I want to move to Chaing Mai, Thailand

I have been considering moving to Chiang Mai, Thailand and living a few years there after my wife graduates from college.  However, I have decided that it may be best for her to finish her master's degree first.  This is because now may be the best time for her to do it.  It does seem that in today's world you have to act fast with things.  I figure that if she has trouble finding work (which I doubt she will) and if I have not been able to make money here in the U.S. by that time we will be giving Thailand a try. 

Now, before you say that I am just another person who is going to Thailand based on the idea of a life full of beaches, women, and cheap alcohol, realize that first, I know what Thailand is like.  I am familiar with the culture.  Second, I am married and have no desire for the women that make the land of smiles the land of sleazy smirks for many expats.  Third, I would not touch alcohol for all the gold in China. 

One reason I want to live in Thailand is because it's bone cheap.  In the U.S., rents in the places that I consider desirable are incredibly high.  Why spend close to $2000 a month on an apartment when you only make $3000 a month?  That does not give one much to save.  However, in Chiang Mai you can get a furnished apartment for $400 a month near the central moat.  Even if you make $1200 a month, that's only a third spent on rent.  Food and other necessities are far cheaper in Thailand.  Also, that gives one extra money to travel to places like Pai, Bangkok, or further parts of Asia via train.  And, there would be a little left over to save each month. 

However, if there were two of us working, the rent is still $400 and the income would be $2400 a month.  That means that there would be a lot more to save, because after rent, we would have $2000 left over. 

However, I realize that I can not go yet, as much as I would like to (I would consider just leaving right now if I could).  The reality is that I have school to finish and more importantly my wife has her own career goals that she should feel free to pursue.