If you are looking to rent a house in Chiang Mai, you will need to consider utility costs as you think about your budget. Sometimes foreigners are surprised they are responsible for the neighborhood fee or they need to setup their own internet service. All of the costs given here are approximate estimates and will fluctuate based on usage, utility pricing, and other factors.
Electricity
Electricity costs are generally the most expensive utility you will need to plan for in your budget. The main driver of electricity usage in Thailand is air conditioning. Some foreigners choose to run their ACs almost year round, while others use it only during hot season. If you rent a newer home with more efficient ACs you should expect to pay somewhere between 3,000-5,000฿ during hot season. However, if you live an older home with less efficient ACs you could expect to pay upwards of 8,000+฿. The main driver is the efficiency of your AC units and how often you use them. Electric bills are typically left in the mailbox and can be paid at 7-Eleven or the Provincial Electricity Authority – https://www.pea.co.th/.
Tap Water
The cost of tap water in Chiang Mai is relatively low when compared with western prices. The average monthly bill for a home typically runs between ฿300-1,000. The cost for a single person would be much less. Usually the bill comes to the mailbox and can be paid at 7-Eleven or the Provincial Waterworks Office – https://pwa.co.th/. Some houses get their water supply from the neighborhood instead of the city. This bill is usually paid at the neighborhood office.
Drinking Water
Tap water is used for washing dishes, laundry, showers, and other gray water uses. However clean drinking water must be purchased separately. Most tourists visiting Chiang Mai short-term tend to buy from 7-Eleven or local convenience stores. However, longer-term expats tend to buy their water from a local water delivery service. This cost is also relatively inexpensive at around ฿25 for a 20 liter bottle, or you can buy smaller 1.5 liter bottles in crates. There are also water dispensers/coolers available at local stores such as Makro, Tesco, and HomePro.
Internet
Internet in Thailand is fast, reliable, and cheap in comparison to western countries. Many internet service providers offer several packages to choose from and some offer up to 1 GB download speeds. The average price per plan varies but budgeting between ฿600-1,500 should give you plenty of room to get the plan you want. Typically it can be ordered and installed within a few days. Some companies that provide this service are 3BB, Truemove, AIS, and TOT. Contact our team for help setting up your home internet service.
Neighborhood Fees
Most neighborhoods in Chiang Mai charge a monthly fee to cover things like security guards, trash pickup, street cleaning, street lights, and other maintenance. This fee can run between ฿200-1,500 per month depending on the amenities such as neighborhood pool, park, and fitness center. This bill is usually paid at the neighborhood office and can be paid several months at a time.
Our desire at Expat Homes is to help foreigners find their place in Chiang Mai. If you need help walking through the many challenges renters face, simply give us your preferences and start your free custom housing search today.
