Would be interesting if you could list why you love Chiang Mai so much, that you prefer it to other places - eg beach resorts, or Kanchanaburi for example. Many people seem to do so, so I'm not in any way being sceptical!
That one is a tricky question. I think that probably a large part of my choice was familiarity. I had a connection with Chiang Mai from my first visit to Thailand in 1999, and came here almost every time I returned. The right balance is another aspect Chiang Mai shares many of the cultural, geographical, and social features found all over Thailand, but for me how they are mixed (and balance) feels best for me. That is my first thoughts on your question, but I will think about it more...
I am currently living in a furnished studio apartment for 8,000 baht per month and I am very happy with it. It depends, a bit, on what you want but I believe you could find something nice for that price.
