Cost of Living in Thailand - Updated Prices & Insights

Name: Thailand
Address: TH

Monthly Cost of Living

Average monthly costs for a single person come to about $922 including rent across Thailand.

Estimated average monthly cost for a couple: $1,553 including rent across Thailand.

Average monthly costs for a family of three come to about $2,183 including rent across Thailand.

Living costs in Thailand vary widely – from $633 in more affordable cities to $2,059 in major hubs, spanning a $1,426 range across 64 cities.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$3.17 ฿103

$1.58 ฿51.7

$6.33 ฿207

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$27.19 ฿888

$15.10 ฿493

$60.4 ฿1,973

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$6.83 ฿223

$5.22 ฿171

$9.21 ฿301

Cappuccino

$2.07 ฿67.5

$1.20 ฿39.18

$3.90 ฿127

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.67 ฿21.93

$0.45 ฿14.62

$1.20 ฿39.10

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.34 ฿11.17

$0.23 ฿7.44

$0.64 ฿20.98

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.18 ฿71.3

$1.56 ฿50.9

$3.74 ฿122

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.71 ฿121

$2.47 ฿80.6

$6.18 ฿202

Milk (1 liter)

$1.85 ฿60.5

$1.37 ฿44.72

$3.07 ฿100

White Bread (500g)

$1.44 ฿46.92

$0.94 ฿30.83

$3.16 ฿103

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.32 ฿43.15

$0.78 ฿25.36

$2.48 ฿81.0

Eggs

$2.16 ฿70.7

$1.36 ฿44.56

$2.84 ฿92.8

Local Cheese (1kg)

$17.10 ฿558

$9.19 ฿300

$36.76 ฿1,201

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$3.01 ฿98.4

$1.57 ฿51.2

$6.27 ฿205

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$10.71 ฿350

$4.70 ฿154

$18.82 ฿615

Apples (1kg)

$3.05 ฿99.6

$1.26 ฿41.10

$4.80 ฿157

Banana (1kg)

$1.38 ฿44.94

$0.78 ฿25.44

$2.80 ฿91.5

Oranges (1kg)

$2.02 ฿65.9

$0.90 ฿29.30

$3.00 ฿98.1

Tomato (1kg)

$1.68 ฿54.8

$0.94 ฿30.57

$2.82 ฿92.0

Potato (1kg)

$1.57 ฿51.2

$0.94 ฿30.79

$2.37 ฿77.3

Onion (1kg)

$1.29 ฿42.06

$0.87 ฿28.58

$2.20 ฿71.9

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.13 ฿36.77

$0.60 ฿19.65

$2.33 ฿76.1

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.53 ฿17.42

$0.32 ฿10.59

$0.81 ฿26.30

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$4.37 ฿143

$3.03 ฿98.9

$5.15 ฿168

Wine (Bottle)

