How Much Does It Cost to Live In Bangkok?
Thailand is the paradise on the Earth, and if you are having in mind relocating there, Bangkok might be an ideal destination.
Deciding where to go can be quite a problem, and the perfect solution can be found only when all the advantages and disadvantages are taken into consideration.
So, by researching on how much your life will cost Bangkok you will be prepared for what might awaits you there.
Thailand : Cost of Living by City
RESTAURANTS
Bangkok is among the most popular cities right now both for tourists and newcomers.
Due to the low cost of meals and amazing food, restaurants are frequently visited here.
Alcohol is a bit more expensive than expected, but in general, eating out form time to time would not be a trouble for your budget.
MARKETS
Just as cities and towns across Thailand have different living costs, food prices in various stores differ.
That is why you should research the area where you live in order to find more affordable stores, and purchase the available groceries at the local markets.
TRANSPORTATION
Many people decided to move there permanently, and what they have to have in mind is the commuting costs that are obligatory here.
It is suggested to make use of public transportation system which is affordable and efficient, rather than driving which might take you a lot of time and money.
UTILITIES (MONTHLY)
Additional payment onto the top of the rent costs are utilities.
The prices are not too high, but for the people who do not earn much, they would be considered expensive.
All in all, basic services including the Internet access would be around $100.
SPORTS & LEISURE
Cutting down expenses such as entertainment and sports are a frequent case for those who do not earn enough to cover them.
However, citizens of Bangkok devote pretty high amount of their monthly budgets to various types of leisure activities, besides the fact that fitness club monthly fees are quite high.
CLOTHING & SHOES
Sometimes, so as to make their life work, people need to lower their cost of living to keep in line with their income and the expense that is usually cut down is apparel.
Being that it is not of essential importance, people tend to save some money by not buying designer clothes which is pretty expensive, when compared to the not so high salaries.
RENT PER MONTH
Your fixed monthly expense in Bangkok would be the rent.
This is the city where the rent is the most expensive when compared to whole Thailand.
The location you have chosen would highly affect the height of the rent.
People who have lager families would need to devote more than $2000 per month.
Cost of Living Averages Table for Bangkok
*Note: All prices are indicated in USD.| Average Restaurant Prices | |
|---|---|
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $2.56 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter) | $2.56 |
| Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.32 | Average Market Prices |
| Milk (1 Liter) | $6.47 |
| Loaf Bread (500g) | $1.06 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.81 | Average Transport Prices |
| One Way Ticket | $1.09 |
| Monthly Pass | $34.04 |
| Gasoline | $3.68 | Average Utilities Prices |
| Basic (Water, Electricity, Garbage, Heating, Cooling) | $82.90 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local | $0.06 |
| Internet (Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $24.05 | Average Leisure Prices |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | $72.88 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour) | $10 |
| Cinema, 1 Seat, International Release | $6.71 | Average Clothing Prices |
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Comparable) | $57.53 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, etc...) | $34.56 |
| 1 Pair of Adidas Walking Shoes (Mid-Range) | $97.36 | Average Rent Prices |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center | $671.11 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center | $335.58 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center | $2074.04 |
How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Bangkok?
When coming here, people might think that they will be able to maintain a fun and full life without obsessing about their expenses, but that all depends on the salaries they earn.
As a newcomer, you will have to pay the rent, which will take the third of your income.
Another huge expense is food, even though the groceries are not so pricey as in some other countries.
Utilities are inexpensive, so very little money is spent on them, as well as on clothes.
Average Costs Breakdown
Bangkok: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages
Before coming to Bangkok, it is suggested to cover all the factors that would affect your new life there, especially the possible future salary.
As you will need to rent your accommodation, everything below the average salary would be considered inappropriate and insufficient for all the costs.
Having in mind the fact that incomes here are not high, while expenses are not in line with the budget, this might help you decide whether Bangkok is the right place to call your future home.
Bangkok Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Bangkok Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: HIGH
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: HIGH
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Cost of Living by City in Bangkok
| City | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|
| Chiang Mai | 40.53 |
| Pattaya | 40.7 |
| Phuket | 46.98 |
