Report Global Luxury Shift: Bangkok Now Top 11 for High-End Living

[snoop1130]

File photo for reference only

 

Bangkok has ascended to 11th place on the list of the world's most expensive cities for luxury living, as revealed by the latest Julius Baer Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report for 2025. The Thai capital's leap up the rankings is largely attributed to the soaring costs of high-end goods, such as luxury footwear and automobiles, highlighting a trend where affluent residents are increasingly indulging in branded, high-quality products.

 

The Julius Baer report offers an in-depth look at the economic growth and spending behaviours of High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) globally, with a notable focus on the Asia-Pacific region. In 2024, this region experienced a 4.5% economic growth, a slight dip from 5.1% in 2023, yet still outpacing the global average of 3.3%. The number of HNWIs in Asia rose by 5%, bringing the total to 855,000.

 

Forecasts within the report suggest that Asia will produce 47.5% of the globe’s new wealthy individuals between 2025 and 2028, with China and India driving much of this growth. This rise in wealth is changing spending patterns, with a growing emphasis on experiences such as travel, health, and fine dining, rather than just material luxury goods.

 

In the Asia-Pacific, prices for some luxury technology items have decreased by an average of 21.4%, whereas the cost of business class flights has risen by 12.6%, indicating a greater willingness among the wealthy to invest in comfort.

 

Singapore remains the most expensive city for luxury living for the third year running, buoyed by political stability and excellent infrastructure. Meanwhile, Hong Kong, ranked 3rd, retains its allure as a financial hub despite a 26% drop in luxury property prices, remaining a favoured destination for the wealthy, particularly from Mainland China.

 

Bangkok's rise to the 11th spot makes it the priciest city in Southeast Asia for luxurious living. Items like luxury women’s shoes and high-end cars are particularly expensive compared to many other cities globally. However, services such as nail treatments and dining remain relatively affordable, especially when compared to major cities like Tokyo and Shanghai. On the other hand, Manila and Mumbai, ranked 23rd and 20th respectively, provide more affordable living costs, particularly in housing and tourism.

 

This report not only reflects shifts in the global economy but also underlines the increasing significance of the Asia-Pacific region as a burgeoning wealth hub. Bangkok's growing role in the high-end lifestyle market highlights a shift in mindset among the wealthy, who are placing greater importance on experiences and lifestyle.

 

Such dynamics suggest that luxury in Bangkok is now characterised by exclusive brands and experiences, setting a new standard for opulent living in the region. As Bangkok continues to climb these ranks, it becomes a vital city to watch in the evolving landscape of luxury and affluence in Asia.

 

In Thai Baht terms, this transformation translates into higher costs for exclusive items, impacting not only local residents but also international investors keen on the region's upscale market.

 

As Bangkok's luxury appeal grows, it presents both opportunities and challenges, reflecting broader economic changes and the evolving tastes of the world's wealthy.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-08-01

 

 

[ozz1]

This does nothing for the average Thai citizen and just proves that

[Maxbkkcm]

30 minutes ago, ozz1 said:

This does nothing for the average Thai citizen and just proves that

It creates jobs though. Families are fed

[jaywalker2]

4 minutes ago, Maxbkkcm said:

It creates jobs though. Families are fed

Yeah, right, low wage jobs with no benefits 

[Maxbkkcm]

1 minute ago, jaywalker2 said:

Yeah, right, low wage jobs with no benefits 

Well not really. Seller in luxuries mall get high paid

[jaywalker2]

Well, they're not creating many of those kinds of jobs. Most retail outlets are small with few staff. 

[BritManToo]

I'm not seeing it.

If I were in the 'global luxury' market, I wouldn't be living in Bangkok, or Thailand for that matter.

Probably Florida Keys, or maybe California. Somewhere in the Med, Malta or Gozo, Tuscany is nice, maybe Mauritius.

[mfd101]

Not sure that being the 'most expensive' anything is sumpthink to boast about ...

[Tarteso]

Nonsense, Hot with pollution levels like New Delhi.. IMO

[hotchilli]

2 hours ago, ozz1 said:

This does nothing for the average Thai citizen and just proves that

The average Thai living/commuting working in Bangkok is struggling to keep up with prices on stagnating salaries.

[hotchilli]

2 hours ago, Maxbkkcm said:

It creates jobs though. Families are fed

Barely for the majority

[hotchilli]

2 hours ago, Maxbkkcm said:

Well not really. Seller in luxuries mall get high paid

While the rental shops pay luxury rents.

