Could you afford to live in the UK compared to Thailand?

[KIngsofisaan]

10 hours ago, BritManToo said:

I originally came from Brighton, can't afford to live there now and that's only considering property prices/rental. Like most other divorced men in the UK, I lost my home.

 

Can't believe any place I'd consider living is less than 1,000 pounds/month in Brighton.

More like 1500 pounds. 

 

If I were living in the back of a van (no women), the UK probably wouldn't be much different to Thailand in price for me.

Could you have lived in Brighton your entire life if you never lost your home and got divorced?

[KIngsofisaan]

10 hours ago, micmichd said:

He's using an international database for comparison. So it's not his private opinion. 

Did the database factor in VISA costs, money in the bank for visa's, foreign health insurance for over 60 in Pattaya?

[Lacessit]

5 hours ago, 2baht said:

Bangers and mash and a chip butty!

Only if it is Cumberland sausage.

Chip butties are a walking obesity invitation, but they are quite tasty.

[blueeyes]

10 hours ago, 2baht said:

Try finding jellied eel in Thailand! ????

And proper pie n mash n liquer mmmm I love it.

[KIngsofisaan]

5 hours ago, itsari said:

I have a memory of a occasion where I took my parents to a pricey restaurant in pimlico London . On leaving a woman said to us is McDonald's not a better choice for you? I saw red but my father said wisely just forget it.

One of many reasons I have little desire to live in the UK what ever the cost of living.

If that bothered you, grow some thicker skin

 

Have little desire to live in the UK because YOU let one woman belittle you?

 

I hope no one in Thailand does the same thing and forces you to move

[itsari]

2 minutes ago, KIngsofisaan said:

If that bothered you, grow some thicker skin

 

Have little desire to live in the UK because YOU let one woman belittle you?

 

I hope no one in Thailand does the same thing and forces you to move

Not what one woman said but how the British are.

I just gave you one example. I can give you many . 

Thank you for your reply

[scubascuba3]

Often guys going back will try to get on benefits, Benefit Britain and all that.

 

The only thing cheaper in UK is golf, annual membership £1k vs £6k Thailand.

 

Council tax is a joke too £250\11k baht a month for very little

[KIngsofisaan]

3 hours ago, madmitch said:

Whilst the OP might be poorly written and researched, it has prompted quite a reaction on here and that's what it's all about.

 

I've been back in the UK for a year after 18 years in Thailand so am probably in a better position than most to comment.

 

The obvious expense differences are in property, either rent or purchase, eating out, fuel and utilities. Groceries are probably a little more expensive but my partner, who's here at the moment, believes that most meat is no more expensive here that in Thailand. I'm not talking Waitrose of high street butcher prices, of course, but lower end supermarkets. Even bananas are the same price here. If you eat a predominantly Western diet, grocery shopping in the UK is probably cheaper than Thailand but add a few more exotic ingredients and the tables soon turn.

 

I bought a secondhand car for 70,000 baht. 10 years old. The GF expected an unserviceable old banger but she was surprised to see a decent runaround that would cost around 250,000 baht in Thailand..

 

I think people's circumstances should be taken into account. Not everyone is living off a UK state pension, renting a cheap bungalow and living off noodles and phad khaprow. If you are then don't even think about returning to the UK.

 

Unfortunately I am one of those idiots that sold my house. I'd be totally self-sufficient had I not done so, however the proceeds funded my lifestyle in Thailand, including a business the GF now runs. But it was a huge financial mistake.

 

I have a private pension, no state pension yet, and savings but I am also a professional in my field and have been able to pick up lucrative contract work whilst still calling myself semi-retired. This has enabled me to pay a high rent in West London. I have no school fees to pay and no medical insurance costs (though I have kept a basic policy with a very high excess on the go in Thailand as I probably will return sometime and don't want to end up unable to buy insurance).

 

NB the OP's comment about being unable to register with the NHS is simply untrue. All you need as a National Insurance number and proof of citizenship.

 

My daughter works part-time in a restaurant and attends a school (free). She funds her own clothes and expenditure and even gets child benefit.

 

There are aspects of Thai life I miss but I'm enjoying pubs, English beer, gigs, theatre, the arts, country walks, and free public transport (being over 60 in London).

 

Yes, I'd spend less in Thailand but money is not the be all and the end all for everybody. I'll be back sometime, when I no longer want to work (or nobody wants me!) and when my daughter finishes her education.

Thank you for your story.

[KIngsofisaan]

3 hours ago, twix38 said:

If You have a place to live in UK then personally I think it's better and costs are comparible. after 15 years in Thailand I moved back to UK. 

2nd hand cars are far cheaper here. food is similar if on western diet. ability to work and earn and get any state benefits due. Pension increased rather than frozen. Free health care. 

 

it's no longer the easy decision that Thailand is better when you get posioned from pesticides and the EXCHANGE RATE plus inflation really doesn't make it the obvious winner anymore. Sure Thailand is still cheaper but not enough and  for me I prefer a walk/bike ride in the countryside than skin cancer in the sun or running from soi dogs....sun damage is a real complacent issue that mounts up over lifetime exposure. I stayed out of sun but still got Actinic Keratosis on ears and hands and friend died of Melenoma. 

