Compare taxes and see how much you save moving from Thailand to Indonesia
Thailand has progressive income tax rates from 0% to 35% with territorial taxation (foreign income only taxed if remitted same year), while Indonesia charges 5-35% on worldwide income for tax residents. Bali is 20% cheaper than Bangkok for nomad lifestyle ($800 vs $1,000/month), but Thailand offers Digital Nomad Visa (DTV, 5 years) making long-term stays legal, while Indonesia requires frequent visa runs or complex KITAS. Thailand has better infrastructure overall, but Bali offers unique island lifestyle, Hindu culture (vs Buddhist Thailand), and emerging nomad scene. Popular nomad debate: Chiang Mai vs Canggu.
Territorial (180-Day)
Thai + remitted foreign income
Progressive
Worldwide income for residents
At $50,000 income:
That is $229/month back in your pocket!
| Income | TH Tax | ID Tax | Savings | 10-Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $25,000 | $2,625 | $2,875 | -$250 | -$2,500 |
| $50,000 | $8,125 | $10,875 | -$2,750 | -$27,500 |
| $100,000 | $23,125 | $28,375 | -$5,250 | -$52,500 |
| $200,000 | $58,125 | $63,375 | -$5,250 | -$52,500 |
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Hold THB & IDR âThailand wins for visa + infrastructure: DTV (5 years vs Bali visa runs every 60 days), better infrastructure (Bangkok/Chiang Mai vs Bali traffic), multiple hubs (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket vs just Bali). Indonesia/Bali wins for: Unique culture (Hindu temples, ceremonies), surfing (Uluwatu world-class), yoga scene (Ubud retreat capital), 20% cheaper (Bali $800 vs Bangkok $1,000). Tax: Both have 0-35% rates, Thailand territorial slightly better. Choose Thailand for DTV + multiple cities + established scene. Choose Bali for surfing + yoga + unique culture (but accept visa run hassle).
Thailand FAR easier: DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) = 5 years, multiple entry, āļŋ10,000 ($280). Stay up to 180 days per entry. Requirements: $15K balance, remote work proof. Indonesia complex: Tourist visa 60 days max, $35. Visa on arrival (VOA): Can extend once to 60 days total, then must exit (visa run to Singapore/Kuala Lumpur $200+). KITAS work permit: 1-2 years BUT requires sponsorship (agent fees $1,200-2,000/year, complex). Reality: Most Bali nomads do 60-day tourist visa + border runs every 2 months (expensive + annoying). Thailand DTV eliminates this hassle.
Bali is 20% cheaper. Monthly budget comparison: Bali: Canggu $650 (studio), Ubud $550, Seminyak $800. Thailand: Chiang Mai $600, Bangkok $1,000, Islands $800. Key differences: Bali rent cheaper (villa $400 vs Thailand condo $500), Bali food $2-3 (vs TH $2-3 similar), Bali scooter rental $50/month (essential, vs TH optional). However, hidden Bali costs: Visa runs every 60 days ($200+), frequent flights out, agent fees if KITAS. Thailand DTV eliminates visa costs. Long-term: Bali $700 average (including visa runs), Chiang Mai $600 (no visa runs with DTV). Choose Bali for absolute cheapest short-term. Choose Chiang Mai for best value long-term.
Chiang Mai wins overall: Best nomad community (100+ coworking spaces), lowest cost ($600/month), mountains, temples, DTV visa (5 years). Bali/Canggu wins for: Surfing, beach lifestyle, yoga scene, unique Hindu culture, digital nomad hotspot. Bangkok wins for: City amenities, nightlife, airports, highest quality infrastructure. Ubud wins for: Yoga retreats, rice terraces, wellness, cheapest Bali ($550). Best for: Nomad community (Chiang Mai), Surfing/Yoga (Canggu), City life (Bangkok), Wellness (Ubud), Visa (Thailand DTV beats all). Choose Chiang Mai for work-focused nomad life. Choose Canggu for surf + laptop lifestyle. Choose Bangkok for city + travel hub.