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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Koh Chang 2024
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Cost of Living in Koh Chang

By Betsy Burlingame

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

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

Cost of Living Category Estimated Cost
Apartment Rentals (1 bedroom in city center) 10,000 - 15,000 THB per month
Apartment Rentals (1 bedroom outside city center) 7,000 - 10,000 THB per month
Apartment Purchase (Price per square meter in city center) 50,000 - 70,000 THB
Apartment Purchase (Price per square meter outside city center) 30,000 - 50,000 THB
Transportation (Monthly Pass) 1,000 - 1,500 THB
Transportation (Taxi, 1km) 50 - 100 THB
Groceries (Milk, 1 liter) 50 - 60 THB
Groceries (Bread, 500g) 30 - 50 THB
Groceries (Rice, 1kg) 30 - 40 THB
Groceries (Chicken Breasts, 1kg) 120 - 150 THB
Restaurants (Meal at an inexpensive restaurant) 100 - 200 THB
Restaurants (Three-course meal for 2 people at a mid-range restaurant) 700 - 1,000 THB
Utilities (Basic electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage for 85m2 apartment) 2,000 - 3,000 THB per month
Private School Tuition (Preschool) 50,000 - 100,000 THB per year
Private School Tuition (Elementary School) 100,000 - 200,000 THB per year
Private School Tuition (Middle School) 200,000 - 300,000 THB per year
Private School Tuition (High School) 300,000 - 500,000 THB per year
Please note that these are estimated costs and can vary based on specific locations within Koh Chang, personal lifestyle, and market changes. The currency used is Thai Baht (THB). The cost of living in Koh Chang is generally lower compared to major cities in Thailand like Bangkok. However, as a popular tourist destination, some costs like dining and entertainment can be higher. Renting an apartment in the city center of Koh Chang can cost between 10,000 to 15,000 THB per month for a one-bedroom apartment. If you prefer a quieter area outside the city center, the rental cost can drop to between 7,000 to 10,000 THB per month. If you're considering buying an apartment, the price per square meter in the city center ranges from 50,000 to 70,000 THB. Outside the city center, the price per square meter can range from 30,000 to 50,000 THB.Transportation costs are relatively low in Koh Chang. A monthly pass for public transportation can cost between 1,000 to 1,500 THB. If you prefer taking a taxi, the cost is around 50 to 100 THB per kilometer.Grocery prices are quite affordable. For example, a liter of milk costs between 50 to 60 THB, 500g of bread is around 30 to 50 THB, a kilogram of rice is about 30 to 40 THB, and a kilogram of chicken breasts costs between 120 to 150 THB.Eating out at an inexpensive restaurant can cost between 100 to 200 THB per meal. A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant can cost between 700 to 1,000 THB.Utilities for a basic 85m2 apartment, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, can cost between 2,000 to 3,000 THB per month.Private school tuition varies greatly depending on the school and the level of education. Preschool can cost between 50,000 to 100,000 THB per year. Elementary school can range from 100,000 to 200,000 THB per year. Middle school can cost between 200,000 to 300,000 THB per year, and high school can range from 300,000 to 500,000 THB per year.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Koh Chang

"The cost of living in Koh Chang is considered to be relatively affordable compared to many Western countries. Accommodation can range from budget-friendly guesthouses to more luxurious resorts. Eating out is generally inexpensive, with local street food being particularly cost-effective. Groceries can be bought at local markets or supermarkets at a reasonable price. Public transportation, such as songthaews (shared taxis), is commonly used and is quite cheap. However, renting a motorbike or car can be more expensive. Entertainment, such as visiting national parks or partaking in water sports, can vary in price. Internet and mobile services are generally affordable. Health care is also reasonably priced, especially in public hospitals. However, it's recommended to have health insurance. Overall, the cost of living in Koh Chang is low, making it an attractive destination for both tourists and expats," said one expat living in Koh Chang.

