What's your cost of living here in Thailand?

[Nyezhov]

7 hours ago, BritManToo said:

Monsoon at the moment (if you hadn't noticed), most outdoor hobbies are a bit dangerous with wet roads, rivers bursting banks, landslides and muddy tracks on the mountains, and falling trees in the jungle.

Anyone for a bit of caving? 

Eating and drinking beer are fairly safe pastimes, no point in chancing medical expenses due to avoidable accidents

 

Yep. Add a bit of photography, some flower sniffing, some people watching, a bit of mongering, long leisurely lunches, a good book on the balcony with a cuppa, a schmooze through  Big C or a market crawl, a leisurely dinner where you are the only Falang, Temple or shrine hunting, a breath of  hot air on the balcony  as I watch the lights in  my undies, stretch, and I just had a cheap hobbying day! 

[gk10002000]

On 7/28/2018 at 2:56 PM, NCC1701A said:

per month:

rent 10k 3 bed room 2 bath huge yard near beach Hua Hin

health insurance 9800

Motorcycle insurance 1200

electric 2500 average

a huge amount of fun most people in the USA can only dream of: 21k average

6000 computer/hobbies

10k food

700 internet

800 cellphones

no car

don't smoke

drink very little

Cat 200

scooter paid cash fuel 300

650cc motorcycle paid cash fuel 700

road trips exploring Thailand 34k x 3 per year

 

I lived for 3 years on 45000 baht a month

last two years 75000 baht a month

 

 

 

 

This is more realistic for a decent active life style cost.  I myself am budgeting 3,000 USD a month, but planning for $4,000 USD a month but could afford $5,000 USD a month.  I can do all that without even starting my social security so with any discipline at all, even with a reasonably high medical insurance cost between my age of 62 and 65 when I qualify for US Medicare, I think 3,000 a month would be OK< and 4,000 a month would leave plenty of margin.  Now I suspect that is more than many people in their blue collar pensions, or retired sergeant military pension.  But honestly, unless one is really going simple, 2,000 USD a month doesn't leave a lot of room for fun and emergencies.  You can do it, and many people have and do, but it is very spartan.  That may still be better than they have at their home country.  But the old 1,000 USD a month for a full life, travel, insurance, visit a gogo, any short or long time, or for that matter a steady girl friend etc.?  nah.  That is a thing of the past

[starky]

8 hours ago, Greenside said:

Really?  An average title in my library is about 700kb allowing for dual format etc.  Based on that you would have in the region of 400,000 books.....  That's a pretty serious collection!

Yeah it's taken me quite a while to put it all together. I believe there is a lot more books than that! although I do have quite a few doubles and books that probably turn up in more than one category but I've done my best to avoid it. Having said that it's a monstrous effort trying to just go through it all. Lol

Edit: just whipped open file commander apparently it's 300GB 447 930 books so you were pretty much spot on.

Edited August 2, 2018 by starky

[Naam]

7 hours ago, smutcakes said:

I get the idea from the fact people are providing there monthly budgeting but there seems neary a mention of money spent on hobbies. Travelling to and from them, participating in then, equipment for them. My main hobbies are golf and badminton and combined they probably cost about 15-20k a month so not exactly minor expenses. But dont see this type of expense mentioned.

there are many hobbies which do not require big expenses or are even earning respectively saving money. moreover, it is not unusual that some people are not keen to walk around at 35ºC trying to hit a little ball in the direction of a little whole.

[BritManToo]

14 minutes ago, Naam said:

there are many hobbies which do not require big expenses or are even earning respectively saving money. moreover, it is not unusual that some people are not keen to walk around at 35ºC trying to hit a little ball in the direction of a little whole.

I watch tv, listen to music, read books, and walk in the jungle (when it's dry)

All free.

[BritManToo]

6 hours ago, gk10002000 said:

or for that matter a steady girl friend etc.

10k/month + expenses.

[watcharacters]

On 7/30/2018 at 12:26 AM, observer90210 said:

I would be curious to see the expense figures of the happy bachelors and the happy married with a Thai lady ?

 

Even if members posted those figures, you'd never know the truth.

 

[JLCrab]

5 hours ago, starky said:

<snip>

Edit: just whipped open file commander apparently it's 300GB 447 930 books so you were pretty much spot on.

... or 300GB is about 400 Japanese XXX (free) porn videos.

[watcharacters]

6 hours ago, gk10002000 said:

This is more realistic for a decent active life style cost.  I myself am budgeting 3,000 USD a month, but planning for $4,000 USD a month but could afford $5,000 USD a month.  I can do all that without even starting my social security so with any discipline at all, even with a reasonably high medical insurance cost between my age of 62 and 65 when I qualify for US Medicare, I think 3,000 a month would be OK< and 4,000 a month would leave plenty of margin.  Now I suspect that is more than many people in their blue collar pensions, or retired sergeant military pension.  But honestly, unless one is really going simple, 2,000 USD a month doesn't leave a lot of room for fun and emergencies.  You can do it, and many people have and do, but it is very spartan.  That may still be better than they have at their home country.  But the old 1,000 USD a month for a full life, travel, insurance, visit a gogo, any short or long time, or for that matter a steady girl friend etc.?  nah.  That is a thing of the past

 

Plan on the 5K expenditure to be on the safe side.

