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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 |
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 $ |
|
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 $ |
|
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 $ |
|
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 $ |
|
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 $ |
|
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 $ |
|
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 $ |
|
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 $ |
|
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 $ |
|
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 % |
|
The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 1.84 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 20.98 USD.
Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 1.44 USD, a loaf of bread 1.19 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 1.5 USD.
Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 0.79 USD and a monthly pass around 27.76 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.
For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 56.76 USD.
For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 41.67 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 8.14 USD.
Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 321.39 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 10253.58 USD.
Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 43.36 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 75.39 USD.
Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 353.78 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 191.49 USD.
If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 2937.86 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 1592.28 USD.
The average monthly net salary here is about 475.1 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 5.28% annually.
Thailand
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.
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.
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.
As for natural disasters, Thailand is known for tsunamis, severe storms, and occasional earthquakes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.