Can I live in Koh Chang on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Koh Chang for a few years now and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but it does require some adjustments. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in the West, but it's still important to budget wisely. Firstly, accommodation can vary greatly in price depending on the area and the type of housing. If you want to live in a more upscale neighborhood like White Sand Beach, you might have to pay around $500-$600 per month for a decent apartment. However, if you're willing to live in a more local area like Klong Prao or Kai Bae, you can find a nice place for around $300-$400 per month. Food is relatively cheap, especially if you eat local cuisine. You can get a good meal for around $1-$2 at a local restaurant. If you prefer Western food, it's available but it's more expensive, around $5-$10 per meal. Transportation is also affordable. You can rent a motorbike for around $100 per month, which is the most common mode of transportation here. If you prefer to use taxis, it can get a bit pricey, especially if you're traveling around the island frequently. As for utilities, expect to pay around $50-$100 per month for electricity, depending on your usage. Internet is quite cheap, around $20 per month for a good connection. The biggest sacrifice you might have to make is giving up some of the luxuries you're used to. For example, imported goods are quite expensive here, so you might have to adjust to using local products instead. Also, while healthcare is affordable, the quality might not be up to the standards you're used to. In terms of entertainment, there's plenty to do that's affordable. The beaches are free, there are plenty of hiking trails, and local bars and restaurants are reasonably priced. However, if you're into high-end dining or nightlife, you might find it a bit limited and more expensive. Overall, living in Koh Chang on $1,500 a month is doable and can be quite comfortable if you're willing to adjust your lifestyle a bit. It's all about finding the right balance between cost and comfort," commented an expat living in Koh Chang.

Can I live in Koh Chang on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Koh Chang 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. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in many Western countries. For example, you can rent a decent one-bedroom apartment in a good area for around $300-$400 a month. If you want something more luxurious, like a villa with a private pool, it might cost you around $1,000 a month. The White Sand Beach area is one of the most popular and expensive neighborhoods. It's where most of the high-end resorts and restaurants are located. If you want to save money, I'd recommend looking at other areas like Klong Prao or Kai Bae. They're still very nice, but the cost of living is lower. Food is also quite affordable here. You can get a meal at a local restaurant for around $1-$2, and even at a more upscale place, you're unlikely to spend more than $10-$15. Groceries are also cheap, especially if you buy local products. As for utilities, expect to pay around $50-$100 a month for electricity, depending on how much you use the air conditioning. Internet and mobile phone services are also quite affordable, usually costing around $20-$30 a month. Transportation is another area where you can save money. Many people get around on scooters, which are cheap to rent or buy. If you prefer to use taxis, they're also quite affordable, especially if you negotiate the price in advance. The main sacrifice you might have to make is adjusting to the slower pace of life. Things don't always run on schedule here, and services you might take for granted in a Western country, like same-day delivery or high-speed internet, might not always be available. But in my experience, the benefits of living in this beautiful island paradise far outweigh these minor inconveniences. Healthcare is another thing to consider. While there are clinics on the island, for serious medical issues, you might need to go to the mainland. However, the cost of healthcare in Thailand is generally much lower than in Western countries, and the quality of care is good. Overall, I'd say that if you're open to adapting to a new way of life, you can live very comfortably in Koh Chang on $3,000 a month," said one expat living in Koh Chang.

Can I live in Koh Chang on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Koh Chang 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 for around $500 to $800 a month. The White Sand Beach area is a bit more expensive, but it's also more touristy. If you want a more local experience, I'd recommend the Klong Prao or Kai Bae areas. They're more affordable and still have plenty of amenities. Eating out is also very cheap. You can get a meal at a local restaurant for around $1 to $3. If you prefer to cook at home, groceries are also reasonably priced. I spend about $200 a month on groceries. Utilities, including internet, electricity, and water, usually cost me around $100 a month. Transportation is also very affordable. You can rent a motorbike for about $100 a month, which is the most common mode of transportation here. If you prefer to use taxis, they're also quite cheap, usually costing around $3 to $5 for a ride. Healthcare is another area where you can save a lot of money. The healthcare system in Thailand is excellent and very affordable. A visit to the doctor usually costs me around $20, and that includes any medication I might need. As for entertainment, there's plenty to do in Koh Chang without breaking the bank. You can go to the beach, hike in the national park, or visit one of the many temples. There are also plenty of bars and clubs where you can have a drink for around $2 to $3. The only area where you might have to make a sacrifice is in shopping for Western goods. Imported goods can be quite expensive, so you might have to adjust your shopping habits a bit. But overall, I find that I can live a very comfortable lifestyle here on $5,000 a month," commented an expat living in Koh Chang.

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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