How Much Does It Cost to Live In Thailand?
Being a destination so attractive to both tourists and settlers, Thailand is a paradise on Earth where the climate is great, the people are welcoming and the culture is exotic.
Above all these comes the relatively low costs of living and plenty of job opportunities which urge thousands of expatriates to relocate here so as to be able to enjoy a comfortable life among the stunning natural beauties of this country.
Thailand : Cost of Living by City
RESTAURANTS
Due to the enormous number of tourists coming here recently, it was expected that restaurant prices would grow, but that was not to case in Thailand.
They offer excellent meals and a wide variety of drinks and beverages at affordable prices.
MARKETS
Food costs, even though take the most of the monthly budget, are quite low in Thailand.
If you compare them to costs in the United States or Europe, it can be said that everything is inexpensive.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are widely available and inexpensive, especially if bought at the local markets.
TRANSPORTATION
Public transportation options are available everywhere in Thailand and are definitely the most affordable means of transport there.
You can take advantage of the buses that would cost more than $35 per month.
The price of gasoline is high, and driving here is not suggested.
UTILITIES (MONTHLY)
Basic utilities such as water, electricity, and garbage service range from $70 to $90 per month in most locations, but they also depend on the amount of electricity and water used during a certain period of time.
Internet access is pretty cheap throughout Thailand.
SPORTS & LEISURE
Thailand is home to a variety of natural environments and if you happen to like outdoor activities, you will save pretty much money by avoiding doing exercises in fitness clubs.
Cinema lovers would be able to afford the latest international release at the price of $6.
CLOTHING & SHOES
Other non-essential living expenses such as clothing are also part of living costs in Thailand, and the prices of designer apparel are pretty high here.
People who earn the minimum would consider them unreasonable, but those who earn more than the average would be able to afford to buy them.
RENT PER MONTH
Even though the living standards have risen in Thailand, housing costs remain the same.
It is possible here to rent an apartment at the price of $218 per month if you do not mind living in the suburbs.
A three-bedroom apartment for a larger family would cost more.
Cost of Living Averages Table for Thailand
*Note: All prices are indicated in USD.| Average Restaurant Prices | |
|---|---|
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $2.04 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter) | $2.04 |
| Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.32 | Average Market Prices |
| Milk (1 Liter) | $1.67 |
| Loaf Bread (500g) | $1.35 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.73 | Average Transport Prices |
| One Way Ticket | $0.88 |
| Monthly Pass | $35.02 |
| Gasoline | $1.24 | Average Utilities Prices |
| Basic (Water, Electricity, Garbage, Heating, Cooling) | $63.43 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local | $0.05 |
| Internet (Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $17.87 | Average Leisure Prices |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | $45.13 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour) | $9.16 |
| Cinema, 1 Seat, International Release | $5.98 | Average Clothing Prices |
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Comparable) | $47.94 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, etc...) | $30.58 |
| 1 Pair of Adidas Walking Shoes (Mid-Range) | $84.80 | Average Rent Prices |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center | $389.37 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center | $218.10 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center | $1099.27 |
How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Thailand?
Housing costs vary quite a bit depending on where you decide to live and some cities are more expensive than others.
Different monthly budgets would be necessary, as rent in Bangkok is pricier than in Phuket.
However, in whichever city you decide to live in Thailand, food will be the major expense.
Being that commuting is a necessary daily activity, it will take a large portion of your budget.
The least money is spent on utilities and apparel.
Average Costs Breakdown
Thailand: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages
Considering the fact that Thailand is one of the world’s best-known tropical paradises it is expected to be quite expensive and that its residents enjoy high monthly salaries, but that is not the case.
Salaries are $640 on average and that is pretty low for those who need to pay the rent.
If you possess your own property, then the average salary would be sufficient to cover the basic expenses.
People who think about settling there and earning an income in their home country would be able to enjoy all its beauties.
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
Cost of Living by City in Thailand
| City | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|
| Bangkok | 53.61 |
| Chiang Mai | 40.53 |
| Pattaya | 40.7 |
| Phuket | 46.98 |
