MONTHLY Cost Of Living in THAILAND 2024 (Budget Guide)

Why Should You Move To Thailand?

So You Want to Live in Thailand On a budget? The Cost Of Living In Thailand makes it possible to Live For Around $590 to $2500 per month, depending on your budget. This article explains how we lived in Thailand for 2 years for under $1000 per month, how others did it, and how you can Live in Thailand too. We also included a few videos that will help you give context! 

We’ll explain all the important details about living in Thailand – from the cost of living in Thailand to tips on traveling the islands and renting an apartment monthly, Utilities, healthcare, Things to do in Thailand, and more.

We’ll also provide a monthly cost of living in Thailand table, so you can know how much money you’ll need to make each month to live comfortably in Thailand. This article will be the most comprehensive on the internet and will continually be updated with updated information.

• Thailand has world-class weather, some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and nature, incredible mountains and jungles, world-class scenery, infinite adventures to make, and an incredibly unique culture. Thailand is extremely safe, making it a great place to raise a family. To give you an idea of what moving would cost, here’s a breakdown of some key expenses: Total Monthly Living Costs in Thailand Is $590 to $2500 Per Month For all expenses and if you budget smartly then you can expect to spend $800 to $1200 per month for all expenses.
•  Thailand is a unique Magical Paradise Tropical Country in Southeast Asia. That is 5 times cheaper than living in New York City, United States. As we will explain, yes, you don’t have to spend the $5,000 per week on vacations you see on social media. This is the wrong way to travel!
•    Thailand has more than 1430 Islands and incredible countryside, jungles, and Mountains.
•   The affordable cost of living In Thailand, With a monthly income of less than $1500 is possible to live well, and sometimes even as low as $1000 per month if you are on a tight, extreme budget, which we will discuss later in this article. The monthly rent in Thailand, food budget, housing expenses, and transportation options in Thailand are determined by your budget and spending habits, depending on how much you spend.
•    The average monthly cost of living in Thailand is $500 For the Local Natives. Expats and Digital Nomads will spend more to keep up with their living standards of around $1500 per month Living in Thailand.
•   Thailand has world-class local food that you should try, which is another tip to save money. While living in Thailand, try to eat at the local markets and supermarkets. You will save a lot of money doing this. Also, checkout the 7/11 for unique snacks and food.

This article will help you understand how much money you’ll need to live comfortably and inexpensively by providing an in-depth overview of the Cost Of Living In Thailand. Additionally, we’ll emphasize and explain some of the advantages of living in Thailand, help you decide if it’s right for you, and help you save money on a budget every month!

We’ve been digital nomads for almost 4.5 years. We also lived in Thailand for 2 years and have been traveling the globe since then, so we’ll share our experiences with you! Let’s do it!

Table Of Contents

Estimated Monthly Cost of Living in Thailand Summary Cost Of Rent, Groceries, Transportation, Healthcare: $590 – $3100 Per Month

The cost of living in Thailand ranges from $590 to $3100 per month. The cost of living in Thailand is 81% lower than in New York City, United States. With a family of four estimated monthly costs of $2,000, depending on your spending habits, it could be more or less than what is listed here.

You can reduce your monthly budget significantly with research, solid budget planning, eating local food, shopping at the supermarkets, and renting on Airbnb monthly or finding a cheaper apartment locally.

Living in Thailand is extremely affordable, and the good news is that there are a lot of affordable rent and accommodations, food, and transport options to be found anywhere in the country.

• The range of costs is from $590 to $3100 + per month, depending on your budget and your spending habits.
•   A budget food and grocery plan will cost you around $200 to $500 per month on average, although this figure will vary depending on your location and budget.
•   Overall, a monthly budget of $590 to $2000 is a realistic estimate for the cost of living in Thailand. You should re-evaluate your budget and spending habits if you spend above that.
•   A family of four estimated monthly costs is $2000.
•   A single person estimated monthly costs is $590 to $1200.
•   On average, the cost of living in Thailand is 81% lower than in the United States.
•   Rent in Thailand is, on average, 80% lower than in the United States.
•  Transportation costs expect to spend an estimated $4000 baht to 7,500 baht ($120 – $190) each month on transportation.

Estimated Monthly Cost Of Living In Thailand: Table of Expenses 2024

The Cost of living in Thailand table below is An extensive research poll of Digital Nomads, Expats, travelers, and Numbeo users that lived in Thailand was used to put this together. We also go significantly deeper below this table of expenses!

