Cost of living in Thailand in 2025: prices for food, transportation, and leisure

Expenses for living in Thailand in 2025 continue to interest those who consider the country as a place for seasonal or permanent residence. Thanks to moderate prices, favorable climate, and stable infrastructure, the country remains one of the most attractive destinations in Southeast Asia. However, it is important to understand that the cost of living can vary significantly depending on the region, lifestyle, and exchange rate.

How have living expenses in Thailand changed in 2025?

Against the backdrop of post-pandemic recovery and growth in domestic tourism, there has been a partial correction of prices. At the same time, expenses remain moderate for most visitors from Russia. The monthly budget depends on factors such as the type of accommodation, food preferences, frequency of transportation use, and leisure activities.

Living in the provinces is cheaper, while the capital and popular resorts like Phuket or Samui require more serious expenses. The average minimum budget for one adult is $600-800, and a comfortable one starts from $1200.

Food prices in Thailand: markets, cafes, supermarkets

An important expense item is food. Food prices depend on where purchases are made: street markets, mid-range restaurants, or supermarkets. Those who prefer Thai cuisine can save significantly – rice with chicken or noodles at the market cost around 50-70 baht, while European dishes in tourist cafes can cost 200-400 baht.

Imported products in supermarkets are usually more expensive: cheese, meat, sausages, dairy products are priced at the level of European countries. The cost of locally produced products in Thailand remains low: fruits, rice, vegetables, and seafood are available in any part of the country. Taking into account these parameters, living expenses in Thailand in terms of food can vary without compromising quality.

Transportation prices in Thailand

Moving within the country is represented by a wide choice: buses, metro (in Bangkok), scooter rentals, taxis, low-cost flights, and intercity trains. Transportation prices remain competitive and lower than in most European countries.

On average, a bus ride costs 10-30 baht, a city taxi around 100 baht, and a monthly scooter rental ranges from 2500 to 4000 baht. There are also long-distance bus and train trips that are especially popular among travelers in the country. Thus, living expenses in Thailand considering transportation do not create a significant burden on the budget.

Real estate question: Is it worth buying property in Thailand?

In 2025, legislative restrictions are still in place: foreigners cannot own land but have the right to purchase apartments in multi-storey buildings.

Investments in real estate in resort areas remain popular, especially for those who expect passive income from rentals. Apartments in Bangkok can be purchased from 2.5 million baht, in Pattaya – from 1.7 million. Rent, in turn, remains affordable: a studio outside the tourist center costs from 5000 baht per month, while apartments in the premium segment start from 20,000.

Living expenses in Thailand related to housing can vary depending on the duration of the lease, region, and level of comfort. Investors usually choose condominiums with developed infrastructure – pools, security, and parking.

How do expenses change depending on the region?

Expenses largely depend on the geography of residence. In major cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, the cost of rent, food, and services is higher than in provincial cities or less popular islands. Prices in tourist areas are often inflated, especially in high season.

However, in areas not overcrowded with tourism, a stable level of prices for housing, food, and transportation is maintained. This makes it possible to choose a convenient lifestyle even on a limited budget. Those looking to reduce expenses are advised to focus on the northern part of the country, where a moderate price level is maintained with a high quality of life.

What is included in the monthly budget: structure and planning

Creating a monthly budget allows you to control expenses and adapt your lifestyle. In 2025, the standard set of expenses looks as follows:

• rent and utilities;
• groceries and dining out;
• transportation (city and rental);
• communication and internet;
• health insurance;
• leisure, fitness, massage, trips;
• visa fees (for non-residents);
• unexpected expenses.

In total, living expenses in Thailand for one adult with moderate consumption range from 25,000 to 50,000 baht per month, making the country convenient for living with average incomes.

Accessibility of work and remote earning

For those who work online, life in Thailand opens the way to a comfortable lifestyle without financial burdens. Good infrastructure, quality internet, coworking spaces, and support for digital visas make the country attractive for remote specialists.

The development of the digital economy and adaptation of legislation allow legalizing incomes and integrating into the local tax system. The local market does not require expensive licenses to work in the online segment, which is especially valuable for freelancers and entrepreneurs.

Popular everyday expenses

Everyday expenses can vary significantly depending on preferences. Some limit themselves to markets and local services, while others choose premium restaurants and fitness clubs. In any case, the basic basket in 2025 includes:

• water and household chemicals;
• scooter rental;
• visa extensions;
• entertainment (movies, concerts, excursions);
• basic medical or dental care;
• cleaning, laundry, food delivery services.

Expenses increase if there are children in the family or medical services are required. Nevertheless, even in such cases, living expenses in Thailand remain lower than in Moscow or St. Petersburg.

Is it cost-effective to live in Thailand?

Against the backdrop of global price growth and unstable economy, living expenses in Thailand in 2025 represent a balanced model. The country remains advantageous for young professionals and retirees. With proper budget management, it is possible to ensure a high level of comfort without excessive spending.

For Russians, especially given the fluctuation of the ruble, moving to the kingdom remains a logical step: food and housing are cheaper, the climate is milder, and the pace of life is calmer. At the same time, investments in real estate and long-term rentals allow not only to preserve but also to increase capital!