Briton Cuts Living Costs With Move to Chiang Mai

On 6/13/2026 at 5:24 AM, Georgealbert said:

Robert spent years working in construction before deciding to leave the UK.

Construction?

Really does not sound like a Quality Tourist...IMHO.

Troll post removed @Celsius

4 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

Most of the time the guys who insist that the cost of living is just as reasonable in America and Europe are guys who would like to be living in Thailand, but for one reason or another can't be here. It's kind of a defensive mechanism to justify their current lifestyle, and being forced to be stuck back there.

Agree. Have never lived in Europe, just visited four times, but it seemed expensive when we visited. However, I'll limit my comments to the US. As an American, the cost of living in the US is much higher compared to Thailand. My spouse has a Thai sister and a niece who are living in California and every Saturday they video chat on Line.

Last Saturday his sister was complaining about how expensive everything is. One thing she talked about was how high the restaurant prices are in the US. She mentioned ordering pad thai at a restaurant and it was $18, about 575 baht. For comparison, we can get it here at a lot of places for around 60 baht. We even have a restaurant that will deliver it to our door for 60 baht--and it's delicious and good quality.

Just one example, of course, but telling. The biggest difference, as I always stress, is keeping a roof over one's head, whether one wants to own or prefers to rent. Usually, that is the biggest, or one of the biggest, monthly budget items in the west--and usually the one posters don't mention when they are saying they can live just as cheaply in the US or Europe. When I was living in Virginia before my move to Thailand, keeping that 1 bedroom condo roof over my head, first as a renter and then as an owner, took well over half of my monthly income. That would not be the case in Thailand, and it leaves you more money to spend on other things or save.

15 minutes ago, newnative said:

Agree. Have never lived in Europe, just visited four times, but it seemed expensive when we visited. However, I'll limit my comments to the US. As an American, the cost of living in the US is much higher compared to Thailand. My spouse has a Thai sister and a niece who are living in California and every Saturday they video chat on Line.

Last Saturday his sister was complaining about how expensive everything is. One thing she talked about was how high the restaurant prices are in the US. She mentioned ordering pad thai at a restaurant and it was $18, about 575 baht. For comparison, we can get it here at a lot of places for around 60 baht. We even have a restaurant that will deliver it to our door for 60 baht--and it's delicious and good quality.

Just one example, of course, but telling. The biggest difference, as I always stress, is keeping a roof over one's head, whether one wants to own or prefers to rent. Usually, that is the biggest, or one of the biggest, monthly budget items in the west--and usually the one posters don't mention when they are saying they can live just as cheaply in the US or Europe. When I was living in Virginia before my move to Thailand, keeping that 1 bedroom condo roof over my head, first as a renter and then as an owner, took well over half of my monthly income. That would not be the case in Thailand, and it leaves you more money to spend on other things or save.

People always forget health insurance and auto insurance and other maintenance costs.

*For a 60 yo that isn't poor, health insurance with a couple thousand deductible is going to run on average about 30k baht a month and if you do go to the hospital the bill is going to be a couple thousand each time until the deductible is met.

*Car insurance is going to run about 8k baht a month and the dreaded repair cost are outrageously expensive

Even when you reach 65, you still have to pay for Medicare" plus protection against catastrophic out-of-pocket costs typically totals 10k-15k baht.

28 minutes ago, atpeace said:

People always forget health insurance and auto insurance and other maintenance costs.

*For a 60 yo that isn't poor, health insurance with a couple thousand deductible is going to run on average about 30k baht a month and if you do go to the hospital the bill is going to be a couple thousand each time until the deductible is met.

*Car insurance is going to run about 8k baht a month and the dreaded repair cost are outrageously expensive

Even when you reach 65, you still have to pay for Medicare" plus protection against catastrophic out-of-pocket costs typically totals 10k-15k baht.

That's probably because most of the world aren't obsessed by the American health insurance scam.

I've had no health insurance for 17 years and managed to survive, doubt I've spent more than 1,000bht a year on medical costs. My biggest medical expense being a hit and run that cost 13,600bht over a period of 3 months and was paid initially by my m/c gov min, but after they caught him, paid by his insurance.

