Cost of living in Thailand [2023 Guide]

Thailand is a popular destination for expats and digital nomads from all over the world. It's no wonder that many individuals prefer to live in Thailand because of its stunning beaches, rich culture, and low cost of living. However, before making the move, it's critical to grasp the cost of living in Thailand. In this guide, we'll break down the numerous expenses you can anticipate facing while living in Thailand, so you can budget appropriately and completely enjoy everything this incredible nation has to offer.

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Why expatriate to Thailand?

There are many reasons why expatriating to Thailand can be worthwhile. Let's take a look at why:

The climate and Thai culture.

Thailand's climate and culture are important draws for many expatriates. Thailand is a popular destination for travelers looking for a fresh experience, thanks to its warm tropical climate, beautiful beaches, and rich history and culture. Thailand provides a vast selection of experiences that appeal to a wide spectrum of people, from the busy streets of Bangkok to the calm temples of Chiang Mai.

Professional and business opportunities.

Another compelling reason to consider expatriating to Thailand is the variety of prospects for professional and corporate advancement. Thailand's rapidly growing economy provides numerous chances for entrepreneurs and business professionals wishing to broaden their horizons. The country has also grown in popularity among remote workers and digital nomads who value the inexpensive cost of living and the welcoming local culture.

Cost of living advantage: a great opportunity for retirees

Thailand's cost of living is typically considered to be fairly low, especially when compared to more industrialized countries. This means that expatriates can often enjoy a higher level of living while spending less money. Thailand might be an appealing alternative for those looking to stretch their budget further, with affordable housing and transportation, as well as great and economical food.

What is the cost of living in Thailand?

Thailand is a Southeast Asian nation that attracts expats and tourists with its warm climate, friendly people, and rich culture. If you're considering a move to Thailand, understanding the cost of living is essential, as it can vary greatly depending on where you live and your lifestyle. Although Thailand is known for its affordable prices, it's still important to have a realistic understanding of what you can expect to spend on essentials like housing, food, and transportation. Here are some examples of prices you can expect to find on a daily basis in Bangkok.

What are the costs for accommodation in Thailand?

When considering a move to Thailand, one of the most important factors to consider is the cost of accommodation. Your entire cost of living will be significantly influenced by the type of housing and location you select. Thailand has a diverse selection of lodging alternatives, ranging from opulent high-rise condos to basic apartments and shared households. For more information, you can refer to this table showing the average monthly costs for renting an apartment in Thailand.

Accommodation	Rent per month in THB	Rent per month in $USD
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center	฿22 797	$674
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center	฿10 656	$315
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center	฿66 020	$1952
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Center	฿34 000	$1005

Apartment	Price per Square Meter in THB	Price per Square Meter in $USD
Buy an apartment in City Center	฿195 727	$5789
Buy Apartment Outside of Center	฿90 000	$2661

What are the costs for food in Thailand?

Thai culture revolves around food, and the country is known for its delectable and diverse cuisine. Thai food is a culinary delight, with everything from fiery curries to sweet and savory meals. But it's not only about the flavor; food is also a method for Thais to connect with one another. Food is an important part of social life, whether it's sharing a street snack with friends or attending a family gathering centered on a meal.

If you plan to relocate to Thailand, you should be aware of the cost and availability of food. While eating out might be relatively inexpensive in Thailand, cooking at home can be even more reasonable. In the following table, we'll take a look at the average cost of groceries in Thailand, so you can get a better idea of what to expect :

Grocery Essentials	Price in THB	Price in USD
Rice (white), (1 kg)	฿59	$1.75
Eggs (regular) (12)	฿51	$1.51
Chicken Fillets (1 kg)	฿115	$3.40
Beef Round (1 kg)	฿427	$12.63
Apples (1 kg)	฿107	$3.16
Banana (1 kg)	฿47	$1.39
Tomato (1 kg)	฿53	$1.57
Onion (1 kg)	฿47	$1.39
Water (1.5 liter bottle)	฿16	$0.47
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)	฿57	$1.69
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)	฿700	$20.70

Utility	Price in ฿	Price in USD
Average utility costs including electricity, heating, cooling, water bill	฿2742	$81
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	฿535	$15.82
One minute of local prepaid mobile tariff	฿1.61	$0.048
Monthly fee for one adult at a fitness club	฿1882	$55

Vehicle Items	Price in THB	Price in USD
1km Taxi Fare - Normal Tariff	฿40	$1.18
A charge for waiting one hour for a taxi at a normal rate	฿185	$5.47
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)	฿1,300	$38.45
Single Local Transport Ticket	฿44	$1.30
Gasoline (1 liter)	฿40	$1.18

Does the area you live in influence the cost of living in Thailand?

