Cost of Living in Hua Hin
Summary: If you're moving to Hua Hin, understanding the the cost of living in Hua Hin helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
Apartment Rentals | Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Hua Hin is around 8,000 THB ($250 USD) per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around 15,000 THB ($470 USD) per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around 5,000 THB ($160 USD) per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around 10,000 THB ($320 USD). |
Apartment Purchases | The cost of purchasing an apartment in Hua Hin varies depending on the size and location. Prices for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center range from 1.5 million THB ($47,000 USD) to 3 million THB ($94,000 USD). Prices for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center range from 3 million THB ($94,000 USD) to 6 million THB ($188,000 USD). Prices for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center range from 1 million THB ($31,000 USD) to 2 million THB ($63,000 USD). Prices for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center range from 2 million THB ($63,000 USD) to 4 million THB ($125,000 USD). |
Transportation | Public transportation in Hua Hin is inexpensive and convenient. A one-way ticket on the bus costs around 10 THB ($0.30 USD). A one-way ticket on the train costs around 20 THB ($0.60 USD). Taxis are also available and the cost of a ride depends on the distance traveled. Motorbike taxis are also available and the cost of a ride is around 50 THB ($1.50 USD). |
Groceries | The cost of groceries in Hua Hin is relatively inexpensive. A loaf of bread costs around 25 THB ($0.80 USD). A liter of milk costs around 40 THB ($1.25 USD). A dozen eggs costs around 50 THB ($1.50 USD). A kilogram of rice costs around 30 THB ($0.90 USD). A kilogram of chicken costs around 90 THB ($2.80 USD). |
Restaurants | The cost of eating out in Hua Hin varies depending on the type of restaurant. A meal at a fast food restaurant costs around 100 THB ($3.10 USD). A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around 300 THB ($9.30 USD). A meal at a high-end restaurant costs around 500 THB ($15.50 USD). |
Utilities | The cost of utilities in Hua Hin is relatively inexpensive. The average cost of electricity for a one-bedroom apartment is around 1,000 THB ($31 USD) per month. The average cost of water for a one-bedroom apartment is around 200 THB ($6.20 USD) per month. The average cost of internet for a one-bedroom apartment is around 500 THB ($15.50 USD) per month. |
Private School Tuition | The cost of private school tuition in Hua Hin varies depending on the school and the grade level. The average cost of tuition for preschool is around 10,000 THB ($310 USD) per month. The average cost of tuition for elementary school is around 15,000 THB ($470 USD) per month. The average cost of tuition for middle school is around 20,000 THB ($620 USD) per month. The average cost of tuition for high school is around 25,000 THB ($780 USD) per month. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Hua Hin
"The cost of living in Hua Hin is generally considered to be quite affordable. Groceries, transportation, and basic utilities are all relatively inexpensive, and the cost of housing is also quite reasonable. Eating out is also quite affordable, with many restaurants offering delicious meals for a fraction of the cost of what you would pay in other countries. Overall, Hua Hin is a great place to live if you're looking for a place with a low cost of living," said one expat living in Hua Hin.
Can I live in Hua Hin on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Hua Hin for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some adjustments to your lifestyle. First, you'll need to find a place to live that's within your budget. Some of the more affordable neighborhoods in Hua Hin include Soi 94, Soi 102, and Soi 112. These areas have a good mix of local and expat residents, and you can find decent apartments or small houses for around $300 to $500 a month. I'd recommend avoiding the more expensive neighborhoods near the beach or the city center, like Khao Takiab or the area around the Market Village shopping mall, as rents can be much higher there.Next, you'll need to adjust your eating habits. Eating out at Western-style restaurants can be quite expensive in Hua Hin, so you'll want to stick to local Thai food, which is not only delicious but also very affordable. You can find plenty of street food vendors and small local restaurants where you can get a meal for just a couple of dollars. If you're craving Western food, you can still indulge occasionally, but it'll be more of a treat than a regular occurrence.Transportation is another area where you can save money. While taxis and tuk-tuks can be convenient, they can also be quite expensive, especially if you're using them every day. Instead, consider renting a scooter or a bicycle to get around town. Not only will this save you money, but it's also a great way to explore Hua Hin and the surrounding areas.As for entertainment and activities, there are plenty of affordable options in Hua Hin. The beach is always free, and there are several beautiful national parks nearby that you can visit for a small entrance fee. There are also plenty of local markets where you can shop for fresh produce and other goods at a fraction of the cost of the supermarkets. If you're into sports, there are several golf courses in the area that offer discounted rates for expats, and you can also find affordable gyms and fitness centers around town.In terms of sacrifices, you'll likely have to give up some of the luxuries you're used to, like having a large, modern apartment or eating out at fancy restaurants regularly. You'll also need to be more conscious of your spending and budget your money carefully to ensure you can cover all your expenses. But overall, I think you'll find that living in Hua Hin on $1,500 a month is not only doable but can also be quite enjoyable if you're willing to embrace the local culture and lifestyle," commented an expat living in Hua Hin.