$1 USD equals 35.52 Thai Baht. This estimate is based on an extremely Strict Budget Vs. A luxury Budget in Thailand per month! The Cost Of Living Per Month In Thailand is $590 to $3100, depending on your spending habits! Here is a table of expenses for a couple living in Thailand per month:

Below is also a summary of 5 of the top cities in Thailand Foreigners love to live in. The Variance in the Table above Varies by $100 to $200 for each of these cities. Some are more expensive or cheaper than the other, keep that in mind, but honestly, it’s a small $100 to $200 difference which I will show.

Cost Of Living In Bangkok, Thailand Summary: $690 – $3120 Per Month!

The cost of living in Bangkok, Thailand, ranges from $690 to $3120 per month. It is similar in most cities in Thailand but with a $100 to $200 variation per month in your budget, depending on the location and cities. The cost of living in Bangkok, Thailand, is 79% lower than in New York City, United States. With a family of four estimated monthly costs of $2,100, depending on your spending habits, it could be more or less than what is listed here. For example, we lived in a 31st floor apartment Complex penthouse apartment with pool amenities, a gym, co working space, and more for $350 a month In Sathorn, Bangkok, Thailand area.

You can reduce your monthly budget significantly with research, solid budget planning, eating local food, shopping at the supermarkets, and renting on Airbnb monthly or finding a cheaper apartment locally.

Living in Bangkok, Thailand, is extremely affordable. The Transportation and the BTS and MRT Train system in Bangkok is the best in all of Thailand so you can get around a lot better, and the good news is that there are a lot of affordable rent and accommodations, food, and public transport options to be found anywhere in the country.

We also made an entire article on the Cost of Living in Bangkok, Thailand check it out here!

Key Facts About the Cost Of Living in Bangkok, Thailand:

• The range of costs is from $690 to $3120 + per month, depending on your budget and your spending habits.
•   A budget food and grocery plan will cost you around $220 to $550 per month on average, although this will vary depending on your location and budget.
•   Overall, a monthly budget of $1000 to $1500 is a realistic estimate for the cost of living in Bangkok, Thailand. You should re-evaluate your budget and spending habits if you spend above that.
•   A family of four estimated monthly costs is $2200.
•   A single person estimated monthly costs is $690 to $1220.
•   On average, the cost of living in Bangkok, Thailand, is 79% lower than in the United States.
•   On average, rent in Bangkok, Thailand, is 79% lower than in the United States.
•  Transportation costs expect to spend an estimated $4000 baht to 7,500 baht ($100 – $190) each month on transportation.

Cost Of Living In Chiang Mai, Thailand Summary: $550 – $2900 per month

The cost of living in Thailand ranges from $550 to $2900 per month. The cost of living in Chiang Mai, Thailand, is 84% lower than in New York City, United States. With a family of four estimated monthly costs of $2,000, depending on your spending habits, it could be more or less than what is listed here.

You can reduce your monthly budget significantly with research, solid budget planning, eating local food, Using the transportation options available, renting your own scooter, shopping at the supermarkets, and renting on Airbnb monthly or finding a cheaper apartment locally.

We also made an entire article on the Cost of Living in Chiang Mai, Thailand Check it out here!

Key Facts about the Cost Of Living in Chiang Mai, Thailand:

• The range of costs in Chiang Mai, Thailand, is from $550 to $2900 + per month, depending on your budget and your spending habits.
•   A budget food and grocery plan will cost you around $200 to $520 per month on average, although this figure will vary depending on your location and budget.
•   Overall, a monthly budget of $1000 to $1400 is a realistic estimate for the cost of living in Thailand. You should re-evaluate your budget and spending habits if you spend above that.
•   A family of four estimated monthly costs is $2100.
•   A single person estimated monthly costs is $550 to $1200.
•   On average, the cost of living in Chiang Mai, Thailand, is 84% lower than in the United States.
•   Rent in Chaing Mai, Thailand, is, on average, 84% lower than in the United States.
•  Transportation costs expect to spend an estimated $4000 baht to 7,500 baht ($120 – $190) each month on transportation.

Cost Of Living In Phuket, Thailand Summary: $710 – $3100 per month

The cost of living in Phuket, Thailand, ranges from $710 to $3100 per month. The cost of living in Phuket, Thailand, is 78% lower than in New York City, United States. With a family of four estimated monthly costs of $2,200, depending on your spending habits, it could be more or less than what is listed here.

You can reduce your monthly budget significantly with research, solid budget planning, Renting your own scooter or using the public transportation options, eating local food, shopping at the supermarkets, and renting on Airbnb monthly or finding a cheaper apartment locally.