The area you live in can have a significant impact on the cost of living in Thailand. While some costs such as groceries and transportation remain similar, prices for rent, entertainment, and dining out may vary greatly depending on the location.

For example, the monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Bangkok could be significantly higher than that in a suburban area:

Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment outside the center: ฿10600
Monthly rent for the same accommodation type in a central area: ฿22800

And here is another example with the city of Rangsit, a city in the suburbs of Bangkok :

Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment outside the center: ฿3000
Monthly rent for the same accommodation type in a central area: ฿6000

What is the average living cost in Thailand?

Thailand is a country that can offer a comfortable lifestyle at a relatively low cost. While the cost of living can vary depending on where you live and your lifestyle, it is generally cheaper than many Western countries. The average monthly net salary after tax is around ฿10,500.00, which can provide an affordable standard of living.

However, it's important to note that the cost of living in Thailand can vary depending on several factors such as your accommodation, food preferences, transportation, and entertainment choices. If you want to live a luxurious lifestyle, you will need to spend more. On the other hand, if you're willing to make some adjustments and live like a local, you can live quite comfortably on a tight budget.

What salary do I need to live in Thailand comfortably?

You may be curious about the salary required to live comfortably in Thailand. Let's explore different ranges, such as $1,000, $2,000, and $3,000, to understand the standard of living they can provide in the country.

Can I live comfortably in Thailand on $1 000 a month? (approximately 31,800 Thai baht)

If you're wondering whether you can live comfortably in Thailand on $1,000 a month, the answer is: it depends on your lifestyle and spending habits. While $1,000 a month might not sound like a lot, it can go a long way in Thailand, especially if you're willing to adjust your lifestyle.

In general, the cost of living in Thailand is lower than many Western countries, which means you can get more for your money. Housing, food, and transportation are relatively inexpensive, and you can enjoy a good standard of living without breaking the bank.

However, it's important to keep in mind that your cost of living will vary depending on where you live in Thailand. The cost of living in Bangkok, for example, is generally higher than in smaller cities or rural areas.

To give you an idea of what $1,000 (31,800 Thai baht) a month can get you in Thailand, here are some estimated monthly expenses:

Rent for a small apartment outside the city center: 6,000 - 8,000 baht
Utilities (electricity, water, gas): 1,500 - 2,000 baht
Food (cooking at home and eating out): 10,000 baht
Transportation (public transportation or motorbike rental): 2,000 baht
Miscellaneous expenses (entertainment, phone bills, etc.): 5,000 baht

Overall, if you're willing to live modestly and make some adjustments, you can live comfortably in Thailand on $1,000 a month.

Can I live comfortably in Thailand on $2 000 a month? (approximately 63,600 Thai baht)

If you're earning $2,000 a month, you can certainly live a comfortable life in Thailand. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect to spend:

Rent for a small apartment outside the city center: 12,000 - 15,000 baht
Utilities (electricity, water, gas): 2,500 - 3,000 baht
Food (cooking at home and eating out): 15,000 baht
Transportation (public transportation or motorbike rental): 4,000 - 5,000 baht
Miscellaneous expenses (entertainment, phone bills, etc.): 10,000 baht

With this budget, you can afford a respectable apartment in a desirable area, eat out regularly at mid-range restaurants, and enjoy leisure activities like going to the movies or taking weekend trips.

Can I live comfortably in Thailand on $3 000 a month? (approximately 94,400 Thai baht)

If you're earning $3,000 a month, you can definitely live comfortably in Thailand. You'll be able to afford a decent apartment, eat out at restaurants regularly, and enjoy some leisure activities without worrying too much about the cost. However, the level of comfort you'll experience depends on the city you choose to live in, your lifestyle choices, and your spending habits.

