Cost of living in Thailand In 2023
Thailand has always been a popular tourist and expat destination, but many people are curious about the expense of living there. As a digital nomad, this is one of my favourite places in the world to live a few months per year, especially when it gets cold in Europe 😁. But how much does it really cost to live in Thailand?
Thailand’s cost of living is usually lower than that of many Western nations, making it an appealing destination for individuals seeking an economical lifestyle.
It should be noted, however, that the cost of living in Thailand varies substantially depending on where you reside and your lifestyle. For example, the cost of living in Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city, might be higher than in other regions of the country, and you should expect to pay more if you wish to live a more luxurious lifestyle. However, what I love about Thailand is that you can live both on the cheap and in luxury if that’s what you prefer.
In this post, I’ll go over the various costs of living in Thailand, such as housing, transportation, food, and healthcare, among other things.
Whether you’re thinking of relocating to Thailand or are simply curious about the cost of living in this fantastic country, this article will provide you with important insights and information to help you manage your money and estimate your expenses. Therefore, let’s get started and look at the cost of living in Thailand!
What to Expect in Thailand
Language: While Thai is the native language, young people are taught basic English in school, and many signs are printed in English. You’ll manage, but speak slowly and use signs as well.
Alternatively, you can learn Thai language because, not surprisingly, locals may be more eager to communicate with you as many appreciate and are quite fond of when foreigners take the time to learn their language. You do not need to be fluent, the basics will do just fine to make it easier for you to get around and get a fuller experience.
Currency: Thai Baht is the local currency. 1 USD=35THB (March 2023). Get a fee-free transfer with this link via WISE.
Climate: Thailand has a tropical climate, characterized by high temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. There are three main seasons: the hot season from March to May, the rainy season from June to October, and the cool season from November to February. The south has a more stable temperature and rainfall pattern throughout the year, but the north and northeast have colder temperatures during the cool season.
Cost of Living In Thailand Overview
Thailand is regarded as a low-cost-of-living country when compared to Western countries. The cost of living varies based on geography and lifestyle preferences, with big cities such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai being more costly than rural locations. Basic accommodations cost a few hundred baht per night, whereas luxury hotels cost several thousand baht per night. A one-bedroom flat in Bangkok may cost between 8,000 and 25,000 baht per month.
Food: Eating in Thailand is often inexpensive, with street food being a popular and inexpensive choice, with prices ranging from 30 baht (90 cents) to 80–90 baht ($2.5 USD). Restaurant meals can range from 50 to 500 baht, depending on the cuisine and establishment. Scroll down to the food section for more details.
Accommodation: The cost of a simple guesthouse or hostel can range from a few hundred baht per night to several thousand baht per night for a luxury hotel ($100 USD +). Renting a one-bedroom flat in Bangkok can range from 8,000 to 25,000 baht per month, depending on location and quality. Airbnb is not very popular, and the best flats are through agencies or other websites. More on this below.
Transport: Thailand’s transportation is likewise reasonably priced. Taxis, tuk-tuks, and motorbike taxis are all easily accessible and reasonably priced, with short rides starting at roughly 30 baht. Buses and railroads are also economical modes of public transit, however, trains are not fast and buses are overcrowded and don’t come in time. A train ticket is between $1 USD and $40-$50 depending on the distance.
Outside Bangkok, your best bet will be to rent a car or scooter.
Sightseeing: is very accessible and, in a lot of cases, free. For example, the Grand Palace in Bangkok, a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok, including the famous Temple of the Emerald Buddha, costs 500 baht (approximately $16 USD)
Wat Pho, Bangkok: Wat Pho is a temple complex that houses the famous Reclining Buddha statue, which is 46 meters long and covered in gold leaf. The entrance fee is around 100 baht (approximately $3 USD).
The entrance fee for Ayutthaya Historical Park: Ayutthaya which was once the capital of Thailandis isaround 50 baht (approximately $1.50 USD)
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is free whilst a boat tour in Phang Nga Bay typically cost around 1,500 baht (approximately $50 USD) per person.