Key Facts about the Cost Of Living in Phuket, Thailand:

• The range of costs is from $590 to $3100 + per month, depending on your budget and your spending habits.
•   A budget food and grocery plan will cost you around $200 to $500 per month on average, although this figure will vary depending on your location and budget.
•   Overall, a monthly budget of $590 to $2000 is a realistic estimate for the cost of living in Thailand. You should re-evaluate your budget and spending habits if you spend above that.
•   A family of four estimated monthly costs is $2000.
•   A single person estimated monthly costs is $700 to $1200.
•   On average, the cost of living in Thailand is 81% lower than in the United States.
•   Rent in Thailand is, on average, 80% lower than in the United States.
•  Transportation costs expect to spend an estimated $4000 baht to 7,500 baht ($120 – $190) each month on transportation.

We also wrote a full in depth guide on the Cost of Living in Phuket Thailand Here!

Cost Of Living In Pattaya Thailand Summary: $750 – $3200 per month

The cost of living in Pattaya, Thailand, ranges from $750 to $3200 per month. Pattaya is Thailand’s party and nightlife city, even crazier than Bangkok. I’m sure you have heard crazy stories about Pattaya. The cost of living in Thailand is 77% lower than in New York City, United States. With a family of four estimated monthly costs of $2,300, depending on your spending habits, it could be more or less than what is listed here.

You can reduce your monthly budget significantly with research, solid budget planning, Renting your own scooter and using public transportation, eating local food, shopping at the supermarkets, and renting on Airbnb monthly or finding a cheaper apartment locally.

Key facts for the Cost of Living in Pattaya, Thailand:

• The range of costs is from $750 to $3200 + per month, depending on your budget and your spending habits.
•   A budget food and grocery plan will cost you around $300 to $600 per month on average, although this figure will vary depending on your location and budget.
•   Overall, a monthly budget of $1500 to $2000 is a realistic estimate for the cost of living in Pattaya, Thailand. You should re-evaluate your budget and spending habits if you spend above that.
•   A family of four estimated monthly costs is $2300.
•   A single person’s estimated monthly costs is $750 to $1500.
•   On average, the cost of living in Pattaya Thailand is 81% lower than in the United States.
•   Rent in Thailand is, on average, 77% lower than in the United States.
•  Transportation costs expect to spend an estimated $5000 baht to 8000 baht ($150 – $210) each month on transportation.

Cost Of Living In Koh Samui Thailand Summary: $800 – $3100 per month

The cost of living in Koh Samui, Thailand, ranges from $800 to $3100 per month. The cost of living in Koh Samui, Thailand, is 75% lower than in New York City, United States. With a family of four estimated monthly costs of $2,400, depending on your spending habits, it could be more or less than what is listed here.

You can reduce your monthly budget significantly with research, solid budget planning, Renting your own scooter, taking the local transport, eating local food, shopping at the supermarkets, and renting on Airbnb monthly or finding a cheaper apartment locally.

Living in Koh Samui, Thailand, is extremely affordable, and the good news is that there are a lot of affordable rent and accommodations, food, and transport options to be found anywhere in the country.

• The range of costs is from $800 to $3100 + per month, depending on your budget and your spending habits.
•   A budget food and grocery plan will cost you around $310 to $620 per month on average, although this figure will vary depending on your location and budget.
•   Overall, a monthly budget of $1400 to $2000 is a realistic estimate for the cost of living in Koh Samui, Thailand. You should re-evaluate your budget and spending habits if you spend above that.
•   A family of four estimated monthly costs is $2500.
•   A single person’s estimated monthly costs is $800 to $1200.
•   On average, the cost of living in Thailand is 75% lower than in the United States.
•   Rent in Koh Samui, Thailand, is, on average, 75% lower than in the United States.
•  Transportation costs expect to spend an estimated $5000 baht to 8,000 baht ($150 – $210) each month on transportation.

Cost Of Rent In Thailand Summary

The Cost of Renting an apartment or Airbnb in Thailand can be affordable if you stick to a structured budget. Renting an apartment in Thailand will cost $150 to $600 for a simple apartment per month to $1,200 or more for a luxury apartment. Still, it’s important to research beforehand to ensure you are getting the best value for your money. Various rentals are available. We recommend using Airbnb.

We recommend renting on Airbnb. It is a highly streamlined process, faster than going through a rental agency.

