Last update: Oct 2026 66.2M

Cost of Living in Thailand

Name: Thailand
Address: TH

Across Thailand, living costs for one person average $990 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 $990 including rent across Thailand.

$990 /mo

Estimated average monthly cost for a couple: $1,614 including rent across Thailand.

$1,614 /mo

Average monthly costs for a family of three come to about $2,238 including rent across Thailand.

$2,238 /mo

Living costs in Thailand vary widely – from $608 in the most affordable city to $2,241 in the most expensive one, spanning a $1,633 range across 64 cities.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$2.98 ฿101

$1.49 ฿50.4

$5.96 ฿201

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$26.37 ฿891

$17.78 ฿600

$71.5 ฿2,413

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$6.69 ฿226

$5.63 ฿190

$9.12 ฿308

Cappuccino

$2.02 ฿68.1

$1.17 ฿39.58

$3.53 ฿119

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

$0.66 ฿22.20

$0.46 ฿15.57

$1.16 ฿39.10

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.33 ฿11.12

$0.23 ฿7.85

$0.57 ฿19.30

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.26 ฿76.5

$1.51 ฿51.0

$3.62 ฿122

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.65 ฿123

$2.43 ฿82.2

$6.08 ฿205

Milk (1 liter)

$1.79 ฿60.4

$1.35 ฿45.66

$3.01 ฿102

White Bread (500g)

$1.34 ฿45.15

$0.88 ฿29.77

$2.63 ฿89.0

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.23 ฿41.38

$0.72 ฿24.30

$2.85 ฿96.2

Eggs

$2.03 ฿68.5

$1.24 ฿41.96

$2.76 ฿93.1

Local Cheese (1kg)

$16.57 ฿560

$8.98 ฿303

$35.92 ฿1,213

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$2.98 ฿101

$1.94 ฿65.5

$5.98 ฿202

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$10.84 ฿366

$5.93 ฿200

$19.28 ฿651

Apples (1kg)

$2.96 ฿100

$1.21 ฿40.86

$5.01 ฿169

Banana (1kg)

$1.26 ฿42.44

$0.64 ฿21.72

$2.63 ฿88.9

Oranges (1kg)

$2.03 ฿68.5

$0.88 ฿29.88

$3.90 ฿132

Tomato (1kg)

$1.71 ฿57.8

$0.87 ฿29.25

$2.88 ฿97.3

Potato (1kg)

$1.47 ฿49.60

$0.91 ฿30.66

$2.26 ฿76.5

Onion (1kg)

$1.32 ฿44.41

$0.85 ฿28.80

$2.13 ฿71.8

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.14 ฿38.48

$0.60 ฿20.27

$2.35 ฿79.4

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.48 ฿16.33

$0.29 ฿9.80

$0.72 ฿24.17

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$4.27 ฿144

$2.69 ฿91.0

$4.98 ฿168

Wine (Bottle)

