Cost of Living in Bangkok for Bachelors & Family in 2024

One of the most lively cities in the world, Bangkok is filled with pubs, luxurious hotels, malls, and urban apartments. The cost of living in Bangkok is subject to the lifestyle you wish to lead. However, if you can manage your expenses well, Bangkok can be a great place to live.

If you plan to move to Bangkok, check out the guide below to learn in-depth about the move and its monthly expenses.

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Average Cost of Living in Bangkok
Factors Determining the Cost of Living
Tips on Reducing the Cost of Living
Important Things to Know
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Average Cost of Living in Bangkok?

Living in Bangkok can be expensive, but the amount of money you spend each month depends on your lifestyle, rent, and miscellaneous expenses.

Refer to the table below to learn about how much it costs to live in Bangkok for bachelors, students, and families:

Area of Expense	Cost
Rent	THB 15,000 - THB 59,000
Entertainment	THB 2,000 - THB 8,000
Groceries	THB 2,500 - THB 8,000
Transport	THB 1,800 - THB 5,000
Utilities	THB 1,800 - THB 4,500
Schooling of children	THB 45,000 - THB 60,000

Cost of Living for Bachelors in Bangkok

The expenses of bachelors in Bangkok include living expenses, groceries, household bills, recreational activities, and transportation. All these depend on your income, spending habits, residential locality, and lifestyle. The table below highlights some major expenses for bachelors:

Area of Expense	Bachelors
Accommodation	THB 10,000 - THB 20,000
Groceries	THB 2,000 - THB 3,000
Transport	THB 1,800 - THB 2,500
Utilities	THB 3,000 - THB 3,500
Entertainment and Shopping	THB 5,000 - THB 9,000
Housemaid	THB 285 per hour
Wi-Fi	THB 500 - THB 1600
Bus Pass/Metro Pass	Starting THB 1,300
Miscellaneous	THB 1,000 - THB 1,500

Cost of Living in Bangkok for Students

Bangkok is relatively cheaper for students as you can share an apartment, utilities, and groceries with roommates. Monthly expenses range from THB 15,000 - THB 25,000, which includes rent, transportation, utilities, and groceries.

The table below shows some of the major expenses:

Area of Expense	Students
Rent (shared apartment)	THB 5,500 - THB 10,000
Rent (single room PG)	THB 10,000 - THB 34,000
Food (monthly)	THB 2,000 to THB 4,000
Transportation (monthly)	THB 1,500 - THB 2,000
Utilities (monthly)	THB 3,000
WiFi	THB 450
Miscellaneous	THB 1,000 - THB 1,800
Bus Pass/Metro Pass	Starts from THB 1,300

Cost of Living in Bangkok for a Family

The city of Bangkok offers various kinds of accommodations to its residents depending on the location and amenities. Expenses for the family would include school fees and extracurricular activities for the children. The table below consists of some of the major costs:

Area of Expense	Families
Accommodation	THB 30,000 - THB 75,000
Groceries & Food	THB 6,000 - THB 10,000
Transport	THB 3,600 - THB 5,000
Utilities	THB 9,000 - THB 10,000
Entertainment & Shopping	THB 15,000 - THB 25,000
Education & Daycare	THB 6,800 - THB 58,000
Housemaid	THB 285 onwards per day
WiFi	THB 500 - THB 700
Miscellaneous	THB 3,500 - THB 5,000

Cost of Living in Bangkok for Couples

The cost of living in Bangkok for couples includes accommodation, utilities, food, etc. Look at the table below for more detailed information:

Area of Expense	Couples
1 BHK apartment for rent	THB 10,000 - THB 20,000
2 BHK apartments for rent	THB 15,00 - THB 40,000
Electricity bill	THB 3,000 - THB 3,500
Bus pass	THB 2,600 onwards
Wi-Fi	THB 550 onwards
Groceries	THB 3,000 - THB 4,000
Meal for two	THB 400 - THB 500 per meal outside
Housemaid	THB 285 per hour
Miscellaneous	THB 2,000 - THB 3,000

Factors That Determine the Cost of Living in Bangkok

The cost of living in Bangkok depends on various factors. Here are some of the factors we must keep in mind:

1. Accommodation

Filled with religious sites and historical attractions, the city of Bangkok is both beautiful and lively. Depending on the locality you choose, the cost of accommodation can vary greatly throughout the city. Given below are some prices for a range of apartments:

Classification of Rentals	Price Range
1 BHK	Starting THB 10,000
2 BHK	Starting THB 15,000
3 BHK	Starting THB 19,000

Additionally, the estimated cost to buy and rent in the most affordable and posh areas is mentioned in the following table -

Location	Category	Rent Per Month	Buying Cost Per sq.ft
Phaya Thai	Affordable	Starting THB 3,800	Starting THB 50,000
Watthana	Affordable	Starting THB 4,000	Starting THB 50,000
Bang Na	Affordable	Starting THB 9,500	Starting THB 65,000
Phra Khanongi	Affordable	Starting THB 10,000	Starting THB 50,000
Suan Luang	Posh	Starting THB 10,000	Starting THB 51,000
Khlong Tei	Posh	Starting THB 14,900	Starting THB 63,000
Sathon	Posh	Starting THB 17,000	Starting THB 90,000
Pathum Wan	Posh	Starting THB 25,000	Starting THB 77,000
Bang Rak	Posh	Starting THB 25,000	Starting THB 60,000

2. Transportation

While Bangkok is an expensive city, transportation is quite affordable. The public transportation system is also quite regular and well-planned. You must consider transportation expenses when calculating your monthly expenditure.