• Renting an apartment monthly from Airbnb will be the best option if you want to live in Thailand on a budget. On average, apartments in Thailand cost $150 to $600 per month on Airbnb.
•   Renting a home with two or more rooms will cost you around $600 or more per month. 
• You’ll have to choose between renting a flat, studio, 2+ bedroom apartment, sharing the rent, hostels, guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, and Couchsurfing.
•   To save money on total expenses, eat at the local food places in Thailand, shop at the local supermarkets, and look for an apartment in Thailand in the surrounding areas close to local markets, local food stalls, supermarkets, or local transportation areas. This is a fantastic tip.
•   Digital Nomads in Thailand and Expats in Thailand are just a few of the Facebook groups available For you. Facebook groups are a fantastic resource! It is an excellent place to start. 

When finding accommodation in Thailand, it’s important to do your research. The cost of rent can vary greatly depending on where you decide to live. In general, central areas are more expensive than suburbs or rural areas.

Monthly Cost Of Rent and Accommodation in Thailand: Table Of Expenses 2024

Here is a table of expenses for the Cost of Rent and Accommodation in Thailand per month:

Cost Of Rent And Accommodation In Bangkok, Thailand Summary: $200 – $600 per month

Here is a table of expenses for the Cost of Rent and Accommodation in Bangkok, Thailand per month:

Cost Of Rent And Accommodation In Chiang Mai Thailand Summary: $150 – $600 per month

Here is a table of expenses for the Cost of Rent and Accommodation in Chiang Mai, Thailand per month:

Cost Of Rent And Accommodation In Phuket Thailand Summary: $250 – $600 per month

Here is a table of expenses for the Cost of Rent and Accommodation in Phuket, Thailand per month:

Cost Of Rent And Accommodation In Pattaya Thailand Summary: $250 – $600 per month

Here is a table of expenses for the Cost of Rent and Accommodation in Pattaya, Thailand per month:

Cost Of Rent And Accommodation In Koh Samui, Thailand Summary: $250 – $600 per month

Here is a table of expenses for the Cost of Rent and Accommodation in Koh Samui, Thailand per month:

Cost Of Transportation in Thailand Explained

Public transport may be a better option for those who don’t have a car or want to reduce their monthly expenses. I suggest renting a scooter monthly to explore Thailand to its fullest potential. Budget around $100 to $300 per month in transportation and exploring Thailand. Also, if you use a taxi, tuk-tuk, or hire a taxi, always negotiate the price first. Never get in the taxi or tuk-tuk without clarifying the price first. This keeps you from getting scammed.

The public transportation system in Thailand consists of mainly 18 transportation options:

• Try to rent a scooter monthly
•  Use Grab Taxi
•  Use Grab Motorbike taxi
•  Songthaew taxi in Thailand
•  find a tuk-tuk driver but make sure you negotiate the price
•  Use a Normal Bangkok Taxi. Make sure you negotiate the price and make sure its metered
•  Use the Bangkok MRT Subway
•  The Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) Skytrain is one of the most affordable and fastest ways to get around in Bangkok because you beat traffic and get to your destination the fastest we use this all the time. 
•   Carrier Vans
•   Tour Buses
•   Hire a private driver
•   Rent a car, and This is the most expensive. I don’t recommend it, and Thailand has crazy traffic, so possible to damage your car.
•   Use Ferries and take your rented scooter on it to explore different islands
•   Cargo boats or ships
•   use Water ferries
•   Domestic flights to other islands
•   Chartered seaplanes, which is extremely expensive
•   Chartered helicopters are costly
•   Use a kayak to get around the island.

Monthly Cost Of Transportation in Thailand: Table of Expenses in 2024

Here is a table of expenses for the Cost of Public Transportation in Thailand per month:

Best Cost of Flights To Thailand Tips

Did you know you can fly one way to Thailand affordably? This is How:

1. If you Fly to Thailand One-Way From New York City, the cost is $400 per person.
2.    If you Fly to Thailand from Europe, Australia, and other Asian countries, the costs will be from $100 to $300 per person.
3.   You Can Check On Google Flights here!
4.   Also, if you Have Travel Credit Card Miles and frequent Flyer miles, you can fly to Thailand For almost free!
5.   Try searching for low-cost airlines or fly during off-peak times or off season. If you’re determined to visit Thailand, book your flight as far in advance!

Cost Of Food In Thailand Explained: Monthly Food Table of Expenses 2024

Monthly Food Costs in Thailand cost $200 to $750 per month. You can save money if you eat at local food places, local markets, supermarkets, and street food. We recommend this, or you will spend way too much at tourist food spots daily, which will cost you a lot!

The Food in Thailand is truly world class! Skip the touristy food spots and only eat at the local Thai street food! The best food is at the local food stalls and street food. Your tastebuds will thank you.

