🍜 Best-of list

Best cheap tax-friendly cities in Southeast Asia

6 of the 18 cities we cover in Southeast Asia make this list, ranked by overall fit for someone moving from the US. 🇹🇭 Chiang Mai ranks first. Cheapest: Penang at $925/mo all-in. Most pleasant year-round: Chiang Mai, 2 months.

How this list is chosen

All-in cost under $1,500 a month (everyday living costs plus a 1-bedroom city-center rent).
Green tax rating for a US earner who becomes resident (little or no local tax on foreign income).
In Southeast Asia.

Ranked with the City Finder's default weights for cost, climate, safety, internet and visa-free stay. Change the weights in the City Finder →

#1⭐ 82 🇹🇭 Chiang Mai Thailand 🛂 Nomad visa🗓️ 60 days $1,041/mo😎 Sep 86°F

#2⭐ 81 🇲🇾 Penang Malaysia 🛂 Nomad visa🗓️ 90 days $925/mo😅 Sep 87°F

#3⭐ 74 🇹🇭 Phuket Thailand 🛂 Nomad visa🗓️ 60 days $1,361/mo😎 Sep 85°F

#4⭐ 73 🇹🇭 Bangkok Thailand 🛂 Nomad visa🗓️ 60 days $1,367/mo😅 Sep 88°F

#5⭐ 69 🇲🇾 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia 🛂 Nomad visa🗓️ 90 days $1,246/mo😅 Sep 89°F

#6⭐ 61 🇵🇭 Manila Philippines 🛡️ Low safety🛂 Nomad visa🗓️ 30 days $1,122/mo😎 Sep 85°F

#	City	$/mo	⭐ Fit
1	🇹🇭 Chiang MaiThailand	$1,041	82
2	🇲🇾 PenangMalaysia	$925	81
3	🇹🇭 PhuketThailand	$1,361	74
4	🇹🇭 BangkokThailand	$1,367	73
5	🇲🇾 Kuala LumpurMalaysia	$1,246	69
6	🇵🇭 ManilaPhilippines	$1,122	61

Best cheap tax-friendly cities in Southeast Asia

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