Thailand has a large expat population, partly due to its low cost of living.
You’ll find lush jungles, beautiful beaches, and welcoming people.
If you are considering moving to Thailand on a budget, you’ll want to know the cheapest places to live in Thailand.
Cheapest Places to Live in Thailand
The cheapest places to live in Thailand include:
- Udon Thani
- Chiang Mai
- Hua Hin
- Ko Chang
- Kanchanaburi
- Chiang Rai
- Pak Nam Pran
- Phitsanulok
- Nakhon Ratchasima
- Surin
- Sisaket
- Bangkok
1. Udon Thani
Cost of Living: $500
The cost of living in Udon Thani is $500 a month for a single person.
A family can live well on $1399.
The average cost for rent and utilities is $178 for a single person and $374 for a family.
The average salary is $2507, and those just entering the workforce will earn about $820 a month.
The minimum wage in Thailand is $680.
Udon Thani is a quiet city.
You can enjoy a calm lifestyle.
There are no traffic jams, and there are lots of places to sit and relax.
You’ll find some people who speak English, but Thai and a dialect of Lao are more common.
2. Chiang Mai
Cost of Living: $639
Chaing Mai’s cost of living is $639 for an expat.
Digital nomads will need about $955 per month, and locals do well on $418.
A family will spend about $1,464.
A one-bedroom apartment in the city will cost $300 a month.
The average salary is $1,126 per month.
Chiang Mai is known as “the Rose of the North”.
It’s located in Northern Thailand.
The area offers warm temperatures and a diverse culture.
You’ll find modern amenities, including swimming pools and contemporary kitchens in the city’s condos.
You can also opt for a spacious country home to raise your family.
3. Hua Hin
Cost of Living: $850
Hua Hin has an average cost of living of $850 per month for a single person.
A family of four will need $1,669 a month to live comfortably.
Nomads will need about $2,352 a month, but locals live on about $477 per month.
A one-bedroom apartment in the city will cost $377 a month.
The average salary is $15,159 annually or $1,263 monthly.
Professionals can earn $21,000 to $27,000 a year.
Like most areas of Thailand, life is relatively quiet in Hua Hin.
The area has little nightlife and lacks stable public transportation.
However, you will find beaches, friendly neighbors, and good schools here.
4. Ko Chang
Cost of Living: $1123
An expat can live in Ko Chang for $1123, while a digital nomad will need about $1,637 a month.
Families need $2,505 a month, while locals can live on $716 per month.
Rent and utilities will cost $273 for a single person, and $669 for a family.
The average salary in Ko Chang is $15,410 per year, or $1,284.
A single person can live well on this salary.
Ko Chang is an island.
It has both wild and developed areas, including beautiful beaches.
The island has a laid-back vibe and a thriving nightlife in populated areas.
You can find quieter areas as well.
5. Kanchanaburi
Cost of Living: $1,000
You can live in Kanchanaburi for about $1,000 a month.
A couple can live in the city for $600, excluding rent.
Middle-income careers, like teachers, earn $1,140 per month.
One of the biggest attractions in Kanchanaburi is its neolithic burial ground.
You’ll be away from the hustle and bustle of the city here.
You can enjoy the natural landscapes, including mountains and forests.
6. Chiang Rai
Cost of Living: $553
Living in Chiang Rai costs $553 for an expat and $1,037 for a digital nomad.
Locals live on about $322 a month, and families will need $1,128 per month.
Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city is $200 per month.
Local products are very inexpensive in Chiang Rai, but imported goods are expensive and taxed by the government.
Chiang Rai is a small city with beautiful countryside.
The city has a major hospital and several international schools.
Roads in the area can be dangerous, and air quality is poor at certain times of year.
However, crime rates are low, and the city has a relaxed feel.
7. Pak Nam Pran
Cost of Living: $700
The cost of living in Pak Nam Pran is about $700 to $1,100 per month for a single person.
You can rent a one-bedroom bungalow for $150 to $300 a month.
Utilities cost around $50 per month.
Pak Nam Pran is a small city, with a population of 13,371.
There’s little nightlife, but there are a few bars.
There’s a large beach, and the area is excellent for kite surfing.
Coffee lovers will enjoy the coffee culture in Pak Nam Pran.
