What's your cost of living here in Thailand?

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

5 hours ago, starky said:

Most of the rest of Asia is now cheaper than Thailand excluding Japan, Singapore and some of the major capitals. Great chunks of South America same as well as Eastern Europe plenty of places cheaper in the world to live than thailand. Most of the world is living in poverty plenty of cheap joints around. If I didn't hate long flights it would be South America for me hands down but I still need to commute to work.

 

But such alternate living location choices are not just issues of cost. They're also issues of permission for long-term residency / visas, etc.  Some countries offer options for that without great expenditure. Other countries do not.  Some places are more or less welcoming to foreign retirees, living costs aside.

 

[smotherb]

3 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

What makes you think the 'thrifty' don't enjoy the things they want.

 

I buy as many Leo and Tiger beers as I want, if I bought more I'd be dead.

I enjoy listening to music, watching movies and tv shows along with reading books, all for 631bht/month (55" lcd tv).

Western food is cheap to cook for myself, if I ate any more I would explode (eating less food so I can still drink the beer).

 

What more could I possibly want?

How would spending more money improve my current life?

 

 

I do not know your life, but from what you say I would not like it-- it sounds boring and confining. I am not suggesting that you have not gotten used to living as you do.That seems to be a common defense mechanism, especially for those on a tight budget. However, if you had more money, would you not opt for a better beer and maybe even go out once in a while instead of doing all your drinking at home and all your entertainment for free?

 

 

[watcharacters]

15 hours ago, tropo said:

That will depend on where you're coming from. Australia is very costly these days.

 

 

Ok, Tropo.

 

I appreciate that.   

 

I gather from friends   Australia is quite expensive compared to Thailand.

 

Thailand is not inexpensive  in a relative way depending on from where one hails.

 

Fair enough?

 

 

 

 

But that being the case my post remains the same.

[watcharacters]

50 minutes ago, tropo said:

That's a big plus for me in Pattaya. I have never needed a car and never missed one. Not one time over 12 years have I said: "I wish I had a car". On the contrary, I'm happy I don't have one. I never enjoyed maintaining cars back in Australia, but it was a necessity. That, of course, would depend on where you choose to live in Thailand. In some places, it would be hard to live without one.

 

 

I own a car and after getting over the initial price shock it is OK to own.

 

I choose to have the connivence  of deciding when I leave and  when I go to any particular place.

 

But if I choose to have a cocktail or two, I use Grab.   Streets are dangerous enough without  impairment  becoming a factor  even if innocent of doing anything  wrong.    I.E.  the motorbike coming out of nowhere.

 

I try my best to play it safe.

 

 Please be safe members.

 

 

 

 

[sirineou]

1 minute ago, smotherb said:

I do not know your life, but from what you say I would not like it-- it sounds boring and confining. I am not suggesting that you have not gotten used to living as you do.That seems to be a common defense mechanism, especially for those on a tight budget. However, if you had more money, would you not opt for a better beer and maybe even go out once in a while instead of doing all your drinking at home and all your entertainment for free?

 

 

 When In Thailand I have a similar lifestyle as Britman ,  and it is not because of a "tight budget" as I suspect Britman does also. I could easily afford to spend three times as much as I do now,  but I don't see how. I like my beer. but I don't like bars, We go out to eat , at least once a week, but both me and the wife are very good cooks, and when out at restaurants we often complain how our home food is better, We spend most of our time at home with family and friends. I fix things that have broken and brake things that have not LOL, patter around the house gardening,  painting anything that does not move, and some that do, and what have you,  read, watch TV , play with our dogs .and solve the world's problems on TVF LOL.

  PS:I don't include our traveling budget in my thai living cost as it is discretionary

[Jonnapat]

17 hours ago, 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.

Maybe you could be a little more polite with your reply 

[BritManToo]

26 minutes ago, smotherb said:

I do not know your life, but from what you say I would not like it-- it sounds boring and confining. I am not suggesting that you have not gotten used to living as you do.That seems to be a common defense mechanism, especially for those on a tight budget. However, if you had more money, would you not opt for a better beer and maybe even go out once in a while instead of doing all your drinking at home and all your entertainment for free?

