Cost of Living in Bangkok, Thailand

Are you considering a move to Bangkok, Thailand, and wondering about the cost of living? Bangkok is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Bangkok and help you understand whether $1843 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $654.65.

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

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

2.86 $

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

28.65 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

5.73 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

2.29 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

3.51 $

Cappuccino (regular)

2.4 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

0.61 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

0.34 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

1.75 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

1.56 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

1.47 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

2.08 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

19.92 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

3.13 $

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

11.27 $

Apples (1 lb)

3.07 $

Banana (1 lb)

1.35 $

Oranges (1 lb)

2.26 $

Tomato (1 lb)

1.61 $

Potato (1 lb)

1.57 $

Onion (1 lb)

1.35 $

Lettuce (1 head)

1.29 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

0.45 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

20.05 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

1.71 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

3.15 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

4.3 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

1.26 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

37.24 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

1.0 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

1.15 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

5.16 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

1.14 $

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

55859.52 $

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

26076.64 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

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

92.49 $

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

--

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

15.97 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

60.11 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

10.79 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

7.73 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

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

649.52 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

13365.07 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

55.9 $

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

42.08 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

99.64 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

96.36 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

715.31 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

338.51 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

1666.2 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

837.8 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

5603.58 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

2563.0 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

654.65 $

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

5.57 %

Cost of Living in Bangkok, Thailand

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the monthly cost of living in Bangkok?

The monthly expenses for living in Bangkok come to a total of approximately $1843. This includes an average monthly rent of around $715 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $100 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $597 per month.

How affordable is living in Bangkok?

Living in Bangkok appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $654.65. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Bangkok, you would likely need an income exceeding $654.65.

What is the average salary in Bangkok?

In Bangkok, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $654.65, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.

What is the average rent in Bangkok?

The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Bangkok is approximately $715. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $338.51 for such an apartment.

What is the cost of groceries in Bangkok?

The expense for groceries in Bangkok can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $481 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.

What is the cost of living in Thailand?

The cost of living in Thailand can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout Thailand.

Bangkok, Thailand

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

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Generally speaking, Bangkok can be considered a safe city: 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 Bangkok. 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: LOW

As Bangkok is a growingly popular tourist city, 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: MEDIUM

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

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Kidnappings are not that often, though they have happened, They're, however, possible, especially in the remote areas of the city, and in the outskirts of Bangkok.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

As for terrorism risks in Bangkok, it has 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 Bangkok 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: MEDIUM

Even though Bangkok 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 Bangkok 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 Bangkok. 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 Bangkok 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 Bangkok, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Bangkok, Thailand

What about weather in Bangkok, Thailand ?
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 89°F 91°F 93°F 95°F 94°F 92°F 91°F 91°F 90°F 89°F 89°F 88°F
Temp 80°F 83°F 85°F 87°F 86°F 85°F 84°F 84°F 83°F 83°F 82°F 80°F
Low 72°F 75°F 78°F 80°F 80°F 80°F 79°F 79°F 78°F 78°F 76°F 72°F
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 31°C 32°C 33°C 35°C 34°C 33°C 32°C 32°C 32°C 31°C 31°C 31°C
Temp 26°C 28°C 29°C 30°C 30°C 29°C 28°C 28°C 28°C 28°C 27°C 26°C
Low 22°C 23°C 25°C 26°C 26°C 26°C 26°C 26°C 25°C 25°C 24°C 22°C

Comparison Cost of living in other cities in Thailand with Bangkok

Comparison Cost of living in other cities

Cost of living in countries