[BKKBike09]

Ah, one of those occasions when a picture's worth a thousand words ... (some mistake surely, Ed.) 

 

 

 

[nausea]

Great place, if you have money.

[ThailandRyan]

Someone's been smoking crack....add  in a 19% Tarrif and let's see how the economy grinds to a halt...especially if the Teflon Baht strengthens.....

[frankie machine]

'

"Bangkok has ascended to 11th place on the list of the world's most expensive cities for luxury livIng"

 

Is that supposed to be a good thing?   Maybe for those with more money than brains, I'm thinking. 

[kiwikeith]

2 hours ago, jaywalker2 said:

Well, they're not creating many of those kinds of jobs. Most retail outlets are small with few staff. 

Still plenty of good knock offs if you ask, they are not on display so much now but ask street vendors and they will direct you into a shop and pull out the copies which are generally good quality. Overall I think there is not much money around all over Thailand and hotels and restaurants are struggling, govt is not helping just looking to increase tax, crime and corruption on the increase, that's not in the report. 

[kuzmabruk]

2 hours ago, BritManToo said:

I'm not seeing it.

If I were in the 'global luxury' market, I wouldn't be living in Bangkok, or Thailand for that matter.

Probably Florida Keys, or maybe California. Somewhere in the Med, Malta or Gozo, Tuscany is nice, maybe Mauritius.

I think there is a mistake.   111th not 11th on the global scale or 11th in Southeast Asia 

[BritScot]

2 hours ago, BritManToo said:

I'm not seeing it.

If I were in the 'global luxury' market, I wouldn't be living in Bangkok, or Thailand for that matter.

Probably Florida Keys, or maybe California. Somewhere in the Med, Malta or Gozo, Tuscany is nice, maybe Mauritius.

You hit the nail on the head!

[Ralf001]

53 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

The average Thai living/commuting working in Bangkok is struggling to keep up with prices on stagnating salaries.

An issue echo'd worldwide.

[alanrchase]

2 hours ago, BritManToo said:

I'm not seeing it.

If I were in the 'global luxury' market, I wouldn't be living in Bangkok, or Thailand for that matter.

Probably Florida Keys, or maybe California. Somewhere in the Med, Malta or Gozo, Tuscany is nice, maybe Mauritius.

Not sure you read the article? Nothing to do with popularity, how nice it is, or how it compares to Florida or the Med. The article just states that it is the 11th most expensive city in SEA for luxury living.

[Celsius]

Never been to Manilla, but from what I've seen on YouTube,  Manila seems to be more expensive for luxury living than Bangkok.

[Aussie999]

3 hours ago, Maxbkkcm said:

Well not really. Seller in luxuries mall get high paid

Wow, you base your argument on a very small number of people...damn using your logic the country is doing well, with the number of millionaires...pity about the offer 70 million...oh wait, according to you, they don't count.

[Lucky Bones]

3 hours ago, Maxbkkcm said:

It creates jobs though. Families are fed

The rich get richer and the poor get the picture.🙃🙃

[Hardcastle P]

13 minutes ago, Lucky Bones said:

The rich get richer and the poor get the picture.🙃🙃

Not to forget the corruption 

[NemoH]

Well this will create a mass de-migration and migration … it is done deliberately on  driving out the expats that look for peace and simple living and attracting foreigners with cash cash and cash… get rid of all the expats that provides monthly stable consumption that has propped up the Thai economy in decades.. vs bring in cash rich splurging foreigners that are as unpredictable and uncertain with the whole world trying to attract these rich… 🤣🤣

so kicked out all the street food and replace with fine dining and more…. 🤣🤣..

[mfd101]

1 hour ago, alanrchase said:

Not sure you read the article? Nothing to do with popularity, how nice it is, or how it compares to Florida or the Med. The article just states that it is the 11th most expensive city in SEA for luxury living.

But it's presented in the OP as though this were a marvel of Thai enterprise and success!

[Oliver Holzerfilled]

4 hours ago, Maxbkkcm said:

Well not really. Seller in luxuries mall get high paid

Plus whatever she can make on the side from rich buyers for "services after the sale."

[Muhendis]

Reading this OP, it's easy for me to understand why I am not living in Bangkok.

[Ralf001]

12 minutes ago, Oliver Holzerfilled said:

Plus whatever she can make on the side from rich buyers for "services after the sale."

God bless her.