contacts.

👉 Book your free first consultation and start with a clear plan.

Your new life can start today

Moving to Thailand is easier than you think.
There’s a community, good internet, and warm weather almost all year.

Choose wisely where to start.
Try different cities until you find your place.
With clear information, living as a digital nomad here isn’t a dream — it’s reality.

👉 Do your Cost of Living Analysis.
Plan your budget.
Start planning your flight.

Your desk could be steps away from the beach or in a café with mountain views.
You decide.