Experiences: They are not cheap or expensive, so they are pretty affordable for most tourists traveling with some money. Depending on how long the tour takes (half day, one day, etc.), you could be paying between 800 baht ($23 USD) – cooking classes in Chiang Mai and up to $130 USD for a day trip to see an elephant sanctuary. One option to live experiences in The Land of Smiles is to take Thailand group tours from your home country and have everything managed for you, from flights to schedules and types of experiences.
Medical: if you have dental issues, an X-ray can cost 200–500 baht (aprox $6-12 USD) while a colored filling is around 1000 baht or $30 USD. The treatment in the hospital is not free in Thailand, so you want to make sure you have good health insurance, especially if you stay long-term.
Food
Options and Prices
Food Options and Prices
Thailand is well-known for its delicious and reasonably priced cuisine, and visitors can sample a wide variety of delicacies without breaking the bank. Food costs in Thailand might vary greatly depending on where you go and what sort of cuisine you choose.
In general, street cuisine and small eateries are quite cheap, with meals costing as little as 30–50 baht (about $1–$1.50 USD). Prices for more upmarket eating experiences will be greater, but still quite reasonable in comparison to Western countries. For example, a ramen could cost you 300 baht ($7 USD) whilst a cocktail in a classy place might reach 400 baht ($12 USD).
Nonetheless, costs in tourist districts or at high-end restaurants catering to expats or visitors might be similar to prices in places like London or Milan.
STREET FOOD STALLS
The most common food for locals. You will notice them almost everywhere. They are on wheels and use a huge wok pan and a gas canister They don’t look state of the art however, it’s pretty safe to eat there and everything is cooked in front of you with fresh ingredients. Food prices varry between 40-60 baht ( that’s 1-1.5 USD)
LOCAL THAI RESTAURANTS
Local Thai restaurants are not fancy, but they have English menus, and you’ll recognise them fast. They have normal tables, are on the ground floor, and the price is about 50%–100% higher than the food stalls on the street. This means you might be paying about 80 baht ($2 USD) instead of 40 baht.
MALL RESTAURANTS
For example, a ramen will cost you at least 200 baht and an all you can eat sushi for 90 minutes starts from 399 baht.
WESTERN FRANCHISES
If you crave a Western franchise, you’ll find a lot in Thailand. McDonald’s, Burger King, and Starbucks are there already. You will have the opportunity to eat a decent burger. You will find this in all the major cities in Thailand.
They don’t come cheap though, you’ll pay much more than on Thai food. A menu is at McDonald’s for example will cost you about 200 thb ( that’s about $6 USD). For an Iced Americano cofee at Starbucks you will leave $3.7 USD.
Accomodation
Options and Prices
Accommodation Options
Thailand is a popular tourist destination with a variety of lodging alternatives to suit all budgets and interests. The following are some of the most prevalent forms of lodging in Thailand.
You have plenty of options, from cheap to luxurious, and remember, the longer you stay, the cheaper the accommodation will get. Usually, you’ll get the best rates if you rent a flat for at least six months, even up to a year. Expect to pay a couple hundred dollars per month if you want to live in cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.
Hotels
You will find hotels in Bangkok starting from 330 per night baht ($10 USD) relatively close to the city centre. These rooms are small but clean and have thai traditional furniture. For this price you might have to share the bathroom or the room might not have windows so double check.
For a more modern, bigger room you will have to take out about 750 baht per night
If hotels are your thing and you want to live in style in places like Bangkok or Ko Samui, have a look at some of the options and great deals on Booking.com.
Hostels
Backpackers and budget tourists like to stay in hostels. They provide communal, dormitory-style lodging as well as individual rooms at a much lower price than hotels. In addition, hostels frequently include common spaces where guests may mingle and meet new people.
Hostel prices start at 200 baht per night, so they are extremely affordable if you are willing to share the bathroom and room with 11 other people.