$15.14 ฿494

$10.60 ฿346

$24.23 ฿791

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.75 ฿57.0

$1.26 ฿41.10

$2.36 ฿77.1

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.95 ฿96.5

$1.82 ฿59.3

$4.53 ฿148

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.74 ฿24.22

$0.30 ฿9.75

$1.48 ฿48.44

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$33.08 ฿1,080

$18.33 ฿599

$76.4 ฿2,494

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.19 ฿39.02

$1.05 ฿34.26

$2.24 ฿73.3

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.15 ฿37.59

$0.72 ฿23.45

$1.73 ฿56.5

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$6.13 ฿200

$3.68 ฿120

$12.27 ฿401

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.25 ฿40.74

$1.05 ฿34.37

$1.38 ฿45.19

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$29.3K ฿956.2K

$21.5K ฿702.7K

$61.5K ฿2.0M

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$27.7K ฿905.6K

$25.3K ฿827.9K

$30.5K ฿995.6K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$80.1 ฿2,616

$52.6 ฿1,717

$155 ฿5,050

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$13.97 ฿456

$6.27 ฿205

$21.63 ฿707

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$17.90 ฿585

$12.10 ฿395

$24.20 ฿791

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$50.7 ฿1,657

$31.06 ฿1,014

$93.2 ฿3,043

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$10.26 ฿335

$5.55 ฿181

$15.43 ฿504

Cinema Ticket

$7.42 ฿242

$4.64 ฿152

$10.82 ฿354

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$414 ฿13.5K

$154 ฿5,034

$1,028 ฿33.6K

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$12.7K ฿414.7K

$7,725 ฿252.3K

$23.2K ฿756.9K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$48.31 ฿1,578

$15.37 ฿502

$92.2 ฿3,012

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$34.15 ฿1,115

$12.51 ฿408

$62.5 ฿2,042

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$95.7 ฿3,126

$49.40 ฿1,613

$148 ฿4,841

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$76.3 ฿2,492

$37.01 ฿1,209

$123 ฿4,030

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$482 ฿15.8K

$273 ฿8,923

$759 ฿24.8K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$266 ฿8,695

$153 ฿4,999

$459 ฿15.0K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,194 ฿39.0K

$545 ฿17.8K

$2,424 ฿79.2K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$654 ฿21.4K

$307 ฿10.0K

$1,537 ฿50.2K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$3,571 ฿116.6K

$2,145 ฿70.0K

$7,384 ฿241.2K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,994 ฿65.1K

$1,288 ฿42.1K

$3,835 ฿125.2K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$604 ฿19.7K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

5.68

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: June 1, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center: $452 across Thailand. For reference, capital rent is $669 in Bangkok, and $421 in Nakhon Pathom.

National average salary: $666. With average costs at $922, the gap is significant. Expats and remote workers with foreign income benefit most.

Expect to spend about $250 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant averages $28.00 for two.

In Bangkok (capital), expect about $1,068 per month, while Nakhon Pathom offers the lowest costs at $633 – which city you pick has a tangible effect on the budget.

Cost Highlights

Overall living costs ($922) is 31% below the global median of $1,340.

Average rent ($452) is 28% below the global median of $627.

Dining out ($28.00) is 42% below the global median of $48.00.

Public transport ($8.00) is 76% below the global median of $33.00.

By City in Thailand

Lowest

Highest

Rank	City	Population	Living Index	Solo costs (no rent) / month	Solo costs (with rent) / month	Family of 3 costs (no rent) / month	Family of 3 costs (with rent) / month	Mobile download speed (Mbps)	Internet download speed (Mbps)
1	Ao Nang	-	46	$558	$913	$1,425	$2,130	182.13	111.75
2	Ayutthaya	50830	38	$583	$762	$1,309	$1,650	45	294.8
3	Bang Kruai	43453	43	$419	$854	$1,342	$1,960	29.79	385.76
4	Bangkok	5666264	53	$681	$1,068	$1,492	$2,396	24.93	267.52
5	Buriram	28333	45	$532	$914	$1,157	$2,012	91.1	289.25
6	Cha-am	31354	47	$461	$922	$1,063	$1,909	53.65	305.06
7	Chaiyaphum	42436	44	$607	$876	$1,375	$2,012	146.76	298.8
8	Chanthaburi	27602	43	$514	$869	$1,327	$1,995	314.43	322.2
9	Chiang Mai	127240	43	$531	$866	$1,434	$1,835	284.43	294.43
10	Chiang Rai	77672	42	$569	$854	$1,045	$1,738	40.21	274.39
11	Chon Buri	70364	38	$465	$756	$1,229	$1,821	248.66	354.83
12	Hat Yai	156802	37	$528	$739	$1,518	$1,898	17.81	307.36
13	Hua Hin	50169	45	$483	$873	$1,374	$1,962	59.7	359.92
14	Kalasin	37653	46	$577	$904	$1,405	$2,073	121.79	305.35
15	Khlong Luang	-	46	$624	$915	$1,453	$2,075	131.9	420.14
16	Khon Kaen	114459	38	$458	$745	$1,157	$1,786	58.94	303.63
17	Koh Chang	8500	50	$585	$992	$1,452	$2,602	188.83	168.87
18	Koh Lanta	32000	49	$598	$958	$1,440	$2,458	107.75	190.71
19	Koh Lipe	800	105	$859	$2,059	$2,184	$6,067	105.96	187.5
20	Koh Phan Ghan	-	54	$656	$1,096	$1,734	$2,794	172.22	234.58
21	Koh Phi Phi	2500	97	$817	$1,961	$2,073	$5,624	103.59	111.75
22	Koh Samui	62110	62	$651	$1,248	$1,730	$3,228	103.93	265.14
23	Koh Tao	1382	55	$649	$1,105	$1,560	$2,813	205.67	196.09
24	Krabi	50000	51	$554	$1,001	$1,403	$1,903	95.1	246.71
25	Lampang	52124	41	$570	$829	$1,021	$1,902	159.9	290.93
26	Loei	22677	46	$628	$921	$1,310	$2,085	237.61	271.23
27	Lopburi	26500	40	$493	$812	$965	$1,702	62.68	344.33
28	Maha Sarakham	46523	46	$513	$904	$1,336	$2,078	4.15	268.03
29	Nakhon Pathom	74446	31	$496	$633	$974	$1,725	7.44	343.71
30	Nakhon Ratchasima	126391	38	$574	$778	$1,407	$1,776	82.29	316.18
31	Nakhon Sawan	82305	47	$487	$959	$1,355	$2,105	141.93	313.77
32	Nakhon Si Thammarat	102152	53	$619	$1,061	$1,402	$2,380	376.24	279.99
33	Nong Khai	35000	37	$592	$760	$1,272	$2,040	76.89	86.14
34	Nonthaburi	254375	44	$574	$866	$1,353	$1,911	89.15	385.68
35	Pai	2284	44	$540	$874	$1,280	$2,009	45.63	200.07
36	Pak Kret	190272	44	$561	$878	$1,286	$1,997	171.76	343.27
37	Pathum Thani	18320	41	$528	$821	$933	$1,938	126.89	362.36
38	Pattani	43631	46	$554	$928	$1,284	$2,035	109.67	227.68
39	Pattaya	119532	50	$550	$972	$1,227	$2,087	52.19	303.24
40	Phetchabun	23823	45	$565	$882	$1,406	$2,030	64.49	314.31
41	Phitsanulok	66106	36	$585	$720	$1,293	$1,910	37.21	284.22
42	Phuket	79308	62	$749	$1,265	$1,475	$3,329	33	321.08
43	Prachin Buri	19910	43	$500	$860	$1,238	$1,976	149.73	325.31
44	Prachuap Khiri Khan	26926	47	$523	$951	$1,219	$2,122	176.11	239.25
45	Rangsit	85260	42	$451	$842	$1,011	$1,843	161.93	403.19
46	Ranong	16163	45	$638	$889	$1,305	$2,184	76.86	236.1
47	Ratchaburi	38208	42	$547	$825	$1,344	$1,919	288.03	342.91
48	Rayong	63565	42	$574	$847	$1,261	$2,008	252	344.8
49	Roi Et	34229	32	$548	$635	$1,242	$1,496	234.77	284.06
50	Sakon Nakhon	53100	44	$613	$882	$1,277	$1,972	237.37	281.16

