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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Udon Thani 2024
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Cost of Living in Udon Thani

By Betsy Burlingame

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Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Udon Thani helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Category Cost
Apartment Rental (1 bedroom in City Center) Approximately 7,500 - 10,000 THB per month
Apartment Rental (1 bedroom Outside of City Center) Approximately 5,000 - 7,000 THB per month
Apartment Purchase Price (City Center) Approximately 30,000 - 50,000 THB per square meter
Apartment Purchase Price (Outside of City Center) Approximately 20,000 - 30,000 THB per square meter
Transportation (Monthly Pass) Approximately 500 - 1,000 THB
Transportation (Taxi Start, Normal Tariff) Approximately 35 - 50 THB
Transportation (Taxi 1km, Normal Tariff) Approximately 10 - 15 THB
Groceries (Milk, 1 liter) Approximately 40 - 60 THB
Groceries (Bread, 500g) Approximately 30 - 50 THB
Groceries (Rice, 1kg) Approximately 30 - 50 THB
Groceries (Chicken Breasts, 1kg) Approximately 70 - 100 THB
Restaurants (Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant) Approximately 40 - 100 THB
Restaurants (Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course) Approximately 500 - 1,000 THB
Utilities (Monthly, Basic for 85m2 Apartment) Approximately 1,500 - 2,500 THB
Private School Tuition (Preschool) Approximately 20,000 - 40,000 THB per term
Private School Tuition (Elementary School) Approximately 30,000 - 60,000 THB per term
Private School Tuition (Middle School) Approximately 40,000 - 80,000 THB per term
Private School Tuition (High School) Approximately 50,000 - 100,000 THB per term
Please note that these are average costs and actual costs may vary depending on various factors. The currency used is Thai Baht (THB). The cost of living in Udon Thani is generally lower compared to other major cities in Thailand like Bangkok. However, it's always a good idea to do a thorough research and plan your budget accordingly before moving.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Udon Thani

"The cost of living in Udon Thani is relatively low compared to other major cities in the country. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is quite affordable, while outside the city center, it is even cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water is also quite low. Groceries are also inexpensive, with local markets offering fresh produce, meat, and seafood at reasonable prices. Eating out at inexpensive restaurants or street food stalls is also very affordable. Transportation costs are also low, with inexpensive public transportation options such as buses and tuk-tuks. Taxis are also available at reasonable rates. Healthcare in Udon Thani is also affordable, with both public and private hospitals offering services at lower costs than in many Western countries. Overall, the cost of living in Udon Thani is quite low, making it an attractive option for expats and retirees," said one expat living in Udon Thani.

Can I live in Udon Thani on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Udon Thani for a few years now and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you'll need to be smart about your spending and make some sacrifices. For instance, you might not be able to dine out at high-end restaurants every night or live in a luxury condo. But, you can still enjoy a good quality of life. The cost of living in Udon Thani is quite low compared to Western countries. You can rent a decent one-bedroom apartment in the city center for around $300-$400 a month. If you're willing to live a bit further out, you can find places for even less. I live in a nice, modern apartment in the Nong Bua area, which is a bit outside the city center but still convenient. It's a quiet, safe neighborhood with plenty of local shops and markets, and my rent is only about $250 a month. As for food, local Thai food is very cheap and delicious. You can get a meal at a local restaurant for around $1-$2. If you prefer to cook at home, groceries are also quite affordable. I spend around $200 a month on groceries. Utilities like electricity, water, and internet are also quite cheap. I pay around $50 a month for all of these. As for transportation, it's very affordable to get around Udon Thani. You can rent a motorbike for around $100 a month, or use local taxis or tuk-tuks, which are also quite cheap. However, there are some areas in Udon Thani that are more expensive and might not fit into your budget. For instance, the area around Central Plaza, which is the main shopping mall in the city, is quite pricey. The condos and apartments here are modern and luxurious, but they can cost upwards of $600 a month. Similarly, dining out at high-end restaurants or frequenting Western-style bars can also add up. So, while you might have to make some sacrifices, I believe it's definitely possible to live comfortably in Udon Thani on $1,500 a month. You just need to be smart about your spending and choose your neighborhood wisely," commented an expat living in Udon Thani.

Can I live in Udon Thani on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Udon Thani for a few years now and I can tell you that it's absolutely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. In fact, you might find that you're living a higher quality of life here than you would in many Western countries. The cost of living is significantly lower, so your money goes a lot further. For example, you can rent a nice, modern condo in the city center for around $500 a month. If you prefer a house, you can find a decent one in a good neighborhood for around $700 to $800 a month. Utilities, including electricity, water, and internet, will probably cost you around $100 a month. Food is also quite cheap. You can eat out at local restaurants for less than $5 a meal, and if you cook at home, groceries will cost you around $200 a month. Transportation is also affordable. You can rent a motorbike for around $100 a month, or use local taxis or tuk-tuks, which are very cheap. As for neighborhoods, I would recommend the city center or the area around Nong Prajak Park. These areas are safe, convenient, and have a lot of amenities like shopping malls, restaurants, and hospitals. On the other hand, I would avoid the outskirts of the city, as they can be a bit isolated and lack the amenities you might be used to. Of course, there are some sacrifices you'll have to make. For one, you'll be living in a foreign country with a different culture and language. This can be challenging at times, but it can also be a rewarding experience. You might also find that some Western goods are more expensive here, as they have to be imported. But overall, I think you'll find that the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. In terms of healthcare, Thailand has a good healthcare system and there are several good hospitals in Udon Thani. However, I would recommend getting health insurance, as it can be expensive if you need to pay out of pocket. So, to sum up, yes, it's definitely possible to live comfortably in Udon Thani on $3,000 a month. You'll be able to enjoy a good standard of living, with modern amenities, and still have money left over for travel and entertainment," said one expat living in Udon Thani.

Can I live in Udon Thani on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Udon Thani for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is not only possible, but you can live quite comfortably. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in many Western countries. For instance, you can rent a nice, modern condo in the city center for around $500 a month. If you prefer a quieter, more suburban area, you can find a house for rent in Nong Bua for about the same price. Food is also quite affordable. Local Thai food from street vendors or small restaurants will cost you around $1-2 per meal. If you prefer Western food, there are plenty of options available, though it's a bit more expensive, around $5-10 per meal. Utilities, including electricity, water, and internet, will cost you around $100 a month. Transportation is also cheap. You can rent a motorbike for about $100 a month or use local taxis or tuk-tuks, which are quite affordable. Healthcare in Thailand is also quite good and affordable. A visit to a local clinic will cost you around $10, while a visit to a private hospital will cost around $50. As for entertainment, there are plenty of options. There are several modern shopping malls, movie theaters, and plenty of bars and restaurants. A movie ticket will cost you around $5, while a night out at a bar will cost around $20-30. There are also plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Udon Thani is close to several national parks and the cost to enter is usually less than $5. The only area where you might have to make some sacrifices is if you have a taste for luxury goods. Imported goods, especially electronics and branded clothes, are quite expensive in Thailand due to import taxes. In terms of neighborhoods, I would recommend avoiding the more touristy areas like Central Plaza and UD Town if you're on a budget. These areas tend to be more expensive due to the high number of tourists. Instead, consider neighborhoods like Nong Bua or Nong Khai, which are more residential and therefore more affordable. Overall, living in Udon Thani on $5,000 a month is quite doable and you can live a comfortable lifestyle without making too many sacrifices," commented an expat living in Udon Thani.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame 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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