Aparthotels
There are plenty of condos in Bangkok to rent. Some of them are absolutely stunning, with roof top pools, gyms, and saunsas. It all depends on your budget. Have a look at some of the options on Airbnb (though this is not the best place to rent) and the very popular Thai website Fazwaz.
Depending on the amenities and location, you should be prepared to pay between $300-$800 USD for some small but chic condos. Therefore still very acceptable compared to the US or Europe
Guesthouses
Guesthouses are smaller, family-run businesses that provide a more personal touch than hotels. They are often less expensive than hotels and provide plain rooms with minimal facilities. Some others though, have beautiful gardens and own bathrooms.
It’s a good way to learn about the Thai culture and stay social with the locals. Prices start from 30 USD if you want to live in centre Bangkok.
Resorts and Villas
Thailand is well-known for its stunning beaches and islands, and resorts are a popular choice for visitors seeking a relaxed beach holiday.
Resorts, which may be situated on the beach or in the mountains, provide a variety of facilities such as pools, spas, and restaurants. For those who want more space and privacy, villas and apartments are a great option. They are available for rent on a short-term or long-term basis and can offer amenities such as kitchens and private pools. Expect to pay between a few tens of US dollars (in resorts in Hua Hin) up to thousands per night in Ko Samui or Phuket depending on the degree of luxury you want.
Book flights ✈️ Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe.
Accommodation 🛌 You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals.
If you want to live in a hotel, then do your bookings through Agoda. They have some fantastic offers across Thailand and offers all the time.
As an alternative, you can use Booking.com as they have some good deals for Thailand as well, but not as good as Agoda.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance 🩺 Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. You should never go on a trip without it as it can literally save your holiday or stay. Our favourite companies that offer the best service and value are (get a special price through these links:
Transport
Options and Prices
Moving Around Thailand
Thailand is a popular tourist destination with a variety of lodging alternatives to suit all budgets and interests. The following are some of the most prevalent forms of lodging in Thailand.
You have plenty of options, from cheap to luxurious, and remember, the longer you stay, the cheaper the accommodation will get. Usually, you’ll get the best rates if you rent a flat for at least six months, even up to a year. Expect to pay a couple hundred dollars per month if you want to live in cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.
Metro (Bangkok)
The MTR system in Bangkok has two lines, blue and purple. It covers the city well, but not fully. You will have to use it together with taxis or the BTS system, which is Bangkok’s train system.
The metro is not cheap. A ride will cost you between 20 – 44 Baht ($1.2 USD).
Trains
Trains are a common means of transportation in Thailand, particularly for longer journeys. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) runs the country’s railway network, which stretches over 4,000 kilometers and serves both visitors and residents.
Thailand has a variety of trains, ranging from sluggish local trains to quicker express trains. Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bangkok to Surat Thani (for access to the islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan), and Bangkok to Nong Khai are all major rail lines in Thailand.
It’s worth noting that train ticket prices in Thailand can change depending on factors like the time of year, the popularity of the route, and the availability of tickets.
A ticket for a 10 hour train ride between Bangkok and Chiang Mai (a very popular route) will cost you about 930 BAHT, which is about $27 USD.
Flights
Thailand has many local and international aiports so air transport is always an option.
Some of the most important airports where you can fly in and out are in Phuket, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Surat Thani.
Air Asia is probably the most popular airline in Asia. It is a low cost carrier that covers most of Southeast Asia. Basically, the equivalent of RyanAir in Asia. They have both local flights in Thailand and flights out of Thailand. Airplane tickets start at $20 USD and can go into the hundreds.
We recommend using Sky Scanner to get the best deals for flights in and out of Thailand or even local flights.
Buses
Buses are a popular mode of transportation in Thailand for long-distance travel, with both public and private companies operating them.
There are more luxurious private buses, but they are also more expensive. Most buses in Thailand are air-conditioned and have reclining seats, and there are various types, including VIP and VIP24, which have added amenities like personal TVs, snacks, and drinks. For a ride between Bangkok and Surat Thani, you will be paying about 800 BAHT, which translates to approximately $23 USD.
