Cost of Living in Thailand

If you've ever considered moving to Thailand, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Thailand?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in Thailand and whether the reported $1230 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $475.1.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries
Thailand
restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

1.84 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

20.98 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

5.25 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

1.7 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

3.15 $

Cappuccino (regular)

1.76 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

0.52 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

0.26 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

1.44 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

1.19 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

1.05 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

1.5 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

13.39 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

2.08 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

9.38 $

Apples (1 lb)

2.37 $

Banana (1 lb)

1.1 $

Oranges (1 lb)

1.61 $

Tomato (1 lb)

1.17 $

Potato (1 lb)

1.16 $

Onion (1 lb)

0.95 $

Lettuce (1 head)

0.89 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

0.42 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

15.74 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

1.49 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

2.45 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

3.8 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

0.79 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

27.76 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

0.92 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

0.92 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

3.93 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

1.13 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

31476.65 $

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

22248.54 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

56.76 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

0.04 $

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

16.34 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

41.67 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

8.14 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

5.25 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

321.39 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

10253.58 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

43.36 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

26.42 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

75.39 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

66.47 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

353.78 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

191.49 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

991.14 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

519.08 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

2937.86 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

1592.28 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

475.1 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

5.28 %

Thailand

How Safe Is Thailand for Travel?
Warnings & Dangers in Thailand

OVERALL RISK: HIGH

Generally speaking, Thailand can be considered a safe country: some parts are very safe, while others are highly dangerous. You better apply all possible precautious measures, just in case you stumble upon the latter.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: HIGH

There is a great risk when it comes to transportation conditions in Thailand. The number one cause of death for visitors to Thailand is motorbike accidents that often occur on the narrow, mountainous and twisty roads of Phuket and Samui. These are completely new traffic rules for tourists, that they are not used to, which makes it difficult to be a part of the transportation system. Avoid public transport too, as this is where the pickpockets operate.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

As Thailand is a growingly popular tourist destination, it's actually to be expected that pickpockets operate everywhere, usually in crowded places filled with foreigners. Excessive vigilance is highly recommended.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH

As for natural disasters, Thailand is known for tsunamis, severe storms, and occasional earthquakes.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

Kidnappings are not that often, though they have happened, especially in the National Parks in the area close to Myanmar (Burma) border, areas known as gathering places of bandit groups. Muggings are also rare, but they're also possible, especially in the remote areas of the country, and on the outskirts of big cities.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

It is advised against visiting far south regions of Thailand, such as Yala, Pattani, and Songkhla since they have been targets of small bomb attacks and shootings. As for Thailand’s main cities, they have been assessed as a medium-threat location for terrorist activity.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

Be prepared that most people providing any type of service for tourists in Thailand are probably going to try to scam you or rip you off. Tuk-tuk drivers, fake police officers, street vendors are all possible scammers. Keep in mind that ATMs are places where criminals try and steal pin codes. Also, avoid drinking in local clubs and bars. There have been many reports of tourists being drugged and then stolen from.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Even though Thailand could generally be considered a safe country for women, they are still highly advised to follow the basic rules of precaution. Try avoiding dark alleys, walking alone along with dark, poorly lit or deserted areas, or finding yourself late at night in areas filled with bars or clubs as you might receive some unwanted attention. Apart from that, use your common sense and apply all basic precaution measures.

Useful Information & Tips
credit_card

Visas

US citizens planning on traveling to Thailand for less than 30 days do not need a visa. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months past the date of arrival into this country. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.

currency_exchange

Currency

Thai BAHT is the official currency of Thailand. Bear in mind that Kasikom Bank and Siam Commercial Bank have the best exchange rates and, as mentioned earlier, treat the money well: never step on a coin, or throw, tear or burn paper bills, because it shows disrespect to the royal family.

cloudy_snowing

Weather

The climate in Thailand is tropical, with mostly high temperatures and an abundance of humidity throughout the year. The best time to visit Thailand is between November and February.

flight_takeoff

Airports

Suvarnabhumi Airport, unofficially known as Bangkok Airport, is one of two international airports serving Bangkok the capital of Thailand. The other is Don Mueang International Airport.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Thailand, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Comparison of the Cost Of Living in Thailand with other countries

Cost of living in countries