Thailand Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

Cost of Living in Thailand - Frequently Asked Questions

Thailand offers strong value for travelers, expats, and digital nomads. In general, Cost of Living in Thailand is favorable, with affordable street meals, budget accommodations, and efficient public transport in cities. Rural areas are even gentler on the budget, while metro hubs like Bangkok or Phuket have options that can fit modest budgets if you avoid tourist pockets. A practical approach is to mix longer-term rentals with occasional coworking days and local markets for groceries. Tip: Start by targeting neighborhoods with good transit links and a mix of affordable eateries to keep daily costs steady.

In daily life you can balance comfort and cost by choosing neighborhoods with easy transit access like near light rail or buses. For housing, look at varied options from serviced apartments to long-term condos; negotiate leases off-season and inspect for air conditioning and noise. Food culture is a big win: you can eat well on a modest budget with fresh markets, street stalls, and modest restaurants. Public transport is inexpensive, ride-hailing is convenient, and bikes or scooters add flexibility. Thailand living cost varies by city, so plan a schedule that alternates cheaper days with occasional splurges. Tip: start with a week-long test stay in different neighborhoods to feel the rhythm.

Quality of life hinges on pace, access to nature, and community. Build a simple budgeting framework: fixed housing, flexible meals, and occasional experiences. In Thailand, you can tune the mix by spending more on a comfortable apartment in a transit-friendly area and saving on food by leaning into local markets. Seasonal patterns influence crowds and prices: high season in coastlines brings buzz but can raise costs, while the rainy season often yields calmer streets and better deals. Neighborhood fit matters: older city cores offer character; newer suburbs deliver easier commutes; beach towns mix tourism with slower rhythms. Tip: use a month-at-a-glance calendar to anticipate travel peaks and plan savings windows.

As a lower-cost destination, Thailand attracts expats, retirees, and long-term visitors on fixed budgets. Smaller cities are especially wallet-friendly, while bigger centers charge more but remain competitive globally.

As of 2026, living expenses in Thailand span $633 to $2,059 monthly. Capitals and tourist hotspots sit at the top end; provincial towns offer substantially cheaper living.

Outside the capital and tourist areas, costs in Thailand drop fast. Nakhon Pathom is one of the best budget options – lower costs without giving up access to essential services and everyday amenities.

$800 a month goes far in Thailand, especially outside the big cities. It's a realistic single-person budget that covers housing, food, transport, and leisure comfortably.

Living in Thailand is cheap by global standards. Regional cities offer the best value, with the capital Bangkok sitting higher. Low living costs are one of the country's main draws for expats, retirees, and anyone stretching a budget.