My gov min EV car insurance currently costs 800bht/year, and the road tax another 800bht/year.

As the OP is about a Brit, I'm guessing, like me, he doesn't buy health insurance.

producing material about the cost of living and relocating abroad

"Depends"

There! Saved everyone a lot of time listening to some bloke faffing in front of a fuzzy microphone with a little helicopter flying above his head taking pictures of the beach in Chiang Mai*

*There is no beach in Chiang Mai 😜

5 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

That's probably because most of the world aren't obsessed by the American health insurance scam.

I've had no health insurance for 17 years and managed to survive, doubt I've spent more than 1,000bht a year on medical costs. My biggest medical expense being a hit and run that cost 13,600bht over a period of 3 months and was paid initially by my m/c gov min, but after they caught him, paid by his insurance.

My gov min EV car insurance currently costs 800bht/year, and the road tax another 800bht/year.

As the OP is about a Brit, I'm guessing, like me, he doesn't buy health insurance.

Just another perspective and being without health insurance in the USA is not a game I would play with fate :)

''As the OP is about a Brit, I'm guessing, like me, he doesn't buy health insurance.''

No, I have had health insurance since 2005 here, first with Bupa when I worked in Bangkok, and the last 15 years with ThaiLife.

At 65 yo, my heart went a bit wonky and in the following 3 years I was admitted to hospital (ICU) 5 times. Private hospitals, Saraburi/Phitsanulok/ and finally the best one in Bangkok. Finding a competent lung specialist here was the main issue. ThaiLife paid out every time, not all the expenses but a helpful amount. You learn a lot about hospitals and insurance on checkout day.....

31 minutes ago, Pasak110 said:

''As the OP is about a Brit, I'm guessing, like me, he doesn't buy health insurance.''

No, I have had health insurance since 2005 here, first with Bupa when I worked in Bangkok, and the last 15 years with ThaiLife.

At 65 yo, my heart went a bit wonky and in the following 3 years I was admitted to hospital (ICU) 5 times. Private hospitals, Saraburi/Phitsanulok/ and finally the best one in Bangkok. Finding a competent lung specialist here was the main issue. ThaiLife paid out every time, not all the expenses but a helpful amount. You learn a lot about hospitals and insurance on checkout day.....

I learned the gov hospitals were every bit as good as the private hospitals.

It appears you haven't, or maybe the gov hospitals where you live aren't as good as those in Chiang Mai.

Government Hospitals in big cities are fine, not in the smaller provinces. Our local hospitals it's just babies and broken bones. Heart treatment its Nakhon Sawan and Cancer it Lop Buri government hospitals. Why did you think I went looking for a lung specialist? not many of them knocking about in provincial government hospitals.......

54 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

learned the gov hospitals were every bit as good as the private hospitals.

It appears you haven't, or maybe the gov hospitals where you live aren't as good as those in Chiang Mai.

11 hours ago, newnative said:

She mentioned ordering pad thai at a restaurant and it was $18, about 575 baht. For comparison, we can get it here at a lot of places for around 60 baht.

Then on top of the $18 there will be tax (10%?) and an expected tip of anywhere from 18 to 25%. That can easily push it up to $24. The US, and in particular California, isn't cheap at all.

Give it 12 months

• Go home.

• Gofundme.

14 hours ago, newnative said:

Agree. Have never lived in Europe, just visited four times, but it seemed expensive when we visited. However, I'll limit my comments to the US. As an American, the cost of living in the US is much higher compared to Thailand. My spouse has a Thai sister and a niece who are living in California and every Saturday they video chat on Line.

Last Saturday his sister was complaining about how expensive everything is. One thing she talked about was how high the restaurant prices are in the US. She mentioned ordering pad thai at a restaurant and it was $18, about 575 baht. For comparison, we can get it here at a lot of places for around 60 baht. We even have a restaurant that will deliver it to our door for 60 baht--and it's delicious and good quality.