For instance, if you choose to live in a big city like Bangkok, you may have to spend more on accommodation and transportation. Here is an example :

Rent for a nice one-bedroom apartment in a central area: 20,000 - 30,000 baht
Utilities (electricity, water, gas, internet): 3,000 - 5,000 baht
Food (cooking at home and eating out): 15,000 baht
Transportation (car rental or motorbike rental): 10,000 - 15,000 baht
Healthcare (insurance, doctor visits, medications): 5,000 - 7,000 baht
Miscellaneous expenses (entertainment, phone bills, travel, etc.): 10,000 - 15,000 baht

However, if you're willing to live a little further out from the city center, you can find more affordable options.

Similarly, if you enjoy eating out at fancy restaurants and engaging in expensive activities, your cost of living will naturally be higher. On the other hand, if you're content with local street food and free or low-cost activities, you can save a significant amount of money. Living comfortably in Thailand on $3,000 a month is definitely possible, but it's important to be mindful of your spending habits and choose a city and lifestyle that align with your budget and preferences.

How expensive is Thailand in comparison to other countries in Southeast Asia?

Let's start by comparing the prices of necessities like rent, meals, and transportation in Thailand to other Southeast Asian countries.

Thailand's national currency is the Thai baht (THB). You may always use an online currency converter to get the precise worth of your money in THB. At the time of writing, here's a rough guide:

1,000 MYR (Malaysian Ringgit) = 7,560 THB
1,000 SGD (Singapore Dollar) = 25 436 THB
1,000 PHP (Philippine Peso) = 604 THB
1,000 IDR (Indonesian Rupiah) = 2,28 THB

Let us now compare the cost of living in major Thai cities to other cities in Southeast Asia in terms of basic living expenditures. Consider the following:

Location	Monthly Rent for a 1-Bedroom Apartment in City Center	Three-Course Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant	Cost of a Monthly Pass for Public Transportation
Thailand, Bangkok	฿22,797.00	฿1,000.00	฿1,300.00
Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur	฿16,059.00	฿910.03	฿379.18
Singapore, Singapore	฿126,494.07	฿2,541.68	฿3,253.35
Philippine, Manila	฿18,129.42	฿968.24	฿406.84
Indonesia, Jakarta	฿16,281	฿799.26	฿1,300

Advantages

Cost of living: Thailand offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many other countries, making it an attractive destination for budget-conscious travelers and expats alike.
Professional opportunities: With a growing economy and a large number of international companies setting up operations in Thailand, there are plenty of job opportunities available for skilled workers.
Culture: Thailand is known for its rich cultural heritage, delicious food, friendly people, and beautiful landscapes, making it a fascinating and rewarding place to live and explore.
Climate: With a warm tropical climate year-round, Thailand offers plenty of sunshine and outdoor activities, as well as easy access to some of the world's most beautiful beaches.

Disadvantages

Language barrier: While many Thais speak English, language barriers can still be a challenge, particularly in more rural areas where English is less widely spoken.
Cultural differences: As with any new culture, there may be some aspects of Thai culture that are difficult to understand or adjust to for newcomers.
Bureaucracy: Dealing with government agencies and paperwork in Thailand can be a slow and frustrating process at times, which may be a source of frustration for some expats.

Q&A | Cost of living in Thailand [2023 Guide]

Is it expensive to live in Thailand?

It depends on your lifestyle and where you choose to live in Thailand. Overall, the cost of living in Thailand is relatively low compared to many Western countries, but prices can vary significantly between cities and regions. For example, Bangkok and Phuket tend to be more expensive than other parts of the country. It's possible to live comfortably on a budget of around THB 25,000-35,000 per month, including rent, food, and transportation. However, if you prefer a more luxurious lifestyle, you can expect to spend much more.

Are there any cultural differences that might affect the cost of living in Thailand?

Yes, there are cultural differences that can affect the cost of living in Thailand. One of the most significant cultural differences is the approach to bargaining and negotiation. In Thailand, haggling overprices is common practice, and locals may expect foreigners to do the same. This means that if you're not used to bargaining, you may end up paying more than necessary for goods and services.

Are there any hidden costs associated with renting an apartment in Thailand?

There can be hidden costs associated with renting an apartment in Thailand. These can include fees for utilities such as water and electricity, as well as common area maintenance fees. Additionally, some landlords may require a security deposit and advance payment for rent. It's important to carefully read the lease agreement and ask questions about any potential additional costs before signing a rental contract.