Is $2000 a Month Enough To Live In Thailand?
If you’re looking for an affordable place to live, Thailand is a great option. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at how much money you need to live in Thailand on a monthly basis. We’ll also discuss some of the best places to live in Thailand depending on your budget. So, is 2000 a month enough to live in Thailand? Let’s find out!
You should budget at least $1,500 each month in Thailand, with $2,000 being a more reasonable baseline. You will be able to live comfortably without breaking the bank as a result of this. You could conceivably survive for as little as $1,000 per month, but you would definitely struggle.
Key Takeaways
- You should budget at least $1,500 each month to live in Thailand.
- Depending on your lifestyle and location, you may be able to get away with living for as little as $1,000 per month or a bit more than $2,000 per month.
- Keep in mind that the cost of living can vary greatly depending on your location, so do some research before you decide on where to move.
Is $2000 per month enough money to live in Thailand?
It is possible to live on less than $2000 a month. For you to visualize it and understand it more, Let me give you an example: Renting a two-bedroom condo that is furnished and costs about $640 per month. Utilities, including high-speed Internet, cable TV, and electricity, come to $106 per month.
You may have a basic cell phone data plan that costs $21 per month, and the water bill is $11 per month.
You may also likely spend between $319 and $531 per month on groceries and beer or wine, and don’t forget to budget between $106 and $212 per month for entertainment, which includes dining out and other activities.
Additionally, you should consider the payment of $64 per month for a house cleaner who may come once a week. In terms of healthcare, It may cost $21 per month (general checkups).
The transportation costs may be high or low depending on the vehicle or mode of transport that you use, weekly fuel maybe $20 or above.
Finally, you must budget at least $159 per month for incidentals, which include things like laundry detergent, toilet paper, etc. For miscellaneous of your house or condo of around $50 per month must be considered. (lights, bathroom, anything that needs to be fixed)
As you can see, it is possible to live comfortably for even less than $2000 per month!
How Much to Live in Thailand in 2023
Thailand is a country that has long been known for its low cost of living. The Thai people are happy, healthy, and well-educated, thanks to their relatively low cost of living. Here is a quick breakdown of possible expenses:
Housing
Here is the pricing for the housing in Thailand:
Renting
You don’t have to spend a fortune to live comfortably in Bangkok, Thailand. In fact, you can find a number of great apartment options for 4,000 baht per month ($135). For example, a one-room ‘apartment’ in a Thai-style building will set you back between 2,500 and 4,000 baht per month ($84-$120).
Food
Here are the prices for the the food in Thailand:
Local Foods
On average, you will spend ฿481 (12.89 USD) per day on food in Thailand. This number is based on the spending habits of previous travelers. If you plan to eat out for every meal, we recommend budgeting around ฿193 (3.37 USD) per person. Breakfast prices are typically cheaper than lunch and dinner prices.
Fine Dining
A meal at a two-starred restaurant in Bangkok will run you an average of 5,677 baht, or approximately $173. However, one could theoretically spend as little as $105 and still get a top-quality dining experience.
Groceries
If you plan to cook your own meals, expect to spend around ฿800-฿1,500 per month on groceries. This is based on an average price of 400 baht ($13) per person per meal.
Healthcare
In Thailand, the quality of healthcare services and the corresponding prices can be quite different depending on the circumstances. For example, an annual checkup or regular visit at a private hospital might cost around 3,000 baht or $95. However, if you need to stay overnight, you could be facing a bill of 10,000 baht or $317 per day. And if you require treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU), that expense could jump to 100,000 baht or $3127 per day.
If you require evacuation to Bangkok for medical procedures, the cost could total around 350,000 baht or $11,000- a figure that your medical insurance may or may not cover. Also, if you’re wanting to have a baby in Thailand, be aware that a normal birth with vaginal delivery will cost approximately 63,000baht; though this number has the potential to increase rapidly should any complications occur.
Therefore, although Thailand provides affordable healthcare overall, it is crucial to be mindful of your spending and to plan ahead – especially if you’re moving here permanently.
Taxes
Thailand tax rates differ according to your personal income. Rates are graduated, ranging from 0% for those earning less than 150,000 baht to 35% for those earning more than 5,000,001 baht.
Thailand’s currency is the baht, which is abbreviated as THB. Personal income tax rates in Thailand are shown in baht.
