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Cost of Living in Thailand | Expat Exchange
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Paradise Beach in Phuket, Thailand

Cost of Living in Thailand

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Apr 12, 2023

Summary: The cost of living in Thailand is generally quite affordable. A nice one bedroom apartment in Thailand can cost anywhere from $400 to $800 per month, while a nice two bedroom apartment can cost from $600 to $1,200 per month. The cost of dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Thailand is usually around $10 to $15 per person.

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Is the cost of living in Thailand high?

We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Thailand, they wrote:

"It depends on your life style, I know people who live on 50,000 baht a month, we spend about 100,00 baht a little more, a little less, depending on what we are doing," explained one expat living in Nonthaburi.

"The cost of living in Thailand is generally quite low compared to other parts of the world. It is possible to find good value accommodation, food and entertainment. On the other hand, prices can vary depending on the location and the type of lifestyle one wants to live. Shopping is also quite affordable, with both local and international brands available. Generally speaking, an individual can live comfortably in Thailand on a budget," said one expat in Thailand.

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Will I save money living in Thailand?

"We are able to do pretty much anything we want, travel, go out to dinner every night, help the family. Lots of freedom we never could afford before," said one person in Nonthaburi.

"Living in Thailand can be much more affordable than living in the United States, as the cost of living is lower and wages are typically lower. Depending on what city and area you live in, you can expect relatively low costs for housing, transportation, healthcare, and food. It is also possible to find luxury items and attractions at discounted prices, making it possible to maintain your desired lifestyle. In general, it is likely that making the move to Thailand will help you save money," remarked one expat in Thailand.

What is the average cost of housing in Thailand?

If you are thinking about moving to Thailand, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"I have just rented a lovely apartment in Hua Hin, Thailand. Hua Hin is about 3 hours south of Bangkok. A great location, on the coast with amazing golf courses. It's a modern city but not nearly as busy as Bangkok. All of the major hotels are here. There is a great mix of modern shopping malls and old markets. My apartment is small but there's just one of me. It's 33 sq. meters. A bedroom, combined kitchen/living room, and a bathroom with a big shower. The building is two years old. It's one block from the ocean and a five-minute walk to a gorgeous shopping mall with grocery store. There is a lovely pool and gym. I am paying 10,000 baht - as of October 2022 that's CDN$400 per month. I'm from Vancouver, Canada. A comparable apartment would be $2000 a month in Vancouver," remarked one in Thailand.

"Housing costs run the gamut from about $40/month to thousands of dollars a month. I'm not sure where the average is but I'd estimate about $1000-2000 per month for typical expat housing," explained one expat.

"The cost of housing in Thailand is generally considered to be quite affordable compared to other countries in the region. The average cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre can range from $500 to $1,500 per month, depending on the city and the quality of the apartment. Outside of the city centre, rental costs can be significantly lower. The average cost of buying a property in Thailand can vary depending on the location and size of the property, but can range from around $50,000 to over $1,000,000," said one person in Thailand.

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What are typical rental prices for expats in Thailand?

"Renting a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Thailand typically starts around $400 USD for an unfurnished and $600 USD for a fully furnished option, while renting a nice 2 bedroom apartment in Thailand typically costs between $400-$700 USD for an unfurnished and from $800-$1200 USD for a fully furnished option," wrote an expat living in Thailand.

What appliances are typically included in a rental?

We asked foreigners in Thailand what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:

"In a rental property in Thailand, tenants can typically expect basic amenities such as hot water, air-conditioning units, refrigerator, stove, and a washing machine. Tenants may also find additional furniture, appliances and accessories depending on the property," said one expat living in Thailand.

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.

Paradise Beach in Phuket, Thailand
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