 

Medicare is fine within the borders of the USA but outside the borders you'll need other coverage.

 

Good luck.

[KonKorat]

On 7/29/2018 at 12:50 AM, Psimbo said:

My budget is none of your business but how about reading one of the MANY threads on this subject?

 

It's been done to death.

The way you come across in your response,you remind on of someone and that person was a fat lazy c$&t

[melvinmelvin]

44 minutes ago, Naam said:

there are many hobbies which do not require big expenses or are even earning respectively saving money. moreover, it is not unusual that some people are not keen to walk around at 35ºC trying to hit a little ball in the direction of a little whole.

 

reminds me of what someone once said re football

I just cannit understand it, large field, 22 fit people chasing a small ball and as soon as they get hold of the ball they kick it away, BAH!

 

[Kwasaki]

49 minutes ago, Naam said:

there are many hobbies which do not require big expenses or are even earning respectively saving money. moreover, it is not unusual that some people are not keen to walk around at 35ºC trying to hit a little ball in the direction of a little whole.

For me Archery cost is zero after first purchase, shooting airgun at targets is a small cost, fishing no cost, riding my motorcycle is not that expensive either, multigym only sweat after initial cost. 

[simon43]

My main hobby is amateur radio.  After the initial equipment purchase, the operating costs are almost nil (my 5-year licence costs a few hundred baht).

 

I can chat with people across the world and tinker with my antennas to improve their performance - nice but solitary hobby,

[rhodie]

51 minutes ago, simon43 said:

My main hobby is amateur radio.  After the initial equipment purchase, the operating costs are almost nil (my 5-year licence costs a few hundred baht).

 

I can chat with people across the world and tinker with my antennas to improve their performance - nice but solitary hobby,

You should try getting a mobile phone! ?

[simon43]

You should try getting a mobile phone!

 

LoL - ham radio could be considered unnecessary since there is email and SMS etc.  But it's an interesting hobby if you're technically-minded and into tinkering with radio equipment and antennas.

 

 

Here's my DIY directional wire antenna outside my hotel room in Myanmar, complete with water-filled bottles to stop the wires swinging around too much in the wind ?

 

Back to the topic - Cost of living in any country is highly-dependent on whether you have to support others (partner, kids etc), and how materialistic you are.

 

With the development of mobile phone, internet, audio and video technology, it's possible to minimise the consumer items to just a couple of devices (mobile and in-home), which can provide access to all the entertainment and information that you will ever need.

 

When living in Thailand I always drive a car (safer than a motorbike), but I ride an off-road dirt bike when in Myanmar.

 

My 'essentials' are access to a decent gym, fresh and healthy fruit and veg, and access to outdoor leisure facilities, such as a promenade (like the one bordering the Mekong in Nong Khai). 

[melvinmelvin]

6 hours ago, simon43 said:

My main hobby is amateur radio.  After the initial equipment purchase, the operating costs are almost nil (my 5-year licence costs a few hundred baht).

 

I can chat with people across the world and tinker with my antennas to improve their performance - nice but solitary hobby,

 

Aren't there many awkward rules in Thailand re radiocommunication equipment?

 

 

 

Anyway, my hobby; high power V8 engines

some costs to be carried;

the engines per se

specialised tools

spare parts

 

not cheap - great fun

(that is actually why I came to LoS, to play with these)

 

[David Walden]

7 hours ago, melvinmelvin said:

 

reminds me of what someone once said re football

I just cannit understand it, large field, 22 fit people chasing a small ball and as soon as they get hold of the ball they kick it away, BAH!

 

Golf is worse. you hit the ball and then go looking for it to hit it again.  Golf courses should be call :'hitinghuntingfields"

Edited August 2, 2018 by David Walden

[rhodie]

1 hour ago, simon43 said:

 

 

 

LoL - ham radio could be considered unnecessary since there is email and SMS etc.  But it's an interesting hobby if you're technically-minded and into tinkering with radio equipment and antennas.

 

 

Here's my DIY directional wire antenna outside my hotel room in Myanmar, complete with water-filled bottles to stop the wires swinging around too much in the wind ?

 

Back to the topic - Cost of living in any country is highly-dependent on whether you have to support others (partner, kids etc), and how materialistic you are.

 

With the development of mobile phone, internet, audio and video technology, it's possible to minimise the consumer items to just a couple of devices (mobile and in-home), which can provide access to all the entertainment and information that you will ever need.

 

When living in Thailand I always drive a car (safer than a motorbike), but I ride an off-road dirt bike when in Myanmar.

 

My 'essentials' are access to a decent gym, fresh and healthy fruit and veg, and access to outdoor leisure facilities, such as a promenade (like the one bordering the Mekong in Nong Khai). 

