Side-by-side city decision # Makati vs Chiang Mai. A direct comparison of monthly costs, connectivity, safety, quality of life and remote-work fit. Share comparison Copy link MakatiPhilippines0/6 VS Chiang MaiThailand5/6 $1,280Makati monthly budget $845Chiang Mai monthly budget 125 MbpsMakati internet 285 MbpsChiang Mai internet Decision summary Chiang Mai Chiang Mai leads on more of the six headline signals. Cost Best budget Chiang Mai Speed Fastest internet Chiang Mai Vibe Best nomad vibe Chiang Mai Safety Highest safety Chiang Mai Air Cleanest air Chiang Mai Walk Most walkable Tie Quick read ## Two cities at a glance The headline numbers before you examine the full comparison. [Makati](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/philippines/makati.md) Philippines 0/6 Budget$1,280 Internet125 Mbps Vibe8/10 [Chiang Mai](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/thailand/chiang-mai.md) Thailand 5/6 Budget$845 Internet285 Mbps Vibe9/10 Full comparison ## Compare what matters Green marks the stronger numeric result. Text-only categories are presented without a winner. Differences only ### Monthly budget and costs 7 signals MetricMakatiChiang Mai Total estimated budget $1,280 $845 1-bed center rent $720 $380 Coworking desk $190 $145 Local meal $4.3 $2.1 Cappuccino $3.5 $2.2 Gym membership $48 $38 Transport budget $70 $65 ### Work and infrastructure 2 signals MetricMakatiChiang Mai Internet speed 125 Mbps 285 Mbps Nomad vibe 8/10 9/10 ### Quality of life 5 signals MetricMakatiChiang Mai Safety index 61/100 76/100 Air quality 48/100 63/100 Walkability 6/10 6/10 Female safety 6/10 8/10 LGBTQ+ friendly 7/10 8/10 ### Culture and climate 4 signals MetricMakatiChiang Mai Healthcare quality Excellent Good English proficiency Excellent Good Climate type Tropical monsoon Tropical savanna Best time to visit Nov - Feb Nov - Feb Beyond the numbers ## What each city asks you to trade Costs and scores help narrow the choice. These practical strengths and limitations finish the picture. [Makati](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/philippines/makati.md) Philippines → ### Strengths * Excellent English proficiency and easy daily communication * Strong café, coworking, and corporate-business ecosystem * High-quality private hospitals and specialist care nearby * Wide choice of condos, malls, restaurants, and delivery services * Cashless payments and ride-hailing are widely available * Large international and Filipino social scene ### Trade-offs * Severe road traffic can make short trips slow * Central neighborhoods have relatively high rents * Heat, humidity, and monsoon downpours are persistent * Air quality is often poor beside major roads * Sidewalks can be uneven, blocked, or limited * Tap water is not recommended for drinking ### Common visa routes * Visa-free entry or visitor visa extension * Long-Stay Visitor Visa Extension * Special Resident Retiree's Visa [Chiang Mai](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/thailand/chiang-mai.md) Thailand → ### Strengths * Excellent value for apartments, food, and services * Large, established remote-worker and expat community * Fast, affordable fiber internet and plentiful cafes * Outstanding northern Thai food and coffee culture * Convenient airport close to central neighborhoods * Generally safe, relaxed, and welcoming daily atmosphere ### Trade-offs * Severe seasonal smoke and haze can affect health * Public transport is limited outside central areas * Hot season is intensely hot before the rains arrive * Sidewalks can be uneven and scooter traffic is common * Tourist and nomad areas can feel transient * Tap water should not be drunk without filtration ### Common visa routes * Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) * Tourist Visa or visa-exempt entry * Thailand Long-Term Resident Visa Reading the result ## Use this as a planning benchmark The headline score compares six directional signals. It does not weight personal priorities, visa eligibility, household size or individual lifestyle choices. Costs are monthly estimates, not guaranteed prices. Higher is better for quality scores and connectivity. Lower is better for budgets and individual expenses.