Pattaya, ThailandCost of Living in Pattaya
Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Pattaya helps a newcomer 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 Pattaya is around 8,000-15,000 THB ($250-500 USD) per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around 15,000-25,000 THB ($500-800 USD) per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around 5,000-10,000 THB ($150-300 USD) per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around 10,000-20,000 THB ($300-600 USD) per month. |
| Apartment Purchases | The cost of purchasing an apartment in Pattaya varies greatly depending on the size, location, and quality of the apartment. Prices for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center range from 1.5-3 million THB ($50,000-100,000 USD). Prices for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center range from 3-6 million THB ($100,000-200,000 USD). Prices for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center range from 1-2 million THB ($30,000-70,000 USD). Prices for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center range from 2-4 million THB ($70,000-130,000 USD). |
| Transportation | Public transportation in Pattaya is relatively inexpensive. A one-way ticket on the bus costs around 10-20 THB ($0.30-0.60 USD). A one-way ticket on the Skytrain costs around 15-30 THB ($0.50-1 USD). Taxis are also available and the cost of a ride depends on the distance traveled. A taxi ride from the city center to the beach costs around 100-200 THB ($3-6 USD). |
| Groceries | The cost of groceries in Pattaya is relatively inexpensive. A loaf of bread costs around 20-30 THB ($0.60-1 USD). A liter of milk costs around 25-35 THB ($0.80-1.10 USD). A dozen eggs costs around 40-50 THB ($1.20-1.50 USD). A kilogram of rice costs around 30-40 THB ($1-1.20 USD). |
| Restaurants | The cost of eating out in Pattaya varies greatly depending on the type of restaurant. A meal at a fast food restaurant costs around 50-100 THB ($1.50-3 USD). A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around 200-400 THB ($6-12 USD). A meal at a high-end restaurant costs around 500-1,000 THB ($15-30 USD). |
| Utilities | The cost of utilities in Pattaya is relatively inexpensive. The average cost of electricity is around 5-7 THB ($0.15-0.20 USD) per kilowatt-hour. The average cost of water is around 20-30 THB ($0.60-1 USD) per cubic meter. The average cost of internet is around 500-1,000 THB ($15-30 USD) per month. |
| Private School Tuition | The cost of private school tuition in Pattaya varies greatly depending on the school. Preschool tuition costs around 10,000-20,000 THB ($300-600 USD) per year. Elementary school tuition costs around 20,000-30,000 THB ($600-900 USD) per year. Middle school tuition costs around 30,000-50,000 THB ($900-1,500 USD) per year. High school tuition costs around 50,000-100,000 THB ($1,500-3,000 USD) per year. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Pattaya
"The cost of living in Pattaya is generally considered to be quite affordable. Basic necessities such as food, transportation, and utilities are relatively inexpensive, while rent and entertainment can be more expensive. Eating out is also quite affordable, with a variety of local and international cuisine available. Overall, Pattaya is a great place to live for those looking for a low-cost lifestyle," said one expat living in Pattaya.
Can I live in Pattaya on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Pattaya 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 reasonably priced apartment or condo. Some of the more affordable neighborhoods to consider are East Pattaya, Jomtien, and Naklua. These areas are a bit further from the city center, but you can still find nice places to live for around $300-$500 a month. I'd avoid areas like Pratumnak and Central Pattaya, as they tend to be more expensive.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your spending on food and entertainment. Eating out at Western-style restaurants can be pricey, so I'd recommend trying out the local Thai cuisine, which is not only delicious but also much more affordable. You can find great street food and local markets where you can get meals for just a couple of dollars. Cooking at home is also a good option, as groceries are relatively inexpensive.As for entertainment, there are plenty of low-cost or free activities to enjoy in Pattaya. The beaches are a great place to relax and soak up the sun, and there are also many beautiful temples and parks to explore. If you're into nightlife, you'll find that drinks can be quite cheap at local bars, but be careful not to get carried away, as it can add up quickly.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Instead of relying on taxis, consider using the local songthaews (shared pick-up trucks) or motorbike taxis, which are much more affordable. If you're planning on staying in Pattaya for an extended period, you might even consider buying a used motorbike to get around.In terms of healthcare, there are several good hospitals and clinics in Pattaya, but it's essential to have health insurance, as medical costs can be high for expats. Make sure to factor this into your monthly budget.Overall, living in Pattaya on $1,500 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, eating local cuisine, and taking advantage of low-cost entertainment options, you can enjoy a comfortable life in this beautiful city," commented an expat living in Pattaya.
Can I live in Pattaya on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Pattaya 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 finding a place to live, I'd recommend looking at neighborhoods like Jomtien, Naklua, or East Pattaya. These areas are more affordable and still offer a good selection of modern condos and houses. You can find a nice one-bedroom condo in these areas for around $500 to $800 per month, depending on the location and amenities. I'd avoid neighborhoods like Pratumnak or Wongamat, as they tend to be more expensive and cater to a more upscale clientele.In terms of transportation, you can save money by using local transportation options like songthaews (shared taxis) or motorbike taxis, which are quite affordable. If you prefer to have your own vehicle, you can rent a motorbike for around $100 per month or a car for around $300 per month.Eating out can be quite affordable in Pattaya, especially if you stick to local Thai restaurants and street food. You can easily find meals for around $1 to $3, and even if you occasionally splurge on a more expensive meal, you'll still be able to stay within your budget. Groceries are also reasonably priced, especially if you shop at local markets.Entertainment and activities can vary in price, but there are plenty of affordable options. For example, you can enjoy a day at the beach, visit local temples, or explore nearby islands without spending a fortune. If you're into nightlife, there are plenty of bars and clubs where you can have a good time without breaking the bank.Overall, living in Pattaya on $3,000 a month is definitely doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, using local transportation, and eating at local restaurants, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while staying within your budget," said one expat living in Pattaya.
Can I live in Pattaya on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Pattaya for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even with modern amenities. In fact, you might not have to make too many sacrifices at all. The cost of living in Pattaya is generally lower than in many Western countries, so your money will go further here.When it comes to housing, you can find a nice condo or apartment in a good neighborhood for around $500 to $1,000 per month. Some popular areas for expats include Jomtien, Pratumnak, and Naklua. These neighborhoods are close to the beach and have plenty of restaurants, shops, and other amenities nearby. If you're looking for something more upscale, you might want to check out Wongamat or North Pattaya, but keep in mind that these areas can be more expensive.For transportation, you can either rent a motorbike for around $100 per month or use the local baht buses, which are very affordable. Taxis and Grab are also available if you prefer a more comfortable ride.When it comes to food, you have a wide variety of options in Pattaya. You can eat at local Thai restaurants or street food stalls for just a few dollars per meal, or you can splurge on Western or international cuisine at more upscale restaurants. Groceries are also quite affordable, especially if you shop at local markets.As for entertainment and activities, there's plenty to do in Pattaya without breaking the bank. You can enjoy the beach, visit local attractions like the Sanctuary of Truth or the Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, or take part in various water sports. There are also plenty of bars, clubs, and nightlife options if that's your thing.In terms of healthcare, there are several good hospitals and clinics in Pattaya that cater to expats. The cost of healthcare is generally lower than in Western countries, but it's still a good idea to have health insurance to cover any unexpected expenses.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Pattaya on $5,000 a month is quite comfortable and allows you to enjoy a good quality of life with modern amenities. You might have to make some small adjustments, like eating more local food or using public transportation, but these are minor sacrifices compared to the benefits of living in this beautiful and vibrant city," commented an expat living in Pattaya.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
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