Last update: Oct 2026 66.2M

Cost of Living in Thailand

Name: Thailand
Address: TH

Across Thailand, living costs for one person average $966 a month, including rent and utilities, which take more than a third of the total. Other living expenses average about $19 a day.

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🇹🇭 Thailand

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Thailand

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Thailand actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

Average monthly costs for a single person come to about $966 including rent across Thailand.

$966 /mo

Estimated average monthly cost for a couple: $1,559 including rent across Thailand.

$1,559 /mo

Average monthly costs for a family of three come to about $2,152 including rent across Thailand.

$2,152 /mo

Living costs in Thailand vary widely – from $613 in the most affordable city to $2,085 in the most expensive one, spanning a $1,472 range across 64 cities.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$3.06 ฿102

$1.53 ฿51.2

$6.12 ฿205

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$26.46 ฿884

$17.63 ฿589

$73.5 ฿2,456

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$6.55 ฿219

$5.51 ฿184

$8.94 ฿299

Cappuccino

$2.01 ฿67.1

$1.18 ฿39.36

$3.53 ฿118

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

$0.64 ฿21.55

$0.46 ฿15.44

$1.15 ฿38.27

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.37 ฿12.25

$0.25 ฿8.40

$0.62 ฿20.65

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.24 ฿75.0

$1.50 ฿50.1

$3.59 ฿120

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.67 ฿123

$2.44 ฿81.7

$6.11 ฿204

Milk (1 liter)

$1.76 ฿58.7

$1.31 ฿43.92

$2.91 ฿97.4

White Bread (500g)

$1.35 ฿45.01

$0.87 ฿29.24

$2.63 ฿88.0

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.30 ฿43.53

$0.76 ฿25.36

$3.02 ฿101

Eggs

$2.11 ฿70.5

$1.29 ฿43.16

$2.89 ฿96.5

Local Cheese (1kg)

$16.36 ฿547

$8.93 ฿299

$35.74 ฿1,194

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$2.99 ฿100.0

$1.94 ฿65.0

$6.66 ฿223

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$10.83 ฿362

$5.97 ฿200

$19.40 ฿648

Apples (1kg)

$2.90 ฿96.8

$1.18 ฿39.60

$4.90 ฿164

Banana (1kg)

$1.24 ฿41.60

$0.64 ฿21.45

$2.61 ฿87.1

Oranges (1kg)

$2.02 ฿67.5

$0.88 ฿29.32

$3.87 ฿129

Tomato (1kg)

$1.75 ฿58.4

$0.87 ฿29.21

$2.92 ฿97.5

Potato (1kg)

$1.40 ฿46.72

$0.86 ฿28.87

$2.16 ฿72.4

Onion (1kg)

$1.28 ฿42.67

$0.82 ฿27.46

$2.06 ฿68.8

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.16 ฿38.86

$0.61 ฿20.29

$2.39 ฿79.8

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.52 ฿17.35

$0.31 ฿10.41

$0.77 ฿25.67

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$4.34 ฿145

$2.75 ฿91.9

$5.22 ฿174

Wine (Bottle)