2

I'm not on a tight budget, I just don't spend much, mainly because there's nothing more I want.

If it wasn't raining every day, I'd probably be out in the jungle a lot more.

But spending more money can't change the weather.

[BritManToo]

9 minutes ago, sirineou said:

I could easily afford to spend three times as much as I do now,

and when out at restaurants we often complain how our home food is better, 

I don't include our traveling budget in my thai living cost as it is discretionary

2

snap!

Edited July 29, 2018 by BritManToo

[tropo]

18 minutes ago, watcharacters said:

I own a car and after getting over the initial price shock it is OK to own.

 

I choose to have the connivence  of deciding when I leave and  when I go to any particular place.

3

Considering the OP's budget, I doubt he's in for buying a car. That's one thing that's much cheaper in Australia - used cars.

 

I also choose to have the convenience of deciding when I leave and when I go to any particular place - on my motorcycle... and I'll get there a lot quicker too and park anywhere too.

[JLCrab]

11 minutes ago, sirineou said:

<snip> ... .and solve the world's problems on TVF LOL.

 <snip2>

I work on solving some of the world's probems -- at least a small sliver component of them -- at the UN/Geneva, the EU Parliament, and the US Congress, through a US registered NGO all whilst sitting at my computer in Isaan ... and I am a pain in the A&&ss to most but not all of them as well.

[tropo]

29 minutes ago, watcharacters said:

 

 

Ok, Tropo.

 

I appreciate that.   

 

I gather from friends   Australia is quite expensive compared to Thailand.

 

Thailand is not inexpensive  in a relative way depending on from where one hails.

 

Fair enough?

 

 

 

 

But that being the case my post remains the same.

I forgot what your post was about, as you just quoted my one line reply.

 

 

 

[watcharacters]

1 minute ago, tropo said:

Considering the OP's budget, I doubt he's in for buying a car. That's one thing that's much cheaper in Australia - used cars.

 

I also choose to have the convenience of deciding when I leave and when I go to any particular place - on my motorcycle... and I'll get there a lot quicker too and park anywhere too.

 

 

"I also choose to have the convenience of deciding when I leave and when I go to any particular place - on my motorcycle... and I'll get there a lot quicker too and park anywhere too."

 

That's 100% accurate.

 

You don't mention if you feel it's a safe mode of transport?.

 

I think Motos. are incredibly unsafe, big or small.

 

Your thoughts on that matter?

 

 

[nycjoe]

Without the housing, about 15k/month. 
No health care, when I get to the stage of illness I can't fix myself (from the pharmacy), I intend to die.
 
"Anyone care to share any valuable tips for making ends meet?"
Avoid women and bars,
Once you dispense with women, living costs become very cheap
If you drink at home, double the booze for the same $$$$.
 
After reading your other posts in the thread, moving to 'her land' is ALWAYS a huge mistake.
It won't save you any money but will place you totally under her control.
 

I live in Isaan, have a farm and am happily married. You won’t hear “Man found dead in cheap room. He had been dead for 6 weeks.


Sent from my iPhone using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[sirineou]

2 minutes ago, tropo said:

I forgot what your post was about, as you just quoted my one line reply.

 

 

 

 on the top right corner of the quoted post. there is a small curved arrow, If you click on it it will take you back to the complete quoted  post . with this devise one can bach track a particular conversation.

[JAZZDOG]

Bottom line is LOS must be cheaper or most people would opt for someplace else. I sailed here from Cal in my Ketch taking in most all the pacific before selling my boat last year in Kota Kinabalu. Thought I would try Thailand for awhile and it indeed is cheaper but it is a reach to say it is better. IMHO if you weigh in what you give up living in a 1st world country with a stable government, less corruption, cleaner everything along with things that work and roads that aren't suicide traps then LOS is really no bargain at all. For folks that love it here that's cool but there is no denying that if you could live in Japan, Oz, USA or even Europe for the same money the only ones remaining would be the old bar fine guys and Chinese.

[watcharacters]

15 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

I'm not on a tight budget, I just don't spend much, mainly because there's nothing more I want.

If it wasn't raining every day, I'd probably be out in the jungle a lot more.