It’s less than 25 miles from Hua Hin.
8. Phitsanulok
Cost of Living: $496
The cost of living in Phitsanulok is $496 for a single person.
Families can live on $1,353 a month.
Rent and utilities cost $172 for a single person and $257 for a family.
Salaries in Phitsanulok range from $406 to $5,425 per month.
A teacher will earn about $1,085 a month.
Phitsanulok has a different vibe than other cities like Bangkok.
It can be difficult to get around if you don’t speak any Thai, but the locals are friendly.
The night bazaar is enjoyable and offers shopping.
There are also restaurants and bars in the area.
9. Nakhon Ratchasima
Cost of Living: $450
An expat’s cost of living in Nakhon Ratchasima is $450 a month.
A digital nomad will spend about $1,054 a month.
Locals spend $279 a month, and families will need $977 a month.
An apartment in the city costs $259 for a one-bedroom and $619 for a three-bedroom apartment suitable for a family.
A teacher in Nakhon Ratchasima can earn $1,900 a month.
The average overall salary is just $490, however.
Nakhon Ratchasima is the largest province in the Northeast of Thailand.
It’s a large city with lots of restaurants and coffee shops.
It’s not far from Bangkok.
It’s fairly quiet and safer than Bangkok.
10. Surin
Cost of Living: $1,600
The cost of living in Surin is $1,600 per month.
You can rent a one-bedroom apartment for $516 a month, and utilities cost about $69 for a one-bedroom.
Surin is considered part of the “real Thailand” away from the hustle and bustle of tourist areas.
It’s very laid back.
The yearly Elephant Festival is very popular.
There are some bars and restaurants, as well as night markets.
11. Sisaket
Cost of Living: $650
The cost of living in Sisaket is $650 for a single person.
You can expect to pay $124 to $208 for a small apartment.
You’ll find traditional as well as modern experiences.
You can enjoy ancient temples and traditional markets, as well as modern cafes and malls.
Minimum wage earners will receive about $250 per month.
Teachers can earn about $1,030 a month.
Sisaket is known for producing garlic and shallots.
It’s an agricultural area and the region is one of the poorer areas in Thailand.
The town is quiet and safe, providing a relaxing atmosphere and friendly locals.
12. Bangkok
Cost of Living: $615
Bangkok’s cost of living can vary greatly depending on where you live in Bangkok, and your lifestyle.
The most popular areas of Bangkok are Silom, Lumphini, and Sathon.
These areas are located in the financial district.
If you choose to live outside these areas, your money will go further.
If you are on a strict budget, you can get by in Bangkok for as little as $615 to $1,220 for a single person.
If you want to live frugally but still enjoy yourself, you can live a middle-class lifestyle in Bangkok for $1,9750 to $2,850.
This includes accommodations, food, transportation, and entertainment.
If you want to go all out in Bangkok, you’ll need $3,650 to $8,000.
You can hire a private chef, rent an apartment with laundry and cleaning services, and hit the hottest clubs with this cash.
Bangkok offers everything you can dream of for the right price.
This may sound like a lot of money, but you can easily live a rich lifestyle on a budget that would be lower middle class in most U.S. cities.
Thailand Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Thailand Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: HIGH
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: HIGH
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: HIGH
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most expensive city in Thailand?
Bangkok is the most expensive city in Thailand.
However, the cost of living is still much lower than in the U.S.
A family of four will need about $2,268.40 per month, while a single person can live on $636 per month, without rent.
Bangkok has a thriving economy and plenty of economic opportunities.
However, the city has heavy traffic and pollution.
What is the Average Cost of Living in Thailand?
The average cost of living in Thailand is $700 to $1,000 for a single person.
Generally, it costs more to live in a city than in a rural area.
What are Houses like in Thailand?
Houses in Thailand are typically furnished with basic amenities, including couches and tables.
You may not have a kitchen, however.
Street food is extremely cheap and tasty, so most residents of Thailand eat out often.
Do You Need a Visa for Thailand?
Yes.
You’ll need a visa to visit Thailand.
A tourist visa is the least expensive option.
A tourist visa lasts for 90 days.
Some budget travelers will leave Bangkok for a day, and return once their visa has expired.
This allows you to get a new tourist visa.
If you plan to work in Bangkok, you may need a work visa.