Just one example, of course, but telling. The biggest difference, as I always stress, is keeping a roof over one's head, whether one wants to own or prefers to rent. Usually, that is the biggest, or one of the biggest, monthly budget items in the west--and usually the one posters don't mention when they are saying they can live just as cheaply in the US or Europe. When I was living in Virginia before my move to Thailand, keeping that 1 bedroom condo roof over my head, first as a renter and then as an owner, took well over half of my monthly income. That would not be the case in Thailand, and it leaves you more money to spend on other things or save.

Plus you have to add 30% to every restaurant bill when you consider tax and a nearly mandatory tip. With a 15% tip I get all kinds of attitude, I get more gratitude from a 20 baht tip in Thailand then I do a $20 tip in the US.

17 hours ago, BritManToo said:

That's probably because most of the world aren't obsessed by the American health insurance scam.

I've had no health insurance for 17 years and managed to survive, doubt I've spent more than 1,000bht a year on medical costs. My biggest medical expense being a hit and run that cost 13,600bht over a period of 3 months and was paid initially by my m/c gov min, but after they caught him, paid by his insurance.

My gov min EV car insurance currently costs 800bht/year, and the road tax another 800bht/year.

As the OP is about a Brit, I'm guessing, like me, he doesn't buy health insurance.

The American healthcare industry is one of the largest mafias in the US and it is the least affordable medical care anywhere in the world. But certainly not the best by a long shot. I much prefer medical care in Thailand, aside from the fact that it cost a tiny fraction of what it does back in broken America.

13 hours ago, Ralf001 said:

Give it 12 months

• Go home.

• Gofundme.

He stays here 2 or 3 months then returns to UK for 2 or 3 months. Rinse and repeat.

On 6/13/2026 at 9:19 PM, Pompeygeezer said:

Also where is he getting a pint for 2 quid? More nonsense. for starters its very rare you can even get a pint, the majority of bars only serve bottles which are just over half a pint.

At the big market near us a large Chang is 65 baht, but most places it is 75 with some at 80.

You have to frequent the high end to be paying over a 100.

On 6/14/2026 at 2:59 PM, DonniePeverley said:

Genuine question but if you are being served meat for 45 baht ... is it going to be of any quality ?

Quality is in the eye of the beholder. The chicken feet here are probably better quality than anywhere else.

3 minutes ago, sandyf said:

Quality is in the eye of the beholder. The chicken feet here are probably better quality than anywhere else.

As far as I can see, the pork loin joints I buy from Lotus's are as good a quality as any I've ever eaten.

Bought one this morning 75bht for 500g. That's 3 meals worth.

On 6/13/2026 at 12:28 AM, Hummin said:

I’m just wondering how sustainable this really is long term.

Content creators will face quite a few challenges in the future.

The typical mistake is leaving your country and cutting the string completely, with no real return plan.

Hopefully he has thought that part through.

Good luck to him

On 6/13/2026 at 12:28 AM, Hummin said:

I’m just wondering how sustainable this really is long term.

Content creators will face quite a few challenges in the future.

The typical mistake is leaving your country and cutting the string completely, with no real return plan.

Hopefully he has thought that part through.

Good luck to him

Good luck to him. On the basis of what he was saying, I presume he will not be keeping up his UK NI contributions and then moan about his low future pension payment with no annual increments.

2 minutes ago, Lancelot01 said:

Good luck to him. On the basis of what he was saying, I presume he will not be keeping up his UK NI contributions and then moan about his low future pension payment with no annual increments.

You think there will be a UK state pension in 21 years time?

I certainly wouldn't take that bet.

19 hours ago, Ralf001 said:

Give it 12 months

• Go home.

• Gofundme.

A comment like this appears in every thread where someone is making a go of it in Thailand on a low budget. For those who aren't obsessed with hospitals, doctors and prescription drugs life in Thailand on that £836 is far better than it would be in the UK. I wouldn't want to have to do it, but I understand why people from countries with bad weather and cold winters try their luck elsewhere.

3 hours ago, BritManToo said:

You think there will be a UK state pension in 21 years time?

I certainly wouldn't take that bet.

People have been saying that for more than 21 years and here we are. In Britain they've ensured there will be government programs by importing legions of doctors and engineers from warmer climes to pay for the generous social welfare system. Sleep tight mates, everything is going to be A-OK.

