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 $961 including rent across Thailand.

Estimated average monthly cost for a couple: $1,577 including rent across Thailand.

Average monthly costs for a family of three come to about $2,193 including rent across Thailand.

Living costs in Thailand vary widely – from $621 in more affordable cities to $2,211 in major hubs, spanning a $1,590 range across 64 cities.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$3.11 ฿103

$1.56 ฿51.4

$6.23 ฿206

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$27.61 ฿912

$18.40 ฿608

$76.7 ฿2,534

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$6.85 ฿226

$5.77 ฿191

$9.35 ฿309

Cappuccino

$2.04 ฿67.3

$1.18 ฿39.12

$3.54 ฿117

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

$0.68 ฿22.37

$0.48 ฿15.89

$1.20 ฿39.56

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.37 ฿12.24

$0.25 ฿8.16

$0.63 ฿20.75

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.11 ฿69.6

$1.50 ฿49.63

$3.61 ฿119

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.60 ฿119

$2.40 ฿79.2

$6.00 ฿198

Milk (1 liter)

$1.87 ฿61.7

$1.39 ฿45.92

$3.08 ฿102

White Bread (500g)

$1.38 ฿45.64

$0.90 ฿29.67

$2.70 ฿89.3

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.29 ฿42.72

$0.80 ฿26.54

$2.95 ฿97.4

Eggs

$2.16 ฿71.3

$1.33 ฿43.87

$2.96 ฿97.8

Local Cheese (1kg)

$16.59 ฿548

$9.16 ฿303

$36.62 ฿1,210

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$3.11 ฿103

$1.99 ฿65.9

$6.22 ฿205

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$11.16 ฿369

$6.17 ฿204

$20.08 ฿663

Apples (1kg)

$3.05 ฿101

$1.25 ฿41.23

$5.29 ฿175

Banana (1kg)

$1.30 ฿42.79

$0.65 ฿21.56

$2.67 ฿88.2

Oranges (1kg)

$2.04 ฿67.3

$0.90 ฿29.74

$3.46 ฿114

Tomato (1kg)

$1.82 ฿60.2

$0.92 ฿30.27

$3.06 ฿101

Potato (1kg)

$1.46 ฿48.34

$0.90 ฿29.72

$2.29 ฿75.8

Onion (1kg)

$1.29 ฿42.70

$0.84 ฿27.70

$2.10 ฿69.4

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.12 ฿37.11

$0.60 ฿19.69

$2.31 ฿76.5

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.50 ฿16.44

$0.29 ฿9.48

$0.73 ฿24.03

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$4.38 ฿145

$2.77 ฿91.5

$5.26 ฿174

Wine (Bottle)

$16.18 ฿534

$10.79 ฿356

$24.65 ฿815

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.76 ฿58.3

$1.38 ฿45.65

$2.41 ฿79.6

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.88 ฿95.1

$1.72 ฿56.7

$5.60 ฿185

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.87 ฿28.69

$0.50 ฿16.40

$1.45 ฿47.93

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$35.33 ฿1,167

$19.88 ฿657

$55.1 ฿1,819

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.19 ฿39.43

$1.04 ฿34.26

$2.38 ฿78.5

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.22 ฿40.22

$0.68 ฿22.31

$1.87 ฿61.9

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$6.11 ฿202

$3.06 ฿101

$12.24 ฿404

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.33 ฿43.84

$1.03 ฿34.17

$1.57 ฿51.9

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

$32.6K ฿1.1M

$21.2K ฿701.5K

$46.6K ฿1.5M

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

$27.1K ฿894.5K

$26.9K ฿887.6K

$27.4K ฿905.0K

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

$82.9 ฿2,739

$46.26 ฿1,528

$134 ฿4,436

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

$12.68 ฿419

$6.06 ฿200

$24.27 ฿802

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$18.98 ฿627

$12.31 ฿407

$29.24 ฿966

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$51.4 ฿1,699

$24.73 ฿817

$92.7 ฿3,064

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$12.02 ฿397

$3.94 ฿130

$21.50 ฿710

Cinema Ticket

$6.59 ฿218

$4.79 ฿158

$8.99 ฿297

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

$554 ฿18.3K

$246 ฿8,129

$923 ฿30.5K

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$12.1K ฿400.3K

$7,313 ฿241.6K

$23.4K ฿772.3K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$54.5 ฿1,801

$15.34 ฿507

$107 ฿3,547

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$32.73 ฿1,082

$12.09 ฿399

$57.6 ฿1,902

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$93.3 ฿3,083

$55.5 ฿1,834

$139 ฿4,585

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$81.4 ฿2,691

$36.31 ฿1,200

$136 ฿4,499

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$470 ฿15.5K

$240 ฿7,916

$839 ฿27.7K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$297 ฿9,818

$166 ฿5,479

$543 ฿17.9K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,263 ฿41.7K

$552 ฿18.2K

$2,712 ฿89.6K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$698 ฿23.1K

$371 ฿12.3K

$1,447 ฿47.8K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$3,446 ฿113.9K

$2,088 ฿69.0K

$7,188 ฿237.5K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,963 ฿64.9K

$1,268 ฿41.9K

$3,774 ฿124.7K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$566 ฿18.7K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

5.71

3.5

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

Last update: September 7, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center: $479 in Thailand. For reference, capital rent is $699 in Bangkok, and $285 in Khon Kaen.