Transportation
Surprisingly, not only are transportation costs in Thailand affordable but also getting around within cities as well as commuting between them is comfortable, easy, and reliable. This level of development is a stark contrast to that of Thailand’s neighboring Myanmar, whose roads are unkempt and outdated with fairly unsound public buses.
Tuk-tuks or motorcycle taxis will be used for short distances, and taxis, buses, or the BTS/MRT (elevated and underground train) will be used for longer distances within the various cities.
Tuk-tuks and taxis are abundant throughout Thailand and, surprisingly, are often slightly more expensive than regular taxis, possibly due to the tourist novelty factor.
Not sure how much a taxi should cost in Thailand? Regular metered fares start at just 30 baht, so they’re perfect for budget travelers. Just make sure to insist on the meter before getting into the driver’s air-conditioned car – some drivers (especially in Bangkok) try to charge more than the meter rate without visitors knowing. If you’re only going a short distance or if traffic is heavy, motorcycle taxis are ideal. Fares usually range from 50 to 150 baht depending on how far you’re going and when you’re traveling.
If you want to know more about transportation modes in Thailand, this article will surely help you out!
Other Costs
There are other costs to consider when you’re planning your trip to Thailand. For example, if you’re going on a long journey, it’s worth looking into train and bus fares as well as airfare. And if you want to rent a car for your visit, be sure to book ahead of time since they can be scarce during peak season.
Minimum Cost of Living in Thailand
You can live in Thailand for $600 a month.
That’s the baseline cost of living in Thailand—the amount you need to cover your basic living expenses, including monthly rent, food, and transportation. And it’s a good benchmark if you’re planning to move to Chiang Mai or another city in the north of Thailand.
The cost of living is lower than in Bangkok, and there are more affordable options for renting an apartment or house. If you’re planning to live in Bangkok, though, your baseline cost of living will be closer to $750-800 per month.
Bangkok Cost of Living
Bangkok is a lot more expensive than Chiang Mai, but it’s still possible to get by on a budget.
If you are planning on living in Bangkok for more than three months, it will cost approximately $2,000 a month to sustain your life there.
You’ll be able to live in a simple, one-bedroom apartment and eat well—it’s not luxurious but there is enough money for these basics. About $400 of your monthly budget will go toward rent and utility bills; the rest will pay for food, public transportation costs, etc.
In Chiang Mai, for the same amount of money you’d get an apartment without utilities—and if that’s not your style food costs would be cheaper because there are so many street vendors selling delicious Thai dishes at low prices.
You could also do this in Bangkok by eating mostly street food or cooking your own food at home with ingredients bought from the local markets.
While it is possible to eat out at restaurants and go out drinking with friends or colleagues every night of the week in Bangkok (as many ex-pats do!), that lifestyle would be more expensive than living in Chiang Mai—but still not nearly as extravagant as it would be if you were living in New York City.
What’s the Quality of Life?
First of all, you need to know that Thailand is a country with a lot of diversity. It’s hard to generalize about a place as large and diverse as Thailand.
But that said, life in Thailand can be pretty great for some people. The quality of life depends on where you live, how much money you make and what your expectations are.
If you’re looking for a tropical paradise with beaches, beautiful scenery, and warm weather, then you might be disappointed by the city life in Bangkok. You can always visit other places in Thailand that has these!
However, if you want to experience cultural diversity (or not) and enjoy delicious western food as well as local food at low prices while still having access to western-style amenities such as supermarkets or even malls, then Bangkok might be just right for you!
New Friendships & The Thai Expat Scene
It’s not uncommon for a new ex-pat to feel isolated and lonely in Thailand.
At first, you’ll be spending most of your time with people from your home country, and they may not be as open to making new friends as the Thais are. But don’t worry! As soon as you adjust to life in Thailand, you’ll find that there are plenty of opportunities to make friends—and even more, opportunities to meet other ex-pats.
Here are some great ways we’ve found to meet new people:
1. Join a class or club.
If you’re looking for a way to meet other people, consider taking up a new hobby or skill like cooking or dancing. There are lots of great classes available at local schools and universities in Thailand, and many companies also offer English classes for employees at their offices. If there aren’t any classes available where you live, consider volunteering somewhere like an orphanage or library—you might make some great connections that way!
2. Meetup groups on Facebook.
Another great way to meet new people is through social media groups on Facebook. There are tons of groups that organize activities like hiking or cooking classes all over Thailand—just search “Thai meetup” on Facebook and you’ll find tons of options. If you don’t have many Thai friends, this can be a great way to meet new people who share your interests. (make sure the people you meet can be trusted!)
