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 $941 including rent across Thailand.

Estimated average monthly cost for a couple: $1,537 including rent across Thailand.

Average monthly costs for a family of three come to about $2,132 including rent across Thailand.

Living costs in Thailand vary widely – from $609 in more affordable cities to $2,129 in major hubs, spanning a $1,520 range across 64 cities.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$2.95 ฿98.6

$1.48 ฿49.28

$5.89 ฿197

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$26.98 ฿901

$18.00 ฿601

$60.0 ฿2,003

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$7.17 ฿240

$5.38 ฿180

$8.97 ฿300

Cappuccino

$2.05 ฿68.3

$1.18 ฿39.41

$3.83 ฿128

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

$0.69 ฿23.08

$0.46 ฿15.50

$1.24 ฿41.34

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.36 ฿12.16

$0.25 ฿8.34

$0.62 ฿20.84

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.23 ฿74.5

$1.49 ฿49.63

$3.57 ฿119

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.64 ฿122

$2.43 ฿81.0

$6.05 ฿202

Milk (1 liter)

$1.78 ฿59.5

$1.34 ฿44.63

$2.97 ฿99.2

White Bread (500g)

$1.41 ฿47.11

$0.91 ฿30.50

$2.74 ฿91.5

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.32 ฿44.12

$0.82 ฿27.49

$3.02 ฿101

Eggs

$2.13 ฿71.1

$1.31 ฿43.88

$2.93 ฿98.0

Local Cheese (1kg)

$16.37 ฿547

$9.11 ฿304

$36.44 ฿1,217

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$2.89 ฿96.7

$1.88 ฿62.7

$5.86 ฿196

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$10.90 ฿364

$5.97 ฿199

$19.40 ฿648

Apples (1kg)

$2.94 ฿98.2

$1.20 ฿39.93

$5.07 ฿169

Banana (1kg)

$1.25 ฿41.75

$0.64 ฿21.53

$2.64 ฿88.1

Oranges (1kg)

$2.02 ฿67.4

$0.89 ฿29.71

$3.41 ฿114

Tomato (1kg)

$1.75 ฿58.5

$0.89 ฿29.76

$2.97 ฿99.2

Potato (1kg)

$1.46 ฿48.67

$0.89 ฿29.60

$2.26 ฿75.6

Onion (1kg)

$1.24 ฿41.50

$0.82 ฿27.23

$1.98 ฿66.1

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.10 ฿36.71

$0.58 ฿19.49

$2.28 ฿76.0

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.50 ฿16.67

$0.29 ฿9.81

$0.73 ฿24.52

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$4.33 ฿145

$2.74 ฿91.5

$5.20 ฿174

Wine (Bottle)

$14.77 ฿493

$10.34 ฿345

$23.63 ฿789

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.77 ฿59.0

$1.37 ฿45.75

$2.40 ฿80.3

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.77 ฿92.6

$1.67 ฿55.7

$5.42 ฿181

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.86 ฿28.56

$0.43 ฿14.28

$1.43 ฿47.60

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$31.74 ฿1,060

$19.14 ฿639

$53.0 ฿1,771

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.19 ฿39.73

$1.04 ฿34.76

$2.38 ฿79.5

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.15 ฿38.48

$0.64 ฿21.52

$1.76 ฿58.7

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$5.95 ฿199

$2.98 ฿99.6

$11.91 ฿398

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.37 ฿45.86

$1.08 ฿35.93

$1.63 ฿54.4

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

$32.7K ฿1.1M

$21.3K ฿710.4K

$46.7K ฿1.6M

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

$27.5K ฿916.9K

$27.2K ฿909.7K

$27.8K ฿927.5K

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

$82.8 ฿2,764

$45.49 ฿1,519

$136 ฿4,558

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

$12.92 ฿432

$6.09 ฿203

$24.37 ฿814

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$18.74 ฿626

$12.17 ฿407

$28.91 ฿966

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$51.5 ฿1,721

$24.34 ฿813

$91.3 ฿3,048

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$11.94 ฿399

$3.91 ฿131

$21.35 ฿713

Cinema Ticket

$6.55 ฿219

$4.76 ฿159

$8.93 ฿298

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

$543 ฿18.2K

$242 ฿8,068

$906 ฿30.3K

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$12.2K ฿406.6K

$7,365 ฿246.0K

$23.5K ฿786.3K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$53.1 ฿1,774

$14.77 ฿493

$103 ฿3,452

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$31.77 ฿1,061

$11.73 ฿392

$55.9 ฿1,866

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$92.1 ฿3,076

$60.9 ฿2,032

$122 ฿4,067

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$80.9 ฿2,703

$45.00 ฿1,503

$135 ฿4,509

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$470 ฿15.7K

$240 ฿8,006

$794 ฿26.5K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$294 ฿9,815

$166 ฿5,533

$542 ฿18.1K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,214 ฿40.5K

$531 ฿17.7K

$2,606 ฿87.0K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$666 ฿22.3K

$358 ฿11.9K

$1,395 ฿46.6K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$3,515 ฿117.4K

$2,130 ฿71.2K

$7,335 ฿245.0K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,952 ฿65.2K

$1,254 ฿41.9K

$3,731 ฿124.6K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$573 ฿19.1K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

5.72

3.5

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

Last update: August 3, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center: $485 in Thailand. For reference, capital rent is $706 in Bangkok, and $281 in Khon Kaen.