$16.99 ฿574

$10.35 ฿350

$23.66 ฿799

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.66 ฿56.1

$1.30 ฿43.90

$2.28 ฿76.9

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.74 ฿92.7

$1.66 ฿56.1

$5.41 ฿183

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.91 ฿30.87

$0.45 ฿15.26

$1.52 ฿51.3

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$34.94 ฿1,180

$19.22 ฿649

$58.2 ฿1,967

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.16 ฿39.29

$1.03 ฿34.63

$2.34 ฿78.9

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.16 ฿39.04

$0.63 ฿21.36

$1.76 ฿59.4

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$5.77 ฿195

$2.89 ฿97.5

$11.54 ฿390

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.34 ฿45.32

$1.03 ฿34.65

$1.55 ฿52.3

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

$30.7K ฿1.0M

$20.4K ฿690.2K

$44.8K ฿1.5M

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

$26.6K ฿897.6K

$26.4K ฿891.2K

$26.8K ฿906.1K

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

$81.7 ฿2,760

$49.66 ฿1,677

$138 ฿4,658

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

$12.47 ฿421

$5.94 ฿201

$23.77 ฿803

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$18.20 ฿615

$11.73 ฿396

$27.86 ฿941

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$50.2 ฿1,694

$28.37 ฿958

$90.2 ฿3,044

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$11.64 ฿393

$3.82 ฿129

$20.91 ฿706

Cinema Ticket

$6.41 ฿216

$4.67 ฿158

$8.74 ฿295

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

$558 ฿18.8K

$240 ฿8,094

$1,090 ฿36.8K

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$12.3K ฿415.7K

$7,333 ฿247.6K

$23.4K ฿791.5K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$52.3 ฿1,766

$14.54 ฿491

$102 ฿3,438

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$31.83 ฿1,075

$11.76 ฿397

$52.9 ฿1,787

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$88.2 ฿2,980

$52.4 ฿1,768

$131 ฿4,420

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$78.5 ฿2,651

$43.65 ฿1,474

$131 ฿4,422

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$495 ฿16.7K

$237 ฿8,017

$890 ฿30.1K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$320 ฿10.8K

$166 ฿5,597

$603 ฿20.4K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,355 ฿45.8K

$593 ฿20.0K

$2,964 ฿100.1K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$771 ฿26.0K

$353 ฿11.9K

$1,527 ฿51.6K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$3,611 ฿122.0K

$2,134 ฿72.1K

$7,203 ฿243.2K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,072 ฿70.0K

$1,338 ฿45.2K

$3,786 ฿127.9K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$562 ฿19.0K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

5.67

3.5

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

Last update: October 25, 2026

Monthly budget structure

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

Thailand $990

Accommodation & Living

$320 32.3%

Groceries & Markets

$246 24.8%

Clothing & Footwear

$113 11.4%

Monthly Utilities & Internet

$112 11.4%

Eating Out

$91 9.2%

Sport & Entertainment

$63 6.4%

Getting Around

$46 4.6%

Cost Breakdown

Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center: $463 in Thailand. For reference, capital rent is $713 in Bangkok, and $280 in Khon Kaen.

National average salary: $612. With average costs at $990, it doesn’t cover a typical monthly budget. 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 $27 for two.

In Bangkok (capital), expect about $1,125 per month, while Khon Kaen offers the lowest costs at $608 – which city you pick has a tangible effect on the budget.

Cost Highlights

Overall cost of living ($990) is 27% below the global median of $1,361.

Average rent ($463) is 30% below the global median of $661.

Dinner for two at a restaurant ($27) is 44% below the global median of $48.

Public transport ($43) is 30% above the global median of $33.

