Are Prices Rising in Thailand Too? Many readers often ask: How much salary do you need to live in Thailand and maintain a good quality of life? This is crucial for negotiating the terms of an overseas job and deciding whether to work in Thailand. Let’s break down the actual living expenses.
Table of Contents
| Bangkok (Model I) | ||
| Accommodation | 15,000 | Living in a condo with security and management staff, some of which include maintenance services, offers better convenience. |
| Food | 12,000 | Dining out costs around 200 THB per meal in Bangkok, based on two meals per day. |
| Transportation | 4,200 | For an average distance of about seven MRT stations, round-trip travel is approximately 35 THB per trip, totaling 140 THB for two trips a day. |
| Daily Essentials | 3,500 | Includes items like shampoo and clothing. |
| Entertainment | 3,000 | Expect to spend about 1,000 THB per outing for simple socializing and dining out, averaging three times a month. |
| Total | 37,700 THB | Monthly living cost for the Comfort living style in Bangkok. |
Living Expenses in Bangkok: Urban Model II (Apartment, Simple Living Style)
| Bangkok (Model II) | ||
| Accommodation | 4,500 | Living in an apartment is simpler, with no management staff. |
| Food | 3,600 | If dining out and eating local street food, a meal in Bangkok costs about 60 THB, based on two meals per day. |
| Transportation | 4,200 | For an average distance of about seven MRT stations, round-trip travel is approximately 35 THB per trip, totaling 140 THB for two trips a day. |
| Daily Essentials | 2,000 | include items like shampoo and clothing (assuming clothes are purchased for around 100-200 THB from street vendors). |
| Entertainment | 3,000 | Expect to spend about 1,000 THB per outing for simple socializing and dining out, averaging three times a month. |
| Total | 17,300 THB | <—the monthly living cost for the Simple living style in Bangkok. |
Living Expenses in Rural Thailand
| Rural Thailand | ||
| Accommodation | 3,000 | Living in an apartment is simpler, with no management staff. |
| Food | 2,400 | If dining out and eating local street food, a meal in rural Thailand costs about 40 THB, based on two meals per day |
| Transportation | 800 | Transportation is usually by bus or motorcycle, costing about 150 THB per week (for bus fare or fuel). |
| Daily Essentials | 2,000 | include items like shampoo and clothing (assuming clothes are purchased for around 100-200 THB from street vendors). |
| Entertainment | 900 | For simple socializing and dining out, expect to spend about 300 THB per outing, averaging three times a month. |
| Total | 9,100 THB | <—the monthly living cost for rural Thailand. |
Can You Save Money While Working in Thailand?
The expenses above are based on discussions with friends living in Bangkok. Many companies offer housing and meals, so by deducting accommodation and food costs from the table, it’s possible to save money while working in Thailand—especially if you aren’t party animals.
＃If you’re considering living in the suburbs outside Bangkok, keep in mind that English may not be widely spoken. Knowing Thai can enhance your comfort and help you save on purchases. If you’re interested in learning Thai, it can be very beneficial:
除了我的YouTube channel, where I cover essential workplace Thai expressions. Additionally, I recommend checking out resources I gatheredMy Tips on Learning Thai外，想接觸更完整泰語系統課程/教材，這邊整理如下：Udemy Thai Courses (Taught in English)、 Hahow好學校泰文課(中文授課)、 hyread 泰語學習誌/教材(電子書)
Articles on Expats in Thailand：
👨🏽💻 Thailand Expat Workplace
【Job Hunting in Thailand】Are There Many Expat Job Opportunities in Media/Photography? Industry Talent Demand Analysis
【Opening a Bank Account in Thailand】Can Foreigners Open a Bank Account in Thailand? Banking & Credit Card Applications for Business and Tourist Visa Holders
【Hiring in Thailand】A Recruiter’s Perspective on Hiring Bilingual Talent in Thailand
【Expat Training】Corporate Training Seminars for Expats in Thailand
【Cost of Living in Thailand】Can You Save Money While Working Abroad? A Breakdown of Living Expenses in Thailand
【Thai Office Culture】Workplace Observations: Understanding Local Colleagues in Thailand
🚆 Bangkok Vacation Transportation
【Getting Around】Common ways to navigate Bangkok’s city traffic.
【Airport Transfers】Private car transfers from BKK/DMK airports to Bangkok city hotels.
【Bangkok Ride-Hailing】Comparing Thai taxis vs. Grab—which is more cost-effective?
【First-Time Visiting Thailand?】Get One-day Bangkok sightseeing passes
【Taking the Train in Bangkok】Experiencing Thailand’s railways—waiting for trains on the tracks!
⛱️ Expat Life Perks! Join Local Day Tours & Explore Attractions
【Must-See for 1st-Timers】Floating Market Day Tour from Bangkok: Damnoen Saduak, Maeklong Market & Amphawa Fireflies Cruise
【Thai Costume Experience】One Day - SENSE OF THAI Costume Rental Experience
【20K+ Rave Reviews】Let’s Relax Spa – Bangkok’s Award-Winning Massage & Spa
【Complete Thailand Golf Guide】A Full Overview of Thailand’s Golf Courses
【Bangkok Golf】Introduction to Bangkok Golf Courses, Prices, and Booking
【Pattaya Golf】Top Golf Courses in Pattaya: Reviews & Prices
【Chiang Mai Golf】Total Guide to Chiang Mai Golf Courses, Recommendations, Prices, Rankings, and Booking
【Hua Hin Golf】Hua Hin Golf Guide: Reviews, Best Courses, Prices, and Booking Tips
⚙️Useful Tools for Travelers in Thailand
【Unlimited Internet in Thailand】The most popular eSIM and SIM card options among travelers.
【Luggage Delivery】Luggage Concierge | Same-day delivery from BKK Airport to hotels in Bangkok.
🍜 Bangkok Food
【Unique Thai Snacks】Exotic Thai Street Food Experience
【Top Buffet】Copper Beyond Buffet at Gaysorn Amarin – A World-Class Culinary Experience
【Classic Thai Seafood】Great Harbour International Buffet Dining Experience at ICONSIAM
【Michelin Restaurants】20 Must-Visit Michelin Dining Experiences in Bangkok | 2024 updated
【Classic Thai Seafood】Discover Thailand’s Best Coastal Eateries
【Michelin Thai Buffet】Market Café by Khao at Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit – Enjoy $90 Worth of Dishes for $24
【Thai Local Delicacies】Experience Thailand's street food stalls! How to say "not spicy" in Thai?
【Bangkok's Best-Kept Sweet】吃在地人才知道！10間必訪曼谷甜點下午茶體驗
🛏️ Business Trip Accommodation in Bangkok
【Bangkok Hotels】Recommendations for 20 high-value hotels in Bangkok (including low and high season prices).
