Property in Thailand

Bangkok has not become cheaper, Phuket is nowhere near ideal. At the same time, the cost of living in Thailand is among the most balanced for expats. GDP growth of 3.4 per cent, baht to dollar exchange rate of 36, moderate inflation of 2.9 per cent. These indicators form the main intrigue: how exactly do the costs of living in the country add up, and is it worth considering it as a comfortable place to live long-term?

Food and nutrition

Thai food is like a market at midday: noisy, colourful and for every pocket. Local street food leaves more in your wallet than a supermarket shelf full of imports.

Shops and markets

Prices of basic groceries in 2025 remain moderate with a focus on local products. The average cost of groceries in Thailand for a single person is about 5,000 baht per month, in dollars 150 . Example: 1 litre of milk – $1.80, a kilogram of chicken fillet – about $3.60, rice (5 kg) – about $5.40, eggs (10 pcs) – $1.35.

Street food and cafes

Food prices in Thailand are kept in line: a portion of pad thai with chicken is $1.50, tom yam is $2.70, a full meal in a food court is $3-4. For those who avoid cooking – the monthly budget easily exceeds $300.

The cost of living in Thailand is directly related to the style of food. Organics, imports, and restaurants are cost multipliers. With a moderate approach, spending on food per month does not exceed about $250.

Transport costs

Travelling across the country isn’t about business class comfort, it’s about flexibility of choice and counting at the checkout. Street bus, moped or metro – each option writes its own line in the budget table, changing the final cost of accommodation.

Public transport

Bangkok’s BTS (underground) offers city fares for up to $2. Bus – from 10 baht per trip. Provincial routes are cheaper but less frequent and less comfortable. On average, transport prices in Thailand form modestly: for daily trips – $35-45 per month.

Rent and fuel

Moped is the main means of transport in the resort areas. Hire from $75 per month, petrol from about $1 per litre. Taxi – from $1.35 per boarding, with taximeter. Grab – 20-30% more expensive.

The cost of living in Thailand gets a significant premium if you use taxis on a regular basis. To save money, it is more favourable to rent a moped, especially in Chiang Mai or Samui.

Entertainment and leisure activities

A cinema ticket starts at $4, a monthly hall pass at $36. Island tours with a guide – from $30, entrance to temples – from $1.50, diving – from $75 Travelling between provinces will cost $15-35 for a bus ticket or $55-65 for a flight.

With an active lifestyle, the cost of living in Thailand increases by $90-150 Lovers of privacy and digital detox are limited to $15 per month.

The cost of living in the country allows you to choose your pace: from ascetic to premium. The resort region dictates the numbers: Phuket is 20% more expensive than Chiang Mai or Hua Hin.

Rent and utilities

Rent is the basic component that forms the price of living in the country. Prices vary by location, but always depend on distance from the sea, transport and infrastructure.

Phuket: a studio near the beach – $450. Bangkok: a flat near the BTS – $540. Chiang Mai offers accommodation from $210, and a two-bedroom house in Pattaya costs $600.

Utility costs are between $60 and $90. The main driver is air conditioning: daily use increases the bill by $35 to $55. Water and internet rarely exceed $20 per month.

When planning the budget, it is important to take into account hidden costs: maintenance fees (up to $30), internet charges separately ($15 on average), and seasonal spikes in electricity consumption.

The cost of living in Thailand depends significantly on these variables, and renting a home often determines the final balance of costs.

Real estate as a strategy

The average price of a square metre in a new building is $2,400 in Bangkok and about $2,000 in Pattaya. The investor gets a yield of 6-8% per annum on short-term rentals.

Which forms the cost of housing:

Flat for rent (1 bedroom): 8,000-20,000 baht.
Utilities: 2,000-3,000 baht.
Internet: 600 baht.
Furniture and appliances: included in the rent.
Deposit upon entry: 1-2 months rent.
Additional fees (security guard, swimming pool): 300-800 baht.

The cost of living in Thailand is directly related to geography, housing format and length of tenancy. With proper valuation – housing becomes an asset.

Is it worth buying property in Thailand in 2025

Foreigners buy only in condominiums, no more than 49% of the building area. Investment in property remains relevant: at a cost of 2.5 million baht or more – residence permit and multi-visa. The market is stable, no decline is predicted. New buildings in Pattaya show an increase in value by 12% per year.

Scenario for the investor

Minimum entry amount – $70,000. Payback period – 9-11 years. An investor rents a flat for daily rent and receives up to $35 a day. In the case of a long-term lease – about $300 per month.

The price of accommodation is reduced if you have your own place. Buying is not always about profit, but it is definitely about stability.

Is it profitable to live in Thailand: monthly calculation

The resort continues to strike a balance between spending and comfort. Even on a modest budget of $800 a month, access to clean accommodation, fresh food and a warm sea is maintained. Expenses are predictable, infrastructure is developed, and the climate replaces heating and jackets.

Average cost of living in Thailand in 2025:

housing – 12,000;
meals – 7,000;
transport – 2,000;
utilities and communications, 2,500;
entertainment – 3,000;
other – 2,000.

A budget of 28,500 baht ($800) provides no-frills comfort. The optimum minimum is $660, while the premium is from $1350.

The cost of living in the country is lower than in Moscow, Istanbul or Tel Aviv. At the same time, the climate, rhythm and access to the sea form a different quality of life.

Cost of living in Thailand: conclusions

In 2025, the cost of living in Thailand continues to attract freelancers, retirees, entrepreneurs. With a balanced approach, spending does not exceed 30,000 baht and the quality of life exceeds expectations. Chiang Mai offers quietness, Bangkok offers infrastructure, Phuket offers an open winter. Each chooses its own formula. The main thing is to count in baht, think in dollars, and live without spending too much.