Category	Approximate Cost
One-way ticket (public transport)	THB 40
Monthly pass (public transport)	THB 1,300
Price of gasoline (as of 9th September)	THB 40 for 1 litre
Rental bikes and scooters	THB 300 per day
Cabs (minimum cost)	THB 42 for 1km

3. Groceries

The budget for groceries depends on personal food habits and preferences. Groceries contribute significantly to monthly expenses, especially if you are living alone. On average, monthly groceries cost around THB 2,000 to THB 2,500.

Grocery	Price
Milk (regular), (1 litre)	THb 67 - THB 69
Fresh Bread (500g)	THB 55
Rice (white), (1kg)	THB 51
Eggs (regular) (1 dozen)	THB 77
Local Cheese (1kg)	THB 791
Chicken 1 kg (boneless)	THB 102
Apples (1kg)	THB 114
Banana (1kg)	THB 56
Oranges (1kg)	THB 78
Tomato (1kg)	THB 62
Potato (1kg)	THB 55
Onion (1kg)	THB 47
Lettuce (1 head)	THB 44

4. Utilities

Utilities like water, heating, garbage disposal, and electricity add up significantly when calculating monthly expenditures. Depending on your place of residence, it ranges from THB 4,000 to THB 4,200.

Monthly Utilities	Price
Basic (heating, cooling, electricity, water) for a house	THB 1,800 – THB 3,000
Prepaid mobile bill	THB 455
Internet f60 Mbps, ADSL/Cable, unlimited data	THB 530

5. Entertainment

It is exhausting to work for hours on end. Most people look forward to visiting a pub to relax or grab a quick bite. If you are not careful, these can quickly add up.

Area of Expense	Approximate Cost
1-month gym membership	THB 1,950
1-morning cappuccino	THB 87
Tennis court rent for 1 hour	THB 377
Cinema (1 seat)	THB 250
Meal in an affordable restaurant (1 person)	THB 100 - THB 200
Three-course meal in a mid-range restaurant	THB 425 - THB 850
McMeal at McDonald's	THB 200

6. Childcare

If you live with your family, the cost of living in Bangkok also includes childcare. To hire a caretaker or nanny for the month, you can expect to pay THB 2,500 - THB 4,000 each month.

Schools and Childcare	Price
Preschool or kindergarten, full day, private, monthly for 1 Child	THB 6,800
Primary schools	THB 45,000 - THB 54,200
International primary school, yearly for 1 child	THB 956,000

Tips on Reducing the Cost of Living in Bangkok

These are some easy tips to help you bring down the cost of living in Bangkok:

Buy groceries for the week and cook food at home to save money on eating out. It is nutritious and economical.
Shop at Pratunam Markets. It is quite affordable, and you can get souvenirs at a wholesale rate.
Buy a Rabbit Travel Card. You can avail of the BTS Skytrain and visit various destinations at a flat pre-loaded rate.
Avoid taking taxis in tourist-heavy places. They usually charge a higher rate than normal.
To save money on accommodation, try renting with roommates.
Allocate money for entertainment purposes. Bangkok is a lively city, it is easy to get carried away and spend more than you intended to.

Important Things to Know Before Moving to Bangkok

Here are some essential things to keep in mind that will make your move to Bangkok easier:

Job Market and Economy

The job market in Bangkok remains unstable and needs improvement. The Employers' Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry (EconThai) says recruits are only welcome in the food and tourism industries. Make sure to read up on prospective jobs before moving to Bangkok.

Climate and Weather

In a tropical city, you can expect humidity from March to July and some rain till october when the weather cools down. You must take adequate precautions in the summer to avoid dehydration and fatigue.

Accommodation Options

The city offers plenty of options from the type of residence to the locality. You can opt for affordable studio apartments or splurge on duplexes in the city centre. The prices will fluctuate greatly based on your preferences.

Transportation Challenges

The high volume of cars, tuk-tuks, and taxis creates chaos on the streets of Bangkok. Tuk-tuks and the BTS Skyline are great options for travelling, and Go Bikes are also an economical option for daily commutes.

Language and Communication

The most commonly spoken language in Bangkok is Thai. However, most people can understand some English.

The minimum cost to live comfortably in Bangkok ranges from THB 15,000 to THB 25,000. Travelling and groceries are affordable, making the city a perfect place for people who enjoy culture alongside a relaxed working environment.

This guide provides a detailed view regarding the cost of living in Bangkok to help you with your finances and move.

FAQs about the Cost of Living in Bangkok

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Is Bangkok an expensive city for students?

Bangkok is affordable if you live a frugal life and manage your expenses well. The tuition fees are also marginally cheaper compared to the fees in the West.

How much money is enough to live comfortably in Bangkok?

You need around THB 30,000 to THB 50,000 to live a comfortable lifestyle.

What is considered a good salary for Bangkok?

A good salary in Bangkok is approximately THB 97,300 to live comfortably.

Is Bangkok costlier than India?

A metropolitan city in India, for instance, Delhi, has the same living cost as Bangkok. Therefore, it is the same.

Is THB 80,000 a sufficient and good salary for Bangkok?

Yes, THB 80,000 is a great salary for living a good lifestyle in Bangkok.

Is Bangkok cheaper than Dubai?

Yes, Bangkok is way cheaper than Dubai for major expenses, such as accommodation, rent, etc.

How much would it cost for a family to live in Bangkok?

As families have more people dependent on the sole breadwinner, the expenses for a family would be drastically higher than that of a bachelor. On average, it would cost around THB 50,000 to THB 60,000.