3. Have lunch with a colleague or classmate at work.
There’s nothing quite like chatting over lunch with someone new to help break the ice! Invite a colleague or classmate to lunch, and you’ll be surprised how quickly conversations start flowing.
4. Go to local bars or hangouts.
If you’re feeling brave, why not try your luck at a local bar or nightclub? You might find some interesting people and have a great time. Make sure to drink responsibly and don’t forget that you’ll need to take care of yourself in the morning!
5. Use online dating sites.
Finally, if you’re looking for a romantic connection with someone from Thailand, there are plenty of options. Online dating apps like Tinder and ThaiCupid are becoming increasingly popular in Thailand, so give it a try!
6. Find ex-pat groups
There are also plenty of Facebook groups and online forums specifically geared toward ex-pats living in Thailand. Hang out in these spaces and you might find some like-minded people to connect with.
7. Attend events
Lastly, check out local events like concerts or art exhibitions. These are great places to meet new people and find out about what’s going on in the city.
No matter which option you choose, it’s important to remember that making friends in Thailand can take time—so don’t give up if it doesn’t happen right away. With a bit of patience and effort, you can find your place in this amazing country. So go ahead and start exploring!
Is $2000 A Month Enough To Live In Thailand FAQs
How much does a condo rental cost in Thailand?
For those considering a condo rental in Thailand, it’s important to know that prices can vary depending on the location. In Bangkok, for instance, the average price for a condo rental on 1 Oct 2022 was ฿ 70,173(1964.78 USD). However, the size of the average condo rental in Bangkok was just 97.1 square meters with 1.5 bedrooms.
So, while prices may be higher in Bangkok than in other parts of Thailand, rentals tend to be smaller and have fewer bedrooms. Other factors that can affect the price include the amenities offered by the condo complex and the proximity to popular attractions. Therefore, it’s important to do your research before selecting a condo rental in Thailand.
How much does the average Thai person make a month?
If you’re thinking of relocating to Thailand, you’re probably wondering what the average salary is. Well, the good news is that salaries in Thailand are relatively high compared to other Southeast Asian countries.
The average annual salary for Thais ranges from 24,500 THB average income (734 USD) to 433,000 THB (12984 USD), with the median being 70,400 THB (2292). Of course, salaries vary depending on factors such as experience, education, and industry. For example, doctors and lawyers tend to earn much more than teachers or retail workers. However, even entry-level salaries in Thailand are fairly decent.
So if you’re looking for a place where you can earn a good living, Thailand is definitely worth considering.
How much money do you need to get residency in Thailand?
Must have held a valid work permit for 3 years at the time of application. Must earn 30,000 Baht (839.97 USD) per month if married to a Thai national for 5 years; 80,000 Baht (2239.92 USD) monthly if single.
Can foreigners rent apartments in Thailand?
Foreigners are free to rent property in Thailand. All that is required, according to the law and standard practice, is a passport, deposit (usually one month’s worth of rent), proof of income from back home, or an embassy letter stating that tenants will be able to support themselves while renting their space.
Is 1000 a month enough to live in Thailand?
A suggested minimum budget to live in Thailand comfortably is $1,500 per month; however, most people reasonably spend around $2,000 monthly income. While it is possible to get by on as little as $1,000 a month, it would likely be challenging to do so.
All in all, $2,000 a month is enough to live in Thailand comfortably. While the cost of living can vary depending on where you choose to live and how extravagant your lifestyle is, the majority of ex-pats find that they can easily survive with this budget. With some careful planning and budgeting, you should be able to make ends meet while having enough money left over to enjoy the culture and beauty of Thailand.
You will be able to save money with a little bit of budgeting, allowing you to explore more of the country and enjoy your time in Thailand even more! Good luck on your journey as an ex-pat in Thailand.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, it’s possible to live in Thailand for just 2000 baht per month—but whether that’s enough depends on your lifestyle, expectations, and the city you choose to call home. If you’re willing to embrace the local culture, make new friends, and be flexible with your budget, then living in Thailand can be an incredible experience!
But it’s also important to remember that even if you’re on a tight budget, there are still things you can do to enjoy yourself and make the most of your time in Thailand. Take the time to explore, try new activities, and meet new people—you won’t regret it!
And remember—no matter where in the world you are, make sure that you practice safe social distancing, and don’t forget to wear your mask! Stay safe and enjoy your time in Thailand!
