Bank and public holidays in Thailand: 2017-2018 guide
For many westerners, holidays in Thailand can be difficult to keep track of, since many of them change dates yearly depending on the lunar calendar....
Cost of living in Thailand: Your guide
Expats have long been attracted to life in Thailand, where the climate is great, the people are friendly and the culture is exotic. The relatively low costs of living means that many people on a fixed income now choose to retire in Thailand - but the growing startup scene in Bangkok also means that plenty of expats arrive here for work.
And if life in the hectic capital isn't your thing, then there are lots more fantastic choices. Not only will the pace of life be a little slower, the price tag is lower, too. Life in Chiang Mai, for example, is 31% cheaper than in Bangkok.
Whether you’re retiring, temporarily relocating or moving to Thailand for good, it’s helpful to have a picture of what life there will cost as an expat. Here’s a quick guide
How expensive is Thailand in comparison to the USA, the UK, the EU and Australia?
The official currency in Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB or ฿ on currency exchanges).
You can find out the exact value of your money in THB, using an online currency converter - but here’s a rough guide:
- £1000 = ฿43,974
- A$1000 = ฿25,900
- €1000 = ฿38,901
- $1000 = ฿34,089
| Comparing basic cost of living | 1 bedroom flat in city centre (monthly rent) | Lunch for 2 (3 courses, mid range restaurant) | Transportation (monthly pass) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok, Thailand | ฿20,580 | ฿700 | ฿1000 |
| Chiangmai Mai, Thailand | ฿11,140 | ฿600 | ฿1000 |
| London, UK | ฿74,491 | ฿2,431 | ฿5,835 |
| Sydney, Australia | THB 67,905 | THB 2,069 | THB 4,137 |
| New York, USA | THB 102,319 | THB 2,557 | THB 4,091 |
One major factor that adds expense for expats in Thailand, is the cost of converting cash to THB from your home currency. Even if your bank says it offers fee-free money exchange, you can be sure that they are taking out a piece with the exchange rate they are using. To get the best deal, you should use an exchange service like Wise, which applies the mid-market rate. With a quick service, and low flat fees to transfer your cash, this can be a much better deal than relying on your home bank.
What are the general living expenses for Thailand? How much can you get by on?
The cost of living in Thailand is generally low - although naturally your lifestyle will make a big difference here. If you live, eat and shop like a local you can keep your costs down. However, if you have a higher budget, you can live a very luxurious life for less.
| Living expenses in Thailand (excluding rent) | Bangkok average cost | Chiang Mai average cost |
|---|---|---|
| Single person, per month | THB 20,043 | THB 17,443 |
| Single person, per year | THB 240,516 | THB 209,316 |
| University student, per month | THB 12,398 | THB 11,104 |
| 4 person family, per month | THB 72,678 | THB 63,300 |
| 4 person family, per year | THB 872,136 | THB 759,600 |
What are the average salaries for Thailand?
In keeping with the costs, salaries are on the low side in Thailand. However, in demand jobs pay fairly well - customer support salaries here are sixth highest in the world, for example.
| Salary averages for Thailand | Average annual salary |
|---|---|
| Cashier | THB 376,636 |
| Copywriter | ฿1,166,008 |
| Financial analyst | ฿1,441,372 |
| Graphic designer | ฿1,189,642 |
| Mobile developer | ฿1,144,196 |
| Product manager | ฿902,657 |
| Receptionist | ฿547,252 |
| Software engineer | ฿1,247,409 |
| Teacher | ฿736,050 |
| Web developer | ฿1,544,440 |
How expensive is housing and accommodation in Thailand?
The amount you pay in rent is a big driver of your overall cost of living. Rents in Bangkok are fairly high compared to the other large cities, but still extremely reasonable on a global scale.
| Renting in Thailand | Average monthly cost (Bangkok) | Average monthly cost (Chiang Mai) |
|---|---|---|
| One bedroom apartment (city centre) | ฿20,580 | ฿11,140 |
| One bedroom apartment (outside of city centre) | ฿9,024 | ฿6,712 |
| Three bedroom family home (city centre) | ฿59,579 | ฿23,643 |
| Three bedroom family home (outside of city centre) | ฿28,530 | ฿14,515 |
| Internet | ฿613 | ฿615 |
| Utilities (gas, electric and water for a 85m2 apartment) | ฿2,760 | ฿2,128 |
What about healthcare and dental costs in Thailand?
You'll find great healthcare infrastructure in Bangkok and the other large cities. There are public facilities available but expats generally choose to use the private system where doctors often speak English and the equipment and facilities are newer.
| Healthcare service | Average cost to you |
|---|---|
| Family doctor check-up | ฿1,125 |
| Cold medicine for 6 days | ฿60 |
| Antibiotic prescription | ฿160 |
How much is travel and transportation in Thailand?
Travelling in Thailand can be quite an experience. With fairly high accident rates, using public transportation is often a better idea than driving yourself, especially in the frantic and congested capital city.
| Transportation and vehicle prices for Thailand | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Gasoline (1 litre / 0.25 gallon) | ฿27.55 |
| Monthly bus/transport pass | ฿1000 |
| Bus ticket, single use | ฿35 |
| Taxi tariff, 8km/5mile journey | ฿84 |
| Toyota Corolla, new | ฿790,957 |
| VW Golf, new | ฿869,000 |
How much does education cost?
Thailand attracts a lot of international, students looking to experience a different culture while getting a great education. Fees vary wildly - but many public universities publish low fees which exclude other costs, such as textbooks and admin costs. It's worth checking the small print if you're headed to Thailand for study.
| School | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Preschool / kindergarten (monthly fee) | ฿10,159 |
| Private school for lower grades (annual) | ฿466,250 |
| University tuition (Chulalongkorn University - top Thai public university) | Varies by course, to ฿16,375 per semester for international students |
| University tuition (Webster University - private Thai campus of an American university) | ฿198,000 per semester |
Whatever your reason for going, Thailand is a fantastic expat destination, for a permanent move or just to spend a year or two exploring somewhere new. While many people pass through on vacations and visits, you can choose to stay for longer and really uncover what Thai life is like for a local.
Good luck with your new life in Thailand!
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
Money without borders
Find out more
Getting health insurance in Thailand: A complete guide
With its white sandy beaches and warm weather every day, Thailand embodies a tropical paradise. It’s a popular destination for tourists and expats looking for...
The Thai education system: An overview
One important decision, if you’re moving to Thailand with family, is how to ensure that your children have the best possible education. The Thai state system...
How to retire to Thailand: A complete guide
You’re probably tempted to retire in Thailand, whether you’re a Brit, an American or an Australian. Between the amazing food, the pristine beaches and the...
Work in Thailand: Getting a Thai work visa
Thailand is known as the ‘Land of Smiles’. With some 21.5 million international tourists arriving in Bangkok alone every year, Bangkok is rated by some as the...
Teaching English in Thailand: What salary can I expect?
Thailand is a wonderful Southeast Asian destination, with Bangkok being it’s vibrant capital city. Thailand boasts excellent nightlife, restaurants, a...