National average salary: $640. With average costs at $961, the gap is significant. Expats and remote workers with foreign income benefit most.

Expect to spend about $246 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant averages $27.00 for two.

In Bangkok (capital), expect about $1,159 per month, while Khon Kaen offers the lowest costs at $621 – which city you pick has a tangible effect on the budget.

Cost Highlights

Overall living costs ($961) is 30% below the global median of $1,379.

Average rent ($479) is 28% below the global median of $664.

Dining out ($27.00) is 45% below the global median of $49.00.

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

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	$667	$1,009	$1,389	$2,097	182.13	111.75
2	Ayutthaya	50830	35	$474	$759	$1,075	$2,063	45	294.8
3	Bang Kruai	43453	41	$571	$888	$1,342	$2,092	29.79	385.76
4	Bangkok	5666264	54	$703	$1,159	$1,668	$2,564	24.93	267.52
5	Buriram	28333	42	$579	$916	$1,372	$2,092	91.1	289.25
6	Cha-am	31354	41	$479	$910	$1,408	$2,018	53.65	305.06
7	Chaiyaphum	42436	43	$671	$948	$1,668	$2,309	146.76	298.8
8	Chanthaburi	27602	46	$642	$987	$1,611	$2,330	314.43	322.2
9	Chiang Mai	127240	43	$573	$950	$1,300	$1,909	284.43	294.43
10	Chiang Rai	77672	34	$518	$735	$1,052	$1,580	40.21	274.39
11	Chon Buri	70364	38	$452	$825	$1,016	$1,926	248.66	354.83
12	Hat Yai	156802	35	$542	$744	$1,426	$1,935	17.81	307.36
13	Hua Hin	50169	45	$507	$956	$1,098	$2,032	59.7	359.92
14	Kalasin	37653	43	$576	$933	$1,279	$2,140	121.79	305.35
15	Khlong Luang	-	45	$560	$974	$1,569	$2,290	131.9	420.14
16	Khon Kaen	114459	38	$398	$621	$895	$1,464	58.94	303.63
17	Koh Chang	8500	45	$567	$976	$1,324	$2,281	188.83	168.87
18	Koh Lanta	32000	44	$574	$976	$1,365	$2,223	107.75	190.71
19	Koh Lipe	800	100	$822	$2,211	$2,013	$5,214	105.96	187.5
20	Koh Phan Ghan	-	49	$536	$1,071	$1,609	$2,469	172.22	234.58
21	Koh Phi Phi	2500	92	$782	$2,019	$1,919	$4,701	103.59	111.75
22	Koh Samui	62110	56	$741	$1,209	$1,841	$2,806	103.93	265.14
23	Koh Tao	1382	50	$608	$1,093	$1,434	$2,516	205.67	196.09
24	Krabi	50000	48	$536	$1,042	$1,141	$1,834	95.1	246.71
25	Lampang	52124	39	$561	$859	$1,141	$2,008	159.9	290.93
26	Loei	22677	43	$603	$950	$1,160	$2,122	237.61	271.23
27	Lopburi	26500	38	$442	$806	$1,041	$1,822	62.68	344.33
28	Maha Sarakham	46523	43	$548	$935	$1,193	$2,156	4.15	268.03
29	Nakhon Pathom	74446	29	$437	$629	$1,112	$1,061	7.44	343.71
30	Nakhon Ratchasima	126391	37	$526	$799	$1,460	$1,788	82.29	316.18
31	Nakhon Sawan	82305	48	$609	$1,025	$1,645	$2,429	141.93	313.77
32	Nakhon Si Thammarat	102152	47	$603	$1,012	$1,263	$2,337	376.24	279.99
33	Nong Khai	35000	43	$562	$941	$1,256	$2,134	76.89	86.14
34	Nonthaburi	254375	39	$542	$834	$1,246	$1,769	89.15	385.68
35	Pai	2284	41	$541	$882	$1,297	$2,038	45.63	200.07
36	Pak Kret	190272	44	$502	$966	$1,423	$2,217	171.76	343.27
37	Pathum Thani	18320	36	$421	$804	$1,024	$1,902	126.89	362.36
38	Pattani	43631	43	$572	$921	$1,202	$2,130	109.67	227.68
39	Pattaya	119532	49	$597	$1,072	$1,409	$2,274	52.19	303.24
40	Phetchabun	23823	42	$521	$897	$1,347	$2,070	64.49	314.31
41	Phitsanulok	66106	42	$547	$920	$1,421	$2,060	37.21	284.22
42	Phuket	79308	58	$667	$1,265	$1,572	$2,913	33	321.08
43	Prachin Buri	19910	42	$535	$930	$1,389	$2,140	149.73	325.31
44	Prachuap Khiri Khan	26926	48	$731	$1,030	$1,775	$2,414	176.11	239.25
45	Rangsit	85260	40	$458	$891	$1,306	$2,010	161.93	403.19
46	Ranong	16163	48	$620	$1,056	$1,526	$2,323	76.86	236.1
47	Ratchaburi	38208	45	$614	$952	$1,494	$2,254	288.03	342.91
48	Rayong	63565	43	$623	$937	$1,394	$1,419	252	344.8
49	Roi Et	34229	42	$467	$902	$1,115	$2,053	234.77	284.06
50	Sakon Nakhon	53100	40	$498	$869	$1,154	$1,956	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 $621 to $2,211 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.