But spending more money can't change the weather.

 

 

So you have a fairly  large budget do you?

 

 

Well done, Sir!

 

[sirineou]

4 minutes ago, nycjoe said:

I live in Isaan, have a farm and am happily married. You won’t hear “Man found dead in cheap room. He had been dead for 6 weeks.


Sent from my iPhone using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

 Why would a dead man care how long he has being dead?

Most dead man I know seem to be very easy going 

Edited July 29, 2018 by sirineou

[tingtongtourist]

2 hours ago, smotherb said:

I am surprised at the number of respondents who are spending more than a pittance to live here. In past TV forums, I saw far too many who claimed they lived well on B20k/mo or even less. As with any claim of little expenditure, I wonder what it must be like to not enjoy the things you want--within reason--just because they are expensive. Some say, they enjoy living on the cheap. I do not know if they see it as a challenge or simply have gotten used to living at minimum; however, I suspect for most it is because they have no more to spend. I wonder if their monthly income were doubled; would they spend or save the excess income?

when first in Thailand over 10year ago  i could live on 15k a month easy, but no gf and limited times of funny business.

As you go on and because of boredom, is impossible to go back to the 15k thing once ladies involved.
So yes, Gf's that come and go is obvious dead money but who can be without some action?
you will just be alcoholic if no job, retired and left to your own and Pay to play 

Some guys cant understand what/how/why i waste money on what i do here, but one thing, i never lost on a house or business so i now can live good.
Unlike others that lost 3million on assets then they must go back to mamma noodles and fan appartment and cry into the chang beermug. for them they wasted millions and now worry about every 10baht. rediculous.

I had money all along i could have spend but i did 15k budget every month as far as can tolerate because at the time i know it would help to stay longer.
Its like i explain to Thai gf's..you are rich by putting money INTO bank not wasting on cars and hi lifestyle thinking it will impress others.

Even now i can live in decent appartment around 7k a month and happy to save every month 3-8k to spend on other stuff that make life better, compared to others renting 10-15k/month.

Your base cost is rent. Stay on lowest rent as possible that can still live happy and the budget will follow that.

Some FB adverts you see renting larger appartments in the city at 20k-40k/month.
to me that is just rediculous waste of money unless you working earning 100k/month or only stay short term

[JAZZDOG]

16 minutes ago, watcharacters said:

 

 

"I also choose to have the convenience of deciding when I leave and when I go to any particular place - on my motorcycle... and I'll get there a lot quicker too and park anywhere too."

 

That's 100% accurate.

 

You don't mention if you feel it's a safe mode of transport?.

 

I think Motos. are incredibly unsafe, big or small.

 

Your thoughts on that matter?

 

 

Safer than Russian Roulette or dancing drunk on condo balconies.

[Kadilo]

Even now i can live in decent appartment around 7k a month and happy to save every month 3-8k to spend on other stuff that make life better, compared to others renting 10-15k/month.

Yo

For others spending an extra 3-8k on their apartment is their way of making their life better. Each to their own.


Sent from my iPad using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[sirineou]

7 minutes ago, JAZZDOG said:

Bottom line is LOS must be cheaper or most people would opt for someplace else. I sailed here from Cal in my Ketch taking in most all the pacific before selling my boat last year in Kota Kinabalu. Thought I would try Thailand for awhile and it indeed is cheaper but it is a reach to say it is better. IMHO if you weigh in what you give up living in a 1st world country with a stable government, less corruption, cleaner everything along with things that work and roads that aren't suicide traps then LOS is really no bargain at all. For folks that love it here that's cool but there is no denying that if you could live in Japan, Oz, USA or even Europe for the same money the only ones remaining would be the old bar fine guys and Chinese.

 Not true, Money is not the only reason people are here.some people are here because of family.

[55Jay]

17 hours ago, dallen52 said:

What's the secret guys?

Looks like you lead a modest, comfortable life here based on what you've revealed.

 

It would, however, be a very uncomfortable feeling to be at the edge of the income/outgoing envelope in a "low cost" place like Thailand, without much fat to cut off the bone if you needed to.  Or a viable plan/ability to increase the income amount.  Juxtaposed to life expectancy and the inevitable creep in cost of living.