We recommend using 12goasia.com. It’s a very serious website when it comes to buses and ferries.
Tuk Tuks
Tuk Tuks are a great idea anywhere in Thailand because you’ll find them at any corner or stop them on the street. Usually they fit a bunch of people so if you are travelling with a group, you will be saving money. A short ride of about 10 minutes can be $1 USD.
Taxis and Apps
Taxis are popular in the big cities like Bangkok or from and to the airport in smaller cities. You will see them in green and yellow in Bangkok.
We suggest you download and use the app Grab, which is a super-app Thai people use to order transport, food and more. You can even order Scooter Taxis which are extremelly popular and will cost you arpox $1.5 USD for a 10-15 minutes ride.
Book flights ✈️ Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe.
Accommodation 🛌 You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals.
If you want to live in a hotel, then do your bookings through Agoda. They have some fantastic offers across Thailand and offers all the time.
As an alternative, you can use Booking.com as they have some good deals for Thailand as well, but not as good as Agoda.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance 🩺 Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. You should never go on a trip without it as it can literally save your holiday or stay. Our favourite companies that offer the best service and value are (get a special price through these links:
Monthly Budget in Thailand
Accommodation: $150/month in shared hostel room or $300 – $550 USD/ month for a flat.
(Street) Food: 3 meals X $30 X $2 USD = $180 USD
Travel: Metro Card Bangkok ($80 USD) / Scooter Rental $100 USD per month / Car rental $1000 USD per month
Going out: Meal + Drink in Restaurant 400 Baht, aprox $12 USD.
Sightseeing: on average, a day tour is about $50. Entrance to Museums and Temples $5-$10
Going out: Beer in Bar $3 USD, Meal in restaurant $10 USD, Cocktail $12 USD, Full-Body Massage $18 USD.
Supermarket: Super Markets like Big C are cheaper with at least 20% than US or Europe. However, markets like Gourmet Supermarkets have European Prices with some items even more expensive than in Europe.
Miscellaneous: One washing machine is about $1 USD, men’s shaircut $10 USD
Frequently Asked Questions
about cost of living in Thailand
How Much Does It Cost To Live In Thailand For A Year?
It all depends on the lifestyle. To have a decent life and enjoy it too with some casual going out, you should budget at least $18,000 USD per year, which is somewhere around $1,500 per month per person. This should be a minimum to make sure you have a comfortable life in Thailand. Having said that, you could manage with $1,300 if you budget your accommodation better and cut a some nights out.
Is 1000 dollars enough to live in Thailand?
Yes. It is possible to live in Thailand with $1,000 USD per month, especially outside Bangkok. However it will be pretty tight and you’ll have to pay attention very often to how much you spend. Also, you will have to plan your stays in time and book for long term to save on accommodation. We recommend having a budget of at least $1300 USD per month to cover all the costs.
How Can You Live Cheap In Thailand?
You can live in hostels for about 5$ per night which is a staggering 150$ per month. This is extremelly cheap. If you eat food at the street stalls (usually clean) you will spend about $5-$6 usd per day on food. For transport you can rent a scooter or even buy a used one. There are hostels where you can live with $7 USD per night even in Bangkok. Although it comes with some downsides. You have to be ready to share the bed and have less privacy.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Thailand?
A minimum of $2,000 USD will offer you a good standard of living in Thailand, even in the capital Bangkok.
This would include eating at medium quality restaurants, a good medical insurance, travel with taxi from time to time and going out. Obviously, for a family of 3 the amount will be higher due to education cost and others.
What should I pack for travelling to Thailand? Any special items?
Actually yes. The climate is very different from the US and Europe, so you want to bring the right items with you. We’ve got a good starting list for you right here.
However, don’t stress too much if you forget something. You can find in Thailand almost anything you can imagine, including the items you don’t have with you.