Good to know

🕒 Local time

04:52 4:52 AM

🌤 Weather

👥 Population

66,188,503

💱 Currency

Thai Baht THB ฿

📈 Exchange rate

100 THB = 2.96 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	$590	$995	$1,373	$2,018	182.13	111.75
2	Ayutthaya	50830	36	$504	$745	$1,177	$1,545	45	294.8
3	Bang Kruai	43453	42	$490	$878	$1,224	$1,988	29.79	385.76
4	Bangkok	5666264	54	$669	$1,125	$1,621	$2,549	24.93	267.52
5	Buriram	28333	44	$531	$918	$1,248	$2,021	91.1	289.25
6	Cha-am	31354	42	$523	$871	$1,208	$1,940	53.65	305.06
7	Chaiyaphum	42436	44	$570	$915	$1,414	$2,153	146.76	298.8
8	Chanthaburi	27602	47	$563	$977	$1,390	$2,199	314.43	322.2
9	Chiang Mai	127240	45	$565	$936	$1,283	$1,979	284.43	294.43
10	Chiang Rai	77672	34	$497	$710	$1,130	$1,551	40.21	274.39
11	Chon Buri	70364	39	$480	$821	$1,101	$1,883	248.66	354.83
12	Hat Yai	156802	35	$539	$733	$1,398	$1,880	17.81	307.36
13	Hua Hin	50169	59	$562	$1,227	$1,314	$2,251	59.7	359.92
14	Kalasin	37653	45	$549	$932	$1,300	$2,087	121.79	305.35
15	Khlong Luang	118551	46	$558	$946	$1,364	$2,157	131.9	420.14
16	Khon Kaen	114459		$358	$608	$865	$1,440	58.94	303.63
17	Koh Chang	8500	49	$599	$1,021	$1,407	$2,418	188.83	168.87
18	Koh Lanta	32000	48	$605	$1,003	$1,415	$2,360	107.75	190.71
19	Koh Lipe	800	108	$893	$2,241	$2,140	$5,751	105.96	187.5
20	Koh Phangan	-	53	$657	$1,103	$1,540	$2,646	172.22	234.58
21	Koh Phi Phi	2500	99	$849	$2,043	$2,033	$5,312	103.59	111.75
22	Koh Samui	62110	59	$698	$1,221	$1,640	$2,965	103.93	265.14
23	Koh Tao	1382	54	$655	$1,121	$1,531	$2,706	205.67	196.09
24	Krabi	50000	48	$523	$1,006	$1,197	$1,775	95.1	246.71
25	Lampang	52124	40	$508	$837	$1,188	$1,912	159.9	290.93
26	Loei	22677	44	$536	$919	$1,268	$2,053	237.61	271.23
27	Lopburi	26500	39	$424	$805	$969	$1,740	62.68	344.33
28	Maha Sarakham	46523	44	$544	$925	$1,281	$2,049	4.15	268.03
29	Nakhon Pathom	74446	30	$443	$622	$1,019	$1,048	7.44	343.71
30	Nakhon Ratchasima	126391	37	$531	$776	$1,262	$1,778	82.29	316.18
31	Nakhon Sawan	82305	49	$605	$1,044	$1,481	$2,196	141.93	313.77
32	Nakhon Si Thammarat	102152	48	$603	$1,003	$1,453	$2,249	376.24	279.99
33	Nong Khai	35000	44	$540	$928	$1,271	$2,052	76.89	86.14
34	Nonthaburi	254375	40	$527	$832	$1,238	$1,763	89.15	385.68
35	Pai	2284	43	$544	$887	$1,283	$2,006	45.63	200.07
36	Pak Kret	190272	45	$540	$931	$1,333	$2,114	171.76	343.27
37	Pathum Thani	18320	38	$436	$785	$1,044	$1,853	126.89	362.36
38	Pattani	43631	44	$542	$920	$1,278	$2,047	109.67	227.68
39	Pattaya	119532	51	$566	$1,055	$1,372	$2,414	52.19	303.24
40	Phetchabun	23823	43	$519	$901	$1,229	$2,002	64.49	314.31
41	Phitsanulok	66106	43	$526	$888	$1,217	$1,986	37.21	284.22
42	Phuket	79308	62	$691	$1,278	$1,627	$3,154	33	321.08
43	Prachin Buri	19910	43	$501	$893	$1,255	$2,058	149.73	325.31
44	Prachuap Khiri Khan	26926	49	$609	$1,019	$1,499	$2,307	176.11	239.25
45	Rangsit	85260	42	$478	$857	$1,132	$1,907	161.93	403.19
46	Ranong	16163	49	$616	$1,014	$1,483	$2,273	76.86	236.1
47	Ratchaburi	38208	46	$559	$950	$1,371	$2,157	288.03	342.91
48	Rayong	63565	45	$601	$940	$1,399	$1,444	252	344.8
49	Roi Et	34229	43	$517	$906	$1,195	$1,981	234.77	284.06
50	Sakon Nakhon	53100	42	$476	$896	$1,102	$1,937	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 $608 to $2,241 monthly. Which city you choose has a big effect on your budget.

Outside the capital, costs in Thailand drop noticeably. Khon Kaen is one of the best budget options.

Outside major cities, $800 covers essentials in Thailand just fine. In Bangkok and other expensive hubs, expect much tighter budgeting with little room for extras.

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.