Just a tongue in cheek quip. Enjoy your posts and reading about your life in Thailand and surrounding countries. You lead an interesting and varied life. You should consider starting "A day in the life of @simon43" thread. 

[55Jay]

13 hours ago, gk10002000 said:

This is more realistic for a decent active life style cost.  I myself am budgeting 3,000 USD a month, but planning for $4,000 USD a month but could afford $5,000 USD a month.  I can do all that without even starting my social security so with any discipline at all, even with a reasonably high medical insurance cost between my age of 62 and 65 when I qualify for US Medicare, I think 3,000 a month would be OK< and 4,000 a month would leave plenty of margin.  Now I suspect that is more than many people in their blue collar pensions, or retired sergeant military pension.  But honestly, unless one is really going simple, 2,000 USD a month doesn't leave a lot of room for fun and emergencies.  You can do it, and many people have and do, but it is very spartan.  That may still be better than they have at their home country.  But the old 1,000 USD a month for a full life, travel, insurance, visit a gogo, any short or long time, or for that matter a steady girl friend etc.?  nah.  That is a thing of the past

Yeah, $1,000/mo would be hard work.  Money isn't the key to happiness, but it sure does help grease the skids.

 

I think your $3-$4k/mo with a buffer to $5k, sounds good. 

 

Wife and I, no kids, rent or debts, 2 cars and a m/c, live a modest but comfortable life in a non-Hi-So moo baan, on about $2,500/mo cash and credit.   Additional income available but at this point, I've seen enough Thai towns and temples, so when we are here in SabaiLand, tend to stay close to home, and that doesn't cost much.

[simon43]

Quote

 

Aren't there many awkward rules in Thailand re radiocommunication equipment?
 

 

 

Yes - importing transceivers and antennas is a major headache (they get taxed through the roof...).  Better off to buy a transceiver in-country and make your own antennas.

 

@rhodie - I was doing just that on Stickman's site until he went back to NZ.  Might reactivate that fun little  project one day:)

Edited August 2, 2018 by simon43

[JLCrab]

1 hour ago, simon43 said:

 

Yes - importing transceivers and antennas is a major headache (they get taxed through the roof...).  Better off to buy a transceiver in-country and make your own antennas.

 

@rhodie - I was doing just that on Stickman's site until he went back to NZ.  Might reactivate that fun little  project one day:)

So what happened to your kaen musical endeavors? Solo kaen:

 

[Hummin]

32 000,-

 

2 persons, rent, water, el, food, insurance bike, basic needs, 

 

However I have spent around 60 0000,- a month here last year.

[starky]

20 hours ago, JLCrab said:

... or 300GB is about 400 Japanese XXX (free) porn videos.

I seen Japanese porn....I'd much rather read thanks lol

[JLCrab]

38 minutes ago, starky said:

I seen Japanese porn....I'd much rather read thanks lol

I see so it's one or the other?

[simon43]

So what happened to your kaen musical endeavors?

 

I still play it!  I have a very good quality khaen sitting in my hotel room here in Myanmar.  Play it most days ?

 

My past couple of years living in Myanmar has been very low-cost for me (accommodation paid for by my employer), cheap fresh food.

 

It will be interesting to see how much I spend once I'm back in Thailand in a couple of months

 

Shhh! don't tell the ex! (er... all 3 of them...)

[starky]

7 hours ago, JLCrab said:

I see so it's one or the other?

Well if that's the only 2 options yeah I'd rather read. Love Japanese girls hate Japanese porn but too each there own.

[user343434]

Lots of treads here are way too low just to show off how cheap they can live here... 

C'mon guys I see many on low budget but still every day out and don't tell me you can even cover the stone table with 1000 baht a month. 

When I blow 1500 in a pub incl lady drink even at the stone table a 300 - 500 will be gone, depending how much your face turns into that of a red snapper.. 

 

...and somehow I have the feeling there was a hole in my pocket so 60 - 100k are gone each month.. 

house and maintenance, aquaponics training farm for my wife, titties & Beer, motorbike rides, dining with friends, dogs, relaxing on the beach, sometimes family support, health insurance incl validation smoking, tips and thanks for help..... 

 

No worries 52% German Income tax saved goes fully into my pension box to cover my life style also till 99 years old PPLS

(personally planned life span) LOL.

    

 

 

[BritManToo]

1 hour ago, See Will said:

don't tell me you can even cover the stone table with 1000 baht a month. 

What's 'the stone table'?

[dddave]

3 hours ago, starky said:

Japanese porn

Eee-eee-eee-eee-eee-eee-eee-eee-eee-eee-eee-eee.................

[dallen52]

Just wanted to add.

Three hundred posts on this subject, to me is a great response. 

And only one negative comeback.

 

I personally think as a newbie, that it's fantastic to see active members being open and positive about this topic.

 

After all.

We are only fooling ourselves if we dont call it as it really is...

Really appreciate your comments and inputs.

Edited August 3, 2018 by dallen52