1 minute ago, flaming dragon said:

People have been saying that for more than 21 years and here we are. In Britain they've ensured there will be government programs by importing legions of doctors and engineers from warmer climes to pay for the generous social welfare system. Sleep tight mates, everything is going to be A-OK.

I think their first step will be to declare the UK state pension to be a means tested benefit only available to pensioners living in the UK.

On 6/13/2026 at 5:56 PM, Spider5511 said:

That last one adds up fast today too, you talk easily 4-5K a month in gasoline alone for those remote renters, they pay the difference in gas

Based on the assumption that a person on £836 is going to be driving a car? Come now. They'll be riding a scooter and spending 1k baht per month on fuel, at most.

The house in the first video was horrifying, the second is tiny but looks new. If you're involved in real estate you know that there are around 1.3 million empty housing units in the country and a fair number are in CM. These guys aren't taking housing away from anyone and the landlords are delighted to be able to rent them out.

Truth is that you can live here on a reasonable budget... trouble is few guys actually enact that because they get slowly distracted by luxury living and the wrong choice of woman.

If you paid for your condo and car in cash and don't get officially married, then you are good to go on 1k-1.5k pounds a month if you only have to pay for electricity, water, services, and internet... and no BS from the leeching girlfriend. Trouble is, they get into listening to nonsense needs and arrangements.

Just say "No" to the scamming women, even if they are hot... no good will come of it. If you are a single man in Pattaya or Phuket etc., then you should observe the three day rule, which is famous.

Let's see if I can come up with a budget for someone on £836 (36,500 THB)

Rent: 4,000 (cheap Thai style apartment)

Electric 1500 @8/unit (cheap apartments mark up electricity)

Water 200 baht (they usually charge a flat rate)

Visa agent fee- (annual÷12) 1050 thb (this is the number for Pattaya, CM might be more)

Phone 550 thb (AIS unlimited which doubles as a hot-spot if the room doesn't include WiFi)

Scooter rental 2500 thb

Fuel 1000 thb

Total 10,800 thb

That leaves 25,700 per month/ 856 baht per day.

Definitely better than life back home, especially in the winter. People reading this thread know how cheap or expensive food can be in Thailand so there's no need to go into food prices.

Let's talk about early retirement to Thailand.

One of the biggest drawbacks is the narrow range of employment opportunities. Sure enough, you can always find things to do to occupy your time, but, whether because you need money or just miss gainful employment, Thailand can be pretty restrictive if earning a little money suddenly appeals to you.

I notice that Robert worked in the construction industry back home. If he decides to return back home in his mid-50's or early 60's I would think finding employment in that field is going to be a challenge, given the physical nature of the work.

The other iffy things I would point out to those considering early retirement to Thailand are:

(a) the social safety net back home seems to be getting shakier by the day, so calculations based on projected retirement, pension, welfare support, etc. should be taken with a grain of salt, and

(b) Thailand could have a change of heart about whatever visa you're on, (30-40 years is a long long stretch of time), so anyone considering doing this at such a relatively young age would be well-advised to retain the ability to repatriate to their home country should the need or desire arise, not just tomorrow, but 10-20 years out.

11 hours ago, sandyf said:

At the big market near us a large Chang is 65 baht, but most places it is 75 with some at 80.

You have to frequent the high end to be paying over a 100.

But thats the equalivent of drinking in wetherspoons in the UK and it would be just as cheap in Wetherspoons. you're not paying 65-80 baht for a big bottle in a decent bar in Chiang Mai,

On 6/14/2026 at 12:21 PM, Keeps said:

And quite possibly an ex Mrs who nagged and looked like a bulldog chewing an angry wasp.

You met my ex then!

10 hours ago, Pompeygeezer said:

But thats the equalivent of drinking in wetherspoons in the UK and it would be just as cheap in Wetherspoons. you're not paying 65-80 baht for a big bottle in a decent bar in Chiang Mai,

I would like to know the towns and villages in the UK that have a Weatherspoons on every corner.

People choose where they live and where they frequent.