 

Well, at least the OP's doin' ok for now.  A lot of folks aren't.

 

 

[watcharacters]

4 minutes ago, JAZZDOG said:

Safer than Russian Roulette or dancing drunk on condo balconies.

 

 

You lost me Brother/Mate.

 

Please explain what is safer than what?

 

 

[catman20]

if you include holidays and deprecation on  my car about 150,000 plus  baht a month.

[Naam]

1 hour ago, tropo said:

That's a big plus for me in Pattaya. I have never needed a car and never missed one. Not one time over 12 years have I said: "I wish I had a car". On the contrary, I'm happy I don't have one.

i envy you Tropo. i'm unhappy that i only have space for my three cars. would like to have three more.

[Stevemercer]

I reckon you can live OK for 40,000 Baht per month if you can control your social life. I think 80,000 Baht allows a fairly good living standard.

 

I've spoken to many pensioners and everyone seems to spend more than their monthly pensions (e.g dipping into savings).

 

I'm sure there are plenty who live on 20,000 - 30,000 Baht per month, but it takes some discipline and willingness to do without some niceties.

 

I think most would agree that womanising  and supporting Thai relatives are the biggest expenses.

[Naam]

18 hours ago, watcharacters said:

I've never  budgeted in   my life but I tip my hat to those who do.

 

I really don't find Thailand especially  inexpensive at all.

people who find Thailand "not inexpensive" have never experienced a huge tax load in their home countries which evaporises in Thailand and therefore makes each and everything dàmn cheap. doesn't apply to U.S. Americans who feel the claws of the IRS no matter where they live.

[smotherb]

36 minutes ago, sirineou said:

 When In Thailand I have a similar lifestyle as Britman ,  and it is not because of a "tight budget" as I suspect Britman does also. I could easily afford to spend three times as much as I do now,  but I don't see how. I like my beer. but I don't like bars, We go out to eat , at least once a week, but both me and the wife are very good cooks, and when out at restaurants we often complain how our home food is better, We spend most of our time at home with family and friends. I fix things that have broken and brake things that have not LOL, patter around the house gardening,  painting anything that does not move, and some that do, and what have you,  read, watch TV , play with our dogs .and solve the world's problems on TVF LOL.

  PS:I don't include our traveling budget in my thai living cost as it is discretionary

I appreciate the fact that you enjoy your life. However, even though my wife and I do much the same as you and yours, we go out more often and replace broken things. We entertain friends at home and enjoy our home-life together. Both of us are also good cooks--my wife's dinners and baked goods are well known--and we often complain about our cooking being better than the restaurants' and about so many of the friends we invite never reciprocating. However, we have found several good restaurants in our city and we go out more like 6-8 times a week. We also travel; we fly out of country once or twice a year and travel the roads of Thailand maybe once or twice a month. I do include my travel expenses, because  travel is part of our lives and is part of the cost I incur living here. 

[Naam]

Quote

dallen52 said:

If I am like many other people, I have chosen to have a go at making Thailand my home.

But like many others, I'm certainly feeling the pinch, cost wise, and having overseas funds coming in to live on each month at such low exchange rates isn't helping. 

 

Anyone care to share any valuable tips for making ends meet?

 

I dont drink, don't smoke. 

Have a car,  rent a house just out of pattaya. 

Usual house comforts. 

Electric about 1500

Rent 8000

Water 100

TV wifi 900.

Basic health care. 

Eat well.

But little if anything else for future savings..

 

What's the secret guys?

the secret is saving for many years before settling in Thailand.

[smotherb]

55 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

I'm not on a tight budget, I just don't spend much, mainly because there's nothing more I want.

If it wasn't raining every day, I'd probably be out in the jungle a lot more.

But spending more money can't change the weather.

Have to agree with that; it seems the weather does what is wants. More power to you if you have plenty of money and are satisfied with how you live.

 

However, most of the people I know who live frugally have simply accepted their plight and try to live within their means. I do say most, I have a good friend who always seeks the lowest cost; yet has a good bit of money. He does go for extended travel all over the world often. So, he does not stick to the LT B20k/mo budget, except maybe while actually here.