Not for me any longer and I'm far happier back in UK where excluding accommodation costs - I have accommodation at minimal cost - then overall I'm actually better off in fact in my personal circumstances. Might even look for part time job as that's always an option. Far happier here and social life and sleep in peace and quiet far better too. Been back for over 2 years now

Thank you for sharing your experience

[KIngsofisaan]

2 hours ago, malthebluff said:

Should compare first world countries with first world countries and third with third, try comparing Thailand and vienam and then the uk and france. There are lots of reasons expats stay here but I doubt it's the cost of living. If people planned their retirement with enough money to live on then like my dad used to say every country is the same if you have enough money

I have always wondered how many people bash their home countries simply because they did not save and plan, and cannot afford to live there?

[brewsterbudgen]

3 minutes ago, KIngsofisaan said:

I have always wondered how many people bash their home countries simply because they did not save and plan, and cannot afford to live there?

Not many, I would think. 

[KIngsofisaan]

9 minutes ago, itsari said:

Not what one woman said but how the British are.

I just gave you one example. I can give you many . 

Thank you for your reply

If you can speak Thai, you realize people that do not think you can speak Thai, talk about you behind your back in the supermarket, stores, restaurants, you name it.

 

It is not just a British thing

 

Of course in the US, people will get right in your face and tell you

[KIngsofisaan]

12 minutes ago, itsari said:

Not what one woman said but how the British are.

I just gave you one example. I can give you many . 

Thank you for your reply

post slow loading and autoduplicated itself

[KIngsofisaan]

3 minutes ago, brewsterbudgen said:

Not many, I would think. 

Well what do you think the main reason people to move to Thailand and Bash the UK if not cost?

[Orinoco]

21 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

Often guys going back will try to get on benefits, Benefit Britain and all that.

I  have no problem for brits getting benefits.

it's the others I have issues with. 

The uk have forgotten it's own.  

 

 

 

[herfiehandbag]

11 hours ago, BritManToo said:

My total energy bill in Thailand is under 15 quid a month (electricity plus propane for cooking).

Have you factored in the £3 or so for water?

[itsari]

16 minutes ago, KIngsofisaan said:

If you can speak Thai, you realize people that do not think you can speak Thai, talk about you behind your back in the supermarket, stores, restaurants, you name it.

 

It is not just a British thing

 

Of course in the US, people will get right in your face and tell you

Ignorance is bliss 

[brewsterbudgen]

23 minutes ago, KIngsofisaan said:

Well what do you think the main reason people to move to Thailand and Bash the UK if not cost?

The women, the woke culture in the UK, Boris Johnson, Brexit - I can think of loads of reasons.  I don't really think Thailand is that much cheaper anyway unless you live like a Thai!

[Noris]

Hi All,

I am thinking of a permanent move back to Thailand to some land given to my son by the wife's family.

I have live in Khon Kaen before for some time and realise prices have gone up in the land of smiles but compared to the UK and the way things are going I do feel I will be better off in Thailand. As an example for the costs, see below my out goings.

Council Tax gone up to £140.00 PM

Water no meter     £87.00 pm

Gas and Electric £490.00

Internet 100mb £70 pm   could get cheaper Virgin

House Insurance £100.00 pm

I live in Rotherham, so food is relatively cheap plus we grow our own veg however the wife from Sakhon Nakhon is fed up says she never sees a white person pass the gate.

So we have decided to sell up but a smaller house in the UK and move to Thailand

Hope this helps with the comparison

[BlueScouse]

18 minutes ago, Noris said:

however the wife from Sakhon Nakhon is fed up says she never sees a white person pass the gate.

 

Not too many in Sakhon Nakhon, either.

[KIngsofisaan]

14 hours ago, RichardColeman said:

During the pandemic I stayed in a B and B, about £400 month, no bills, just buy your food, so you could live in the UK for about £700 a month easily. Not a great life but a liveable one.

 

I currently only get £650 a month private company 55 year pension, but can live in Thailand as I rent my house out outside London for a silly amount (silly but still 25% below market value). So, if I take my house back - no mortgage - I could probably live a life there now, not great but OK, Get a lodger in for 400-500 a month and my life in UK now would be fine.

 

At 65 my income for pension would be about £1,400 a month - and with the house paid, I'd live quite easy in the UK - bung in a lodger and that £2,000 with a house would be a great life.

 

This article above should be asking how many people wasted their money, sold their house and assets and now do not have a pot to wee in on return to the UK and would their meagre income now from wasting their life's money now give them a life !

 

I planned my retirement and old age, I will not be rich, but OK. 

 

As for the amounts quoted in the above article for £4,000 a month plus to live - total bull - unless you are renting a flaming mansion ! 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for sharing some thruthful facts and figures.

 

Helps others to actually be able to gage the real cost of things

[lungbing]

12 hours ago, 2baht said:

Try finding jellied eel in Thailand! ????

