Thailand (TH)

Thailand is one of the world’s largest expat hubs, combining Bangkok’s regional business ecosystem, Chiang Mai’s remote-worker scene, Phuket and Pattaya’s retirement and tourism communities, and strong international schools and hospitals.

Capital: Bangkok

Region: Asia

Language: Thai

Currency: THB (฿)

Cost of living: Very affordable (index 35)

Emergency: 191

Cost of Living

Real prices in Thailand — 2026 data in THB.

Cost of living index

(100 = NYC reference)

Very affordable compared to major global cities. Your money goes a long way here.

Food & Groceries

Rice (1kg, Jasmine) THB 60–100

Eggs (10) THB 45–75

Chicken (1kg) THB 90–150

Fresh produce (weekly market haul) THB 300–700

Imported cheese (200g) THB 200–500

Beer (0.5L, Chang / Singha, supermarket) THB 60–110

Thai whisky (700ml, Ruang Khao / Spy) THB 120–450

Monthly groceries for 1 person (supermarket / market mix) THB 6,000–18,000

Dining Out

Pad Thai or som tam (iconic Thai street food) THB 60–120

Street food meal (noodles / fried rice) THB 50–120

Casual restaurant main course THB 120–350

Coffee (Café Amazon / indie shop) THB 80–180

Beer in a bar (0.5L, Singha) THB 100–200

Dinner for 2 (mid-range Thai restaurant) THB 600–1,800

Rent

1-bed condo near BTS / MRT, Bangkok THB 18,000–45,000/month

2-3 bed condo, Bangkok expat area THB 45,000–150,000+/month

1-bed condo, Chiang Mai THB 10,000–25,000/month

Villa / house, Phuket THB 45,000–200,000+/month

Room in shared flat, Bangkok THB 6,000–15,000/month

Utilities (electricity with AC, water) THB 2,100–8,500/month

Transport

BTS / MRT single ride THB 17–62

Monthly BTS pass (Rabbit card, central zones) THB 900–1,500

Grab car, Bangkok 8km city ride THB 100–400

Motorbike taxi short ride THB 20–80

Domestic flight Bangkok–Phuket / Chiang Mai THB 1,000–5,000

Petrol (1L, 95 octane) THB 42–48

Car rental (per day) THB 900–2,500

Health & Insurance

Private hospital GP visit THB 1,000–3,500

Private specialist consult THB 1,500–5,000

Dental cleaning THB 800–3,000

Private maternity package THB 80,000–250,000

International health insurance (annual, adult) THB 60,000–300,000+

Utilities

Electricity for condo with AC THB 2,000–8,000/month

Water THB 100–500/month

Fibre internet THB 500–1,200/month

Mobile plan THB 300–1,200/month

Condo management / common area fee THB 1,500–5,000/month

Childcare

International school (annual) THB 250,000–1,000,000+

Bilingual / Thai private school (annual) THB 80,000–250,000

School bus (annual) THB 40,000–120,000

Thai language tutor THB 500–1,500/hour

Leisure

Gym membership (monthly) THB 1,200–4,000

Cinema ticket THB 180–400

Muay Thai event ticket (Rajadamnern / Lumpinee) THB 1,000–3,000

Thai massage (1 hour, local shop) THB 300–600

Coworking hot desk (monthly) THB 3,000–12,000

Haircut (men's) THB 100–300

Haircut (women's) THB 300–1,500

Day trip to islands (boat + entry, e.g. Koh Phi Phi) THB 1,500–4,000/person

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