Thailand, the jewel of Southeast Asia, offers an array of unforgettable experiences to expats. Bordered to the east by Cambodia and to the south by Malaysia, its location is ideal for lovers of South Asian culture. Many foreigners come to settle there as a logical continuation after a trip, realizing the good quality of life that the country offers. But what about the cost of living in Thailand? Is it really interesting for expats? Foyer Global Health takes stock for you in this guide.
The exchange rate in Thailand
The currency used in Thailand is the Baht (THB).
The current value of the Baht against the Euro in 2023 is 38.13 THB = 1 Euro (as of August 23, 2023). The exchange rate fluctuates constantly, it is always useful to check this value before any trip.
Southeast Asia: Cost of living indices based on 2023 Numbeo data:
- Indonesia: 30.77
- Malaysia: 32.27
- Myanmar: 33.36
- Vietnam: 34.49
- Philippines: 35.94
- Thailand: 38.51
- Cambodia: 41.72
- Brunei: 54.18
- Singapore: 85.93
Average budget
The budget required for an expatriation to Thailand will depend on various elements, such as your income, lifestyle and family situation (single, with or without children). According to Numbeo, the cost of living for a family of four in Thailand is estimated at around €1863 (70,594.2฿) rent-free per month.
Housing
As in most countries, prices in a city like Bangkok are generally higher, especially in the city center and in areas popular with expats. On average monthly rents for a one-bedroom apartment range from 10,000 to 30,000 baht, while more luxurious accommodation can exceed 40,000 THB. Some areas of Thailand offer more affordable accommodation, such as Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai or Udon Thani in the north.
If your situation requires temporary hotel accommodation, know that you can access a wide range of services and avoid spending nights under the stars! In mid-range hotels, you will have to pay between €20 and €50 per night, or between €50 and €200 euros per night in a more upscale hotel.
Housing-related costs
Charges may vary on various factors such as location, size of accommodation and services offered. Among the financial elements to consider, water, gas and electricity deserve your attention.
- On average, the monthly cost of water for one person varies between 100 and 200 baht. As the consumption of running water is not recommended, do not forget to include the cost of drinking water in your overall budget.
- Gas-related expenses vary depending on the intensity of use as well as the type of gas used (bottles or natural gas). For bottled gas, the monthly cost could be between 300 and 500 baht. Please note that the geographical location of your home may require a gas connection, at additional cost to you. In the meantime, plan to buy a propane cylinder.
- Electricity is one of the most important costs to consider, taking into account locality and level of energy consumption. For example, for a two-person household with continuous air-conditioning and frequent use of the washing machine, the monthly cost of electricity is between 800 and 1200 baht.
The food
Thailand offers a wide variety of choices with very often affordable prices.
Current products:
Here are some examples of average prices for common products that can be found in Thailand, in euros:
Water (1.5 liter bottle): €0.26 – €0.66
White rice (1kg): €0.60 – €2.10 / average of €1.13
Milk (1 liter): €1.10 – €2.39 / average of €1.46
Eggs (12 units): €1.10 – €2.36 / average of €1.64
Chicken fillets (1kg): €1.31 – €3.98 / average of €2.36
Round of beef (1kg): €5.25 – €17.21 / average of €9.93
Restaurant and street food:
In Thailand, expats enjoy an authentic dining experience, with prices (in Euros) varying depending on the type of cuisine and location in town:
- Meals at a local restaurant: Traditional Thai dishes can be enjoyed for €1.18 – €5.25.
- Street food: Street food is very affordable, ranging from 0.53€ to 1.58€ for popular dishes such as Pad Thai, Som Tam (green papaya salad) and Khao Pad (fried rice).
- Meal in a mid-range restaurant: Mid-range restaurants can cost around €13.12 – €45.92 for 2 people.
Education
Here is an overview of the education system and possible costs for expats in Thailand:
International Public Schools: Public schools are mainly aimed at Thai citizens and teach in Thai. Some international public schools, however, offer programs in English for expats, with tuition fees ranging from around 2,000 to 10,000 US dollars per year.
Here are some examples of international public schools:
- Triam Udom Suksa School
- Sarasas Ektra School
- Satit Chulalongkorn School
- International School Eastern Seaboard (ISE)
International private schools: International programs such as the International Baccalaureate or the British program are offered at these schools. Tuition fees are higher, ranging from around 5,000 to 30,000 US dollars per year.
Here are some examples of international private schools:
- Bankok Patana School
- International School Bankok (ISB)
- NIST International School
- Harrow International School Bankok
- St. Andrews International School
The cost of healthcare
Thailand is renowned for the excellence of its medical sector, setting the global benchmark for medical care. Bangkok’s Bumrungrad Hospital, often cited as the best medical facility in South Asia, is staffed by doctors who have trained or worked abroad. For expats in Thailand, private hospitals remain the preferred option. For more routine care, rates remain affordable: a consultation with a general practitioner will cost you between 700 and 1000 baht, or up to around 2500 baht for a consultation with a specialist. To make sure you have comprehensive health cover in Thailand, opt for expat health insurance that will cover you in the event of an emergency or expensive medical expenses.
Telecommunications Services
Telecommunications services are well developed and offer a full range of services, from mobile telephony to high-speed Internet access with prices ranging from €5.22 to €18.33 per month.
Leisure and transport
Thailand offers a variety of leisure activities at interesting value for money prices. Here are a few examples in euros:
The average price of a cinema ticket is €5.20,
Entrance to temples costs around €2.62,
Cultural performances cost an average of €13.11 – €26.23,
The famous traditional Thai massage costs around €7.87 – €15.74 per hour, while spa treatments range from €26.23 – €78.69.
Thailand offers a variety of leisure activities at interesting value for money prices. Here are a few examples in euros:
The average price of a cinema ticket is €5.20,
Entrance to temples costs around €2.62,
Cultural performances cost an average of €13.11 – €26.23,
The famous traditional Thai massage costs around €7.87 – €15.74 per hour, while spa treatments range from €26.23 – €78.69.
When it comes to transport, you can choose between bus, metro, cabs and even tuk-tuks. For a one-way trip by bus or metro, the average fare is 15 baht. Cabs are metered, with a minimum fare of 35 baht per trip. Additional charges are calculated according to distance and traffic jams, with an average price per kilometer. An additional 50 baht is charged for journeys from the airport. Finally, tuk-tuk transport costs around 100-200 baht, depending on negotiation, as tuk-tuks are not metered. If none of these options suits you, you can always rent a car for 1000 baht for smaller cars, and 2000 baht for larger cars.