Can I live in Hua Hin on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Hua Hin for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make a few sacrifices to make it work. For example, you might not be able to dine out at fancy restaurants every night or live in the most luxurious condo, but you can still enjoy a good quality of life.When it comes to housing, I'd recommend looking for a place in neighborhoods like Khao Takiab or Soi 94. These areas are more affordable, yet still offer a good selection of modern condos and houses. You can find a nice one or two-bedroom condo for around $500 to $800 per month, depending on the location and amenities. I'd avoid neighborhoods like Palm Hills or Black Mountain, as these are more upscale and expensive.For transportation, you can either rent a scooter for around $100 per month or use the local songthaews (shared taxis) which are very cheap. Taxis and Grab (similar to Uber) are also available, but they can add up if you use them frequently.Eating out can be quite affordable if you stick to local Thai restaurants and street food, which can cost you around $1 to $3 per meal. Western food and fancier restaurants will be more expensive, but you can still find some reasonably priced options if you look around.Groceries can be a bit more expensive than in the US or Europe, especially for imported products, but local markets and supermarkets like Tesco Lotus or Big C offer a good selection of items at reasonable prices. You can expect to spend around $200 to $300 per month on groceries if you cook at home most of the time.Entertainment and activities can also be quite affordable in Hua Hin. There are plenty of beaches, parks, and temples to explore for free or at a low cost. Movie tickets are around $5, and there are several shopping malls and night markets where you can find cheap clothing and souvenirs. If you're into sports, there are also several golf courses and fitness centers in the area, but membership fees can vary.Overall, I think you can live comfortably in Hua Hin on $3,000 a month if you're willing to make a few sacrifices and adjust your lifestyle. It's a beautiful and relaxed city with a lot to offer, and I'm sure you'll enjoy your time here," said one expat living in Hua Hin.
Can I live in Hua Hin on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Hua Hin for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. In fact, you might not even have to make many sacrifices at all. Hua Hin is a popular destination for expats, and it offers a good mix of local culture and modern conveniences.When it comes to finding a place to live, there are plenty of options in Hua Hin. If you're looking for something more affordable, I'd recommend checking out neighborhoods like Soi 94, Soi 102, and Soi 112. These areas have a good mix of condos and houses, and you can find a nice place to live for around $500 to $1,000 a month. These neighborhoods are also close to local markets, restaurants, and other amenities, so you won't feel like you're missing out on anything.On the other hand, if you're looking for something more upscale, you might want to consider neighborhoods like Khao Takiab, Khao Tao, or Palm Hills. These areas are home to some of the more luxurious properties in Hua Hin, and you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 a month for a nice villa or condo. However, keep in mind that these neighborhoods are a bit further away from the city center, so you might need to rely on a car or motorbike to get around.As for other expenses, you'll find that the cost of living in Hua Hin is quite reasonable. You can eat out at local restaurants for just a few dollars, and even international cuisine is relatively affordable. Groceries are also inexpensive, especially if you shop at local markets. Utilities, internet, and transportation costs are all quite low as well.In terms of sacrifices, you might find that some of the more Western amenities you're used to aren't as readily available in Hua Hin. For example, you might not have access to the same variety of international products at the grocery store, and some of the more specialized services (like certain medical treatments) might not be available locally. However, these are relatively minor inconveniences, and overall, I think you'll find that living in Hua Hin on $5,000 a month is not only possible but quite comfortable," commented an expat living in Hua Hin.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Retire in Hua Hin Guide
- 7 Tips for Living in Hua Hin
- Pros & Cons of Living in Hua Hin
- Tips for Expats Driving in Hua Hin
- Cost of Living in Hua Hin
- Health Care in Hua Hin
- The Essential Guide to Hua Hin
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Thailand
- Best Places to Live in Thailand
- Real Estate in Thailand
- Pros & Cons of Living in Thailand
- Christmas in Thailand
- Pros and Cons of Living in Thailand 2024
- 2024 Guide to Moving to Thailand