Bangkok and Chiang Mai among top Asian cities for expats in 2024

A recent report by an acclaimed online language-learning marketplace unveiled its list of the top 10 Asian cities for expats making a move in 2024. Two Thai gems, Bangkok and Chiang Mai, have made their mark on this list, further cementing Thailand’s appeal to a global audience.

Second in the ranking, the bustling metropolis of Bangkok has been lauded as the Asian city with the most significant rate of return among all cities analysed in the study. The city, famed for its stunning temples and vibrant street food culture, offers a diverse array of experiences and opportunities for those choosing to relocate here.

An added advantage is the city’s declining cost of living. In a notable shift, the living cost in Bangkok has seen a drastic reduction of over 50% in just two years, plummeting from US$2,715 per month in 2022 to a more manageable US$1,048 per month in 2024, reported The Pattaya News.

Coming in at the fifth spot is the charming city of Chiang Mai. Known for its serene temples, lush mountains, and thriving digital nomad community, Chiang Mai has long been a beloved choice for expats. In addition to its unique cultural and natural allure, the city also offers an impressively affordable lifestyle.

The study puts the monthly cost of living in Chiang Mai at a mere US$665, making it an extraordinarily economical option for expats.

In related news, Bangkok has taken the top spot as the most visited city by international travellers in the previous year according to Travelness, a popular travel website. The ranking was based on the Global Destination Cities Index gathered by Mastercard, which considered the total number of foreign tourists who stayed overnight and their expenditure.

In the previous year, the Thai capital Bangkok welcomed 22.78 million foreign visitors. On average, these tourists stayed for 4.7 nights and spent an average of 5,938 baht (US$173) per day.