Or mushy peas.

[scubascuba3]

3 minutes ago, lungbing said:

Or mushy peas.

Definitely available in Pattaya chip shops

[sapson]

14 hours ago, RichardColeman said:

During the pandemic I stayed in a B and B, about £400 month, no bills, just buy your food, so you could live in the UK for about £700 a month easily. Not a great life but a liveable one.

To find a Uk guest house for 400 pounds a month is incredible, daily rates seem to be about 50 to 60 even for very basic places shared bathrooms etc.

 

Where was this place did you have your own room and bathroom or was that a dorm room?

 

Fantastic almost unbelievable price, great and  useful to know which B and B if still a reality?

 

Thanks

[Kwaibill]

12 hours ago, NightSky said:

“Of course, if you are retired you probably do not pay tax.”
 

pension income is taxed just like any other income. 

Depends. I have not had a  US income tax burden for years. I am under the range where Social Security is taxable and the balance of my income is largely paid from principle in a trust on which taxes have already been paid. I suggest conferring with a financial specialist if that sounds intriguing.

So far legally under IRS radar and comfortable if not Hiso income for two in Thailand.

[it is what it is]

Could you afford to live in the UK compared to Thailand?

 

yes. next question?

[JimTripper]

6 hours ago, twix38 said:

If You have a place to live in UK then personally I think it's better and costs are comparible. after 15 years in Thailand I moved back to UK. 

2nd hand cars are far cheaper here. food is similar if on western diet. ability to work and earn and get any state benefits due. Pension increased rather than frozen. Free health care. 

 

it's no longer the easy decision that Thailand is better when you get posioned from pesticides and the EXCHANGE RATE plus inflation really doesn't make it the obvious winner anymore. Sure Thailand is still cheaper but not enough and  for me I prefer a walk/bike ride in the countryside than skin cancer in the sun or running from soi dogs....sun damage is a real complacent issue that mounts up over lifetime exposure. I stayed out of sun but still got Actinic Keratosis on ears and hands and friend died of Melenoma. 

Not for me any longer and I'm far happier back in UK where excluding accommodation costs - I have accommodation at minimal cost - then overall I'm actually better off in fact in my personal circumstances. Might even look for part time job as that's always an option. Far happier here and social life and sleep in peace and quiet far better too. Been back for over 2 years now

What are you missing about Thailand?

 

Did you miss the temples and just wander into the forum?

 

There must be some reason you are here after being gone for two years.

[The Hammer2021]

Brighton  is as expensive  as London. It's a great town but run  by greens and gays it's woke to the max. Like Pattaya  you can get free or cheap gay sex but hetro  sex is expensive.  £1000 LT

£200 ST One hour

And SST £20-40.

There  are other cheaper seaside towns. Weston, Ramsgate and many others and like Margate  hopefully  becoming  gentrified.

BTW The people I know returning to the UK have done so  with great  reluctance...actually I don't know any..none. even dieing here is better than dieing  in UK.

[The Hammer2021]

1 hour ago, lungbing said:

Or mushy peas.

Both are available- mushy peas is very common.

[dunroaming]

15 hours ago, wombat said:

Why would you want to live in UK?

It wouldn't be from choice from what I read.

I moved back to the UK from Thailand nearly twelve years ago.  I brought my Thai wife with me and our son who was then seven. We settled in Surrey but very close to South West London where I had lived before.  We were then guided by Offsted reports to get our boy into a good state school.

 

I know Brighton very well and we often go there for  weekends.  I have a very close friend who lives there with his family.  Firstly, using Brighton as a comparison is ludicrous, as it has house prices close to Central London, along with 5* restaurants on almost every corner.  Pattaya is way off of mark for any Thai comparison.  Silom in Bangkok would be closer the mark but still a poor comparison.

 

I would suggest that Southend on Sea is more in line.  Lots of cheap places to eat and a raucous and rowdy nightlife.  Plenty of drunks vomiting up their shish kebabs and party girls staggering about and peeing on the seafront.  Away from the seafront, there are numerous B&Bs for all budgets.  (My apologies to any Essex ex-pats in Thailand, I am simply painting the picture).  And yes I do know Southend, as my sister lives in Hockley, just down the road.

 

My wife still visits her family in Thailand and often stays with our friends in Chiang Mai.  According to her, the smart restaurants are very close, price wise, to the ones near us.  Hotels are less expensive in Thailand for what you get, compared to the bigger chains in the UK but budget hotels like Travelodge and Premier Inn tend to be cheaper.

 

House rents on the other hand are much cheaper in Thailand apart from parts of Bangkok and Phuket.  Food in the markets is obviously cheaper,but the supermarket prices are quite comparable.  Wine in the UK is cheaper but Beer is more expensive.

 

But quite honestly, these comparisons are rubbish.  Whatever I quote, somebody else can quote something different.  The only thing I would say is that, at the moment, Britain is going through all sorts of serious problems caused by different factors, including, the war, massive inflation, global warning and the disastrous effects of Brexit.  So for now, I would sit tight in Thailand if I were you.