$17.53 ฿586

$10.25 ฿343

$23.42 ฿783

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.68 ฿56.3

$1.32 ฿44.08

$2.30 ฿77.0

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.66 ฿88.8

$1.60 ฿53.6

$5.20 ฿174

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.93 ฿31.13

$0.47 ฿15.74

$1.56 ฿52.1

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$34.88 ฿1,166

$19.63 ฿656

$60.4 ฿2,019

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.16 ฿38.73

$1.01 ฿33.85

$2.32 ฿77.5

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.18 ฿39.45

$0.66 ฿21.92

$1.80 ฿60.0

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$6.05 ฿202

$3.02 ฿101

$12.09 ฿404

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.32 ฿44.18

$1.01 ฿33.79

$1.54 ฿51.3

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

$31.1K ฿1.0M

$20.7K ฿693.0K

$45.5K ฿1.5M

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

$27.3K ฿911.9K

$27.1K ฿905.4K

$27.7K ฿925.7K

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

$82.5 ฿2,758

$45.66 ฿1,526

$139 ฿4,649

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

$12.27 ฿410

$5.87 ฿196

$23.48 ฿785

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$18.27 ฿611

$11.81 ฿395

$28.03 ฿937

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$48.60 ฿1,624

$23.59 ฿788

$88.5 ฿2,957

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$11.46 ฿383

$3.75 ฿125

$20.49 ฿685

Cinema Ticket

$6.60 ฿220

$4.80 ฿160

$9.00 ฿301

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

$542 ฿18.1K

$238 ฿7,970

$954 ฿31.9K

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$12.0K ฿401.6K

$7,177 ฿239.8K

$22.9K ฿766.6K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$52.7 ฿1,760

$14.76 ฿493

$103 ฿3,453

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$32.33 ฿1,080

$11.90 ฿398

$56.6 ฿1,893

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$89.0 ฿2,976

$53.0 ฿1,770

$132 ฿4,424

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$79.9 ฿2,671

$35.49 ฿1,186

$133 ฿4,447

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$465 ฿15.6K

$237 ฿7,912

$829 ฿27.7K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$294 ฿9,813

$149 ฿4,981

$537 ฿17.9K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,233 ฿41.2K

$531 ฿17.8K

$2,610 ฿87.2K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$682 ฿22.8K

$350 ฿11.7K

$1,364 ฿45.6K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$3,652 ฿122.1K

$2,143 ฿71.6K

$7,232 ฿241.7K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,906 ฿63.7K

$1,237 ฿41.3K

$3,681 ฿123.0K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$573 ฿19.1K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

5.69

3.5

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

Last update: October 11, 2026

Monthly budget structure

Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.

Thailand $966

Accommodation & Living

$294 30.4%

Groceries & Markets

$246 25.5%

Clothing & Footwear

$114 11.8%

Monthly Utilities & Internet

$113 11.7%

Eating Out

$91 9.4%

Sport & Entertainment

$62 6.4%

Getting Around

$46 4.7%

Cost Breakdown

Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center: $475 in Thailand. For reference, capital rent is $680 in Bangkok, and $278 in Khon Kaen.

National average salary: $613. With average costs at $966, the gap is significant. Expats and remote workers with foreign income benefit most.

Expect to spend about $241 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant averages $26.00 for two.

In Bangkok (capital), expect about $1,114 per month, while Khon Kaen offers the lowest costs at $613 – which city you pick has a tangible effect on the budget.

Cost Highlights

Overall cost of living ($966) is 28% below the global median of $1,350.

Average rent ($475) is 27% below the global median of $652.

Dinner for two at a restaurant ($26.00) is 46% below the global median of $48.00.

Public transport ($9.00) is 74% below the global median of $34.00.

