Estimated Cost of Living in Thailand and Tips!

Last updated on April 28th, 2025 at 09:21 am

Thailand is one of the Southeast Asian countries with popular tourist destinations for international visitors. Its cultural diversity, exotic beaches, and historic temples are major attractions.

In addition to its natural beauty and historical heritage, Thailand is also known for its affordable cost of living, which makes it an appealing destination for many international travelers who are interested in staying or settling there for an extended period.

Are you also interested and considering staying or settling in the Land of the White Elephant? However, before making the decision to live there, it's important to estimate the cost of living in Thailand.

Therefore, take a look at the information below, as we will provide details on the estimated living costs in Thailand, along with tips on choosing affordable accommodation based on your needs!

Food & Drink Costs in Thailand

The unique and flavorful Thai cuisine is one of the main attractions for international tourists in the Land of the White Elephant. Apart from its delicious taste, the local dishes are known for their tangy and spicy flavors that refresh the palate while eating.

The estimated cost of food in Thailand varies depending on where you eat. If you choose to dine in local restaurants, the costs are quite affordable, with meals typically costing around 80 Baht (approximately IDR 35,000). However, if you opt for dining at high-end restaurants or popular tourist spots, the cost can range between 300-500 Baht (around IDR 132,000 to IDR 220,000).

Not only is the main course delicious, but Thailand is also famous for its street food. If you're looking for even more affordable options, you can try the street food, which usually costs between 20-40 Baht (around IDR 8,000 to IDR 17,000) per serving.

Transportation costs

Public transportation in Thailand is relatively affordable. One of the popular and iconic transportation options is the tuk-tuk. The fare for a tuk-tuk ride typically ranges from 30-100 Baht (around IDR 13,000 to IDR 44,000), depending on the distance and the negotiation with the driver.

Apart from tuk-tuks, Thailand also has other public transportation options such as buses and trains. Bus tickets range from 7-30 Baht (around IDR 3,000 to IDR 13,000), while train tickets range from 100-500 Baht (around IDR 44,000 to IDR 220,000), depending on the class and distance. For regular commuters, monthly subscription cards are available at a price of 1,150 Baht.

If you're planning to explore Thailand's beautiful islands, ferries are also available. Ferry fares vary depending on the distance and destination, with prices ranging from 200-1,000 Baht (around IDR 88,000 to IDR 440,000) for inter-island trips.

Housing Costs

If you're interested in staying in the heart of Thailand's capital, Bangkok, it's important to prepare for accommodation costs. The estimated cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in Bangkok is around 24,700 Baht per month (around IDR 10.8 million), while a three-bedroom apartment can cost up to 61,500 Baht (around IDR 27 million).

To minimize expenses during your stay, consider looking for accommodation in areas on the outskirts of the city, as this can help save on apartment rental costs.

For those who want to vacation and stay in a hotel, room rates per night range between 500-3,000 Baht (around IDR 220,000 to IDR 1.3 million), depending on the type and location of the hotel.

Miscellaneous expense

In addition to food, transportation, and accommodation, it's also important to consider other expenses, such as:

1. Monthly utility costs for electricity and water typically range from 1,000-3,000 Baht (around IDR 400,000 to IDR 1.3 million), depending on consumption and the location of the accommodation.
2. The cost of internet is around 500-1,000 Baht per month (approximately IDR 220,000 to IDR 400,000), depending on the speed and provider.
3. Phone bills, TV subscriptions, and gym memberships can range from 200-2,000 Baht (approximately IDR 87,000 to IDR 878,000).

Total Monthly Living Costs in Thailand

If you choose to live in a major city in Thailand, such as Bangkok, the estimated breakdown of monthly living expenses can be as follows:

1. Food and drink: 5,000-10,000 Baht 2. Transportation: 1,000-3,000 Baht 3. Accommodation: 10,000-60,000 Baht (depending on the type and location) 4. Other costs (utilities, internet, etc.): 2,000-5,000 Baht

Overall, the total estimated monthly living costs in major Thai cities range from 22,000-80,000 Baht, depending on individual preferences and needs.

Tips for Choosing Accommodation or Apartments in Thailand

When searching for accommodation or an apartment in Thailand, there are a few factors to consider if you want to live or settle there:

1. Choose a location that suits your needs, including accessibility to work, public transportation, supermarkets, and other essential services.
2. Check the amenities available, such as security, parking space, swimming pool, and gym facilities.
3. Compare prices and try to negotiate the rental price if possible.
4. Thoroughly review the rental agreement before signing it, ensuring you understand the payment terms, lease duration, and other regulations. If you're unsure, you can ask someone experienced in property matters in Thailand for help.

Living Costs in Other Countries:

1. Details of the Cost of Living in Malaysia and Savings Tips!
2. Cost-Saving Tips for Living in the UK for a Month
3. How much does it cost to live in Singapore? Here are the details!

By understanding the estimated cost of living in Thailand, you can better prepare your budget for living in the country. Preparing for the cost of living in Thailand is an important step before making the decision to stay there.

Therefore, if you want to send money to Thailand safely, easily, and quickly, you can take advantage of Easylink services! In addition to sending money to Thailand, Easylink can send money to over 170 countries in both local currencies and USD with lower fees!