National average salary: $633. With average costs at $941, the gap is significant. Expats and remote workers with foreign income benefit most.

Expect to spend about $245 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant averages $27.00 for two.

In Bangkok (capital), expect about $1,172 per month, while Khon Kaen offers the lowest costs at $609 – which city you pick has a tangible effect on the budget.

Cost Highlights

Overall living costs ($941) is 31% below the global median of $1,356.

Average rent ($485) is 26% below the global median of $653.

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

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	-	45	$652	$985	$1,220	$2,065	182.13	111.75
2	Ayutthaya	50830	34	$525	$733	$1,053	$1,989	45	294.8
3	Bang Kruai	43453	41	$462	$874	$1,199	$2,096	29.79	385.76
4	Bangkok	5666264	53	$700	$1,172	$1,678	$2,569	24.93	267.52
5	Buriram	28333	41	$451	$891	$1,106	$2,036	91.1	289.25
6	Cha-am	31354	40	$516	$885	$1,104	$1,987	53.65	305.06
7	Chaiyaphum	42436	42	$585	$930	$1,312	$2,168	146.76	298.8
8	Chanthaburi	27602	45	$658	$982	$1,463	$2,241	314.43	322.2
9	Chiang Mai	127240	42	$579	$905	$1,309	$1,843	284.43	294.43
10	Chiang Rai	77672	31	$407	$688	$1,092	$1,383	40.21	274.39
11	Chon Buri	70364	38	$440	$824	$1,263	$1,954	248.66	354.83
12	Hat Yai	156802	34	$475	$738	$1,559	$1,901	17.81	307.36
13	Hua Hin	50169	44	$482	$954	$1,188	$2,006	59.7	359.92
14	Kalasin	37653	42	$516	$929	$1,277	$2,084	121.79	305.35
15	Khlong Luang	-	43	$541	$951	$1,392	$2,141	131.9	420.14
16	Khon Kaen	114459	38	$350	$609	$806	$1,407	58.94	303.63
17	Koh Chang	8500	45	$568	$990	$1,339	$2,251	188.83	168.87
18	Koh Lanta	32000	43	$569	$954	$1,338	$2,148	107.75	190.71
19	Koh Lipe	800	98	$799	$2,129	$2,014	$5,221	105.96	187.5
20	Koh Phan Ghan	-	48	$613	$1,027	$1,570	$2,362	172.22	234.58
21	Koh Phi Phi	2500	90	$775	$1,963	$1,890	$4,606	103.59	111.75
22	Koh Samui	62110	55	$671	$1,219	$1,845	$2,711	103.93	265.14
23	Koh Tao	1382	49	$607	$1,087	$1,441	$2,476	205.67	196.09
24	Krabi	50000	47	$523	$1,033	$1,111	$1,822	95.1	246.71
25	Lampang	52124	38	$541	$841	$1,166	$1,914	159.9	290.93
26	Loei	22677	42	$526	$903	$1,179	$2,061	237.61	271.23
27	Lopburi	26500	37	$400	$800	$894	$1,803	62.68	344.33
28	Maha Sarakham	46523	42	$605	$923	$1,429	$2,079	4.15	268.03
29	Nakhon Pathom	74446	29	$479	$624	$877	$1,071	7.44	343.71
30	Nakhon Ratchasima	126391	36	$609	$772	$1,286	$1,784	82.29	316.18
31	Nakhon Sawan	82305	47	$658	$1,004	$1,458	$2,303	141.93	313.77
32	Nakhon Si Thammarat	102152	46	$646	$1,016	$1,298	$2,253	376.24	279.99
33	Nong Khai	35000	42	$598	$907	$1,231	$2,013	76.89	86.14
34	Nonthaburi	254375	39	$587	$844	$1,254	$1,771	89.15	385.68
35	Pai	2284	41	$539	$891	$1,301	$1,978	45.63	200.07
36	Pak Kret	190272	43	$548	$917	$1,500	$2,132	171.76	343.27
37	Pathum Thani	18320	35	$410	$784	$1,006	$1,854	126.89	362.36
38	Pattani	43631	42	$522	$897	$1,450	$2,047	109.67	227.68
39	Pattaya	119532	47	$582	$1,022	$1,417	$2,248	52.19	303.24
40	Phetchabun	23823	41	$445	$881	$1,221	$2,028	64.49	314.31
41	Phitsanulok	66106	40	$457	$890	$1,250	$2,010	37.21	284.22
42	Phuket	79308	57	$667	$1,242	$1,570	$2,913	33	321.08
43	Prachin Buri	19910	41	$580	$872	$1,398	$2,049	149.73	325.31
44	Prachuap Khiri Khan	26926	47	$652	$1,013	$1,587	$2,365	176.11	239.25
45	Rangsit	85260	40	$489	$890	$1,280	$1,968	161.93	403.19
46	Ranong	16163	47	$646	$1,031	$1,574	$2,335	76.86	236.1
47	Ratchaburi	38208	43	$574	$936	$1,294	$2,155	288.03	342.91
48	Rayong	63565	43	$672	$944	$1,282	$1,402	252	344.8
49	Roi Et	34229	41	$501	$867	$1,194	$1,933	234.77	284.06
50	Sakon Nakhon	53100	39	$523	$858	$1,215	$1,854	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 $609 to $2,129 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.