We have been all over the world and still think about and dream of the food we ate while living in Thailand for 2 years! we can’t wait to move back to Thailand! and can’t wait to come back and eat the street food! we will also be making a dedicated article on the best food in Thailand, so stay tuned for that!

Here is a table of expenses for the Cost of Food in Thailand per month:

Cost of Healthcare in Thailand

Medical Tourism is massive in Thailand. You can get the same care in Thailand as you would back in the United States at 1/10th of the price back home. Many hospitals and clinics throughout Thailand provide high-quality care at reasonable prices. With many doctors that studied in the USA, UK, and Australia. I recommend researching the best hospitals for expats in Thailand.

We recommend The best travel health Insurance available by SafetyWing We always have travel insurance monthly for international trips and living abroad. It covers any health or medical procedure done.

We STRONGLY suggest that you also have it, especially if you live in Thailand as an expat, and we always use SafetyWing for international travel insurance and medical concerns. They start at $42 a month! It’s incredible and always reliable!

Cost of Taxes in Thailand by Percentage

Here is in-depth information for the cost of Taxes in Thailand for each type of Tax and make sure to contact a local Thailand Tax Professional for more Information:

Personal Income Tax in Thailand

• Tax Type: Personal Income Tax
• Tax Rate: 0% – 35%
• Important Information:
  • Progressive tax rates from 0% to 35% based on income levels.
  • First THB150,000 of income is tax exempt.
  • Top rate of 35% applies on income over THB5 million.

Value Added Tax (VAT) in Thailand

• Tax Type: Value Added Tax (VAT)
• Tax Rate: 7%
• Important Information:
  • Levied on sale of most goods and services in Thailand.
  • Standard VAT rate is currently 7%
  • Some exemptions apply like basic foods.

Corporate Income Tax in Thailand

• Tax Type: Corporate Income Tax
• Tax Rate: 0% – 20%
• Important Information:
  • Standard rate is 20% for most companies.
  • Small companies pay 15% on first THB300,000 profit.
  • Additional local taxes also apply.

Property Tax in Thailand

• Tax Type: Property Tax
• Tax Rate: 0.01% – 0.7%
• Important Information:
  • Levied annually based on appraised rental value of property.
  • Rates range from 0.01% to 0.7% depending on location.
  • Additional local taxes may apply.

Customs Duties in Thailand

• Tax Type: Customs Duties
• Tax Rate: 0% – 80%
• Important Information:
  • Levied on imported goods into Thailand.
  • Rates vary from 0% to 80% based on the product type.
  • FTAs reduce rates for trading partners.

Table of Tax Rates in Thailand

Main FAQS Section About Thailand

Conclusion on the Cost Of Living in Thailand

We hope that you have found this blog post helpful! We have summarized the cost of living in Thailand and provided table of expenses, provided information on rent, accommodation food costs and more! we will be continually updating this blog post! also below there are a lot of excellent travel resources that will help you in your Journey around the world!

Travel Resources and Reliable Sources For Thailand

• Travel Insurance: We always have travel insurance monthly for international trips and living abroad. We STRONGLY suggest that you also have it, just in case other digital nomads live abroad, and we always use SafetyWing for international travel insurance and medical concerns. SafetyWing is one of the few policies covering Covid-19, and they start at $42 a month! It’s incredible and always reliable! SafetyWing is perfect for Digital Nomads and long-term travelers!
• Heath and Safety: We use the travel guides on the CDC website to research recommended precautions.
• Official Thailand Tourism Board Tourist Friendly Site

If you want to keep up with our travels, go ahead and follow us on our travel page on Instagram @onelifepassport! Comment below what else you would like to know/see about our experiences traveling the world! Also, check out our YouTube Channel!

Related Articles about Thailand:

• Monthly Cost Of Living in Chiang Mai Thailand 2024 (Travel Guide)
• Monthly Cost Of Living in Bangkok Thailand 2024 (Budget Guide)
• Monthly Cost Of Living in Phuket Thailand 2024 (Budget Guide)

Austin Pierce

Co Owner of One Life Passport, Subject Matter Expert about Travel and Digital Nomadism, Travel Expert for 7 Years and Travel Youtuber with my Girlfriend Salina at One Life Passport on YouTube. About the Author: I Became A Digital Nomad in 2018 after working soul-crushing jobs in Tennessee, United States. I figured out how to make money online, and I bought a one-way ticket to Thailand in 2018, and we never looked back; I have been traveling the world with my girlfriend, Salina. We Run a YouTube Channel and this Blog; We write about the Digital Nomad Lifestyle, Travel, The Places we live, and How to Make Money Online. I am also an MMA and Muay Thai Fighter, and I am really into Fitness!

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