Good to know

🕒 Local time

07:04 7:04 AM

🌤 Weather

👥 Population

66,188,503

💱 Currency

Thai Baht THB ฿

📈 Exchange rate

100 THB = 2.99 USD

100 THB = 2.66 EUR

Exchange rates and currency converter

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	8000	48	$580	$991	$1,356	$2,013	182.13	111.75
2	Ayutthaya	50830	37	$512	$760	$1,207	$2,014	45	294.8
3	Bang Kruai	43453	42	$490	$870	$1,221	$2,040	29.79	385.76
4	Bangkok	5666264	55	$669	$1,114	$1,624	$2,455	24.93	267.52
5	Buriram	28333	44	$530	$901	$1,240	$2,162	91.1	289.25
6	Cha-am	31354	43	$526	$880	$1,218	$1,944	53.65	305.06
7	Chaiyaphum	42436	44	$571	$915	$1,420	$2,185	146.76	298.8
8	Chanthaburi	27602	47	$562	$965	$1,390	$2,224	314.43	322.2
9	Chiang Mai	127240	45	$571	$938	$1,299	$1,914	284.43	294.43
10	Chiang Rai	77672	35	$498	$710	$1,136	$1,556	40.21	274.39
11	Chon Buri	70364	39	$475	$813	$1,091	$1,923	248.66	354.83
12	Hat Yai	156802	35	$539	$731	$1,389	$1,870	17.81	307.36
13	Hua Hin	50169	51	$567	$1,043	$1,324	$2,209	59.7	359.92
14	Kalasin	37653	45	$548	$927	$1,288	$2,105	121.79	305.35
15	Khlong Luang	118551	46	$560	$952	$1,374	$2,198	131.9	420.14
16	Khon Kaen	114459	38	$358	$613	$866	$1,444	58.94	303.63
17	Koh Chang	8500	46	$553	$951	$1,315	$2,202	188.83	168.87
18	Koh Lanta	32000	45	$553	$924	$1,314	$2,138	107.75	190.71
19	Koh Lipe	800	101	$803	$2,085	$1,964	$5,061	105.96	187.5
20	Koh Phangan	-	50	$594	$1,018	$1,416	$2,357	172.22	234.58
21	Koh Phi Phi	2500	92	$768	$1,906	$1,876	$4,605	103.59	111.75
22	Koh Samui	62110	57	$675	$1,176	$1,602	$2,737	103.93	265.14
23	Koh Tao	1382	51	$594	$1,036	$1,411	$2,412	205.67	196.09
24	Krabi	50000	49	$525	$1,006	$1,199	$1,799	95.1	246.71
25	Lampang	52124	41	$505	$830	$1,180	$1,940	159.9	290.93
26	Loei	22677	45	$538	$915	$1,260	$2,070	237.61	271.23
27	Lopburi	26500	39	$423	$802	$967	$1,797	62.68	344.33
28	Maha Sarakham	46523	45	$543	$919	$1,272	$2,094	4.15	268.03
29	Nakhon Pathom	74446	30	$443	$622	$1,022	$1,051	7.44	343.71
30	Nakhon Ratchasima	126391	38	$533	$778	$1,266	$1,773	82.29	316.18
31	Nakhon Sawan	82305	49	$604	$1,031	$1,486	$2,291	141.93	313.77
32	Nakhon Si Thammarat	102152	48	$602	$995	$1,451	$2,276	376.24	279.99
33	Nong Khai	35000	45	$539	$921	$1,264	$2,076	76.89	86.14
34	Nonthaburi	254375	40	$527	$836	$1,244	$1,769	89.15	385.68
35	Pai	2284	43	$544	$881	$1,281	$2,014	45.63	200.07
36	Pak Kret	190272	45	$543	$934	$1,345	$2,178	171.76	343.27
37	Pathum Thani	18320	38	$439	$785	$1,053	$1,873	126.89	362.36
38	Pattani	43631	45	$538	$919	$1,260	$2,071	109.67	227.68
39	Pattaya	119532	50	$572	$1,036	$1,401	$2,273	52.19	303.24
40	Phetchabun	23823	44	$517	$892	$1,215	$2,037	64.49	314.31
41	Phitsanulok	66106	43	$523	$877	$1,211	$2,020	37.21	284.22
42	Phuket	79308	59	$648	$1,207	$1,546	$2,867	33	321.08
43	Prachin Buri	19910	43	$504	$896	$1,259	$2,075	149.73	325.31
44	Prachuap Khiri Khan	26926	49	$610	$1,008	$1,498	$2,339	176.11	239.25
45	Rangsit	85260	42	$478	$850	$1,130	$1,957	161.93	403.19
46	Ranong	16163	49	$608	$1,010	$1,466	$2,287	76.86	236.1
47	Ratchaburi	38208	46	$560	$944	$1,373	$2,202	288.03	342.91
48	Rayong	63565	46	$601	$940	$1,399	$1,443	252	344.8
49	Roi Et	34229	44	$517	$900	$1,194	$2,009	234.77	284.06
50	Sakon Nakhon	53100	42	$475	$844	$1,104	$1,827	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 $613 to $2,085 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. Khon Kaen 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.