Comparative Cost Of Living

[gobkk]

how much money is the minimum for a good start in thailand?

a nice serviced studio apt in bkk can be had for $200 while a bare no frills studio apt in the usa would be at least $1000.

the latest big mac index,which measures purchasing-power parity across exchange rates,for 12/04 places a big mac costing $1.52 in thailand compared to $3.00 in the usa.

http://www.economist.com/markets/bigmac/di...tory_id=3503641

in another thread someone wanted to open a bank account with 100000 bahts which would = $2500.is that a lot of money in thailand?another usa poster with $200000 thought $2500 was so little he would consider $2500 just pocket change.

not including extravagant spending and bars and bar girls every night, if one didn't work or open a business would $10,000 last a year?

including extravagant spending and bars and bar girls every night what would be the minimun?

[Joey Boy]

do u brush yer teeth with colgate or co-op toothpaste?

black label or red label?

the US$10000 could quite easyly be x5 or quartered depending on how u want to play it.

On a normal day u could eat on 100 baht or 2000 baht for the day

Look at all the english teachers here for example, they survive on a pittance

Edited February 13, 2005 by Joey Boy

[dclaryjr]

a nice serviced studio apt in bkk can be had for $200 while a bare no frills studio apt in the usa would be at least $1000.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Your painting with an awfully broad stroke. While that my be tru in some parts of the U.S., $1000 would get you a nice, three bedroom apartment in every city I've lived in in the U.S.

[Boon Mee]

a nice serviced studio apt in bkk can be had for $200 while a bare no frills studio apt in the usa would be at least $1000.

If you're talking about NYC or perhaps the Hollywood section of LA maybe, but 1KUSD will get you a lot more than a no-frills job in 90% of the USA.

[astral]

Actually $100,000 equals nearly 4 million baht!!

[gobkk]

Actually $100,000 equals nearly 4 million baht!!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

uh..yea..

meant $100000 in thailand is equivalent to having a million dollars in the us.

[pjallittle]

Actually $100,000 equals nearly 4 million baht!!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

We have been to nearly all of the countries in SE Asia, including a month in China and have also spent a lot of time in South American countries, the Middle East and Europe.

We have found Thailand second only to Myanmar for the general everyday costs. Just as an example, I've been studying Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Truly amazing. A tourist can take an all day 8 hour Thai cooking class that includes your dinner meal and stay overnight for free in a Thai village for 700 Baht. Or you can stay in a superbly appointed suite, that includes a full living room, large private patio, bedroom and modern bathroom, air conditioning, cable TV, everything you need for a comfortable stay, the price is $42.00 USD. There are no end of first class accommodations in either CM or CR for $20.00USD

You can get reasonable meals for 200 Baht, there are all you can eat buffets for even less.

Myanmar is even less, but Thai food is vastly superior.

If it just wasn't so hot in Thailand.............

[chingy_]

everyday life item are cheap, food, drink, rent, etc.../ luxury item are over price more expensive than in the State.

A freaking BMW-6series is 4mil, in the state i can get it for half the price and enouf left over to buy another honda

[Ajarn]

Actually $100,000 equals nearly 4 million baht!!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

uh..yea..

meant $100000 in thailand is equivalent to having a million dollars in the us.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I think you're sending yourself down the wrong path, thinking that way. Some high-ticket items are MORE expensive here, like cars... It's quite easy to think that 4 million baht is the moon here, but it's not. It will go faster than you'd think, I'll bet. Remember, you're a kid in a candystore here. How's your self-discipline?

[Diggerbasher]

I've always said that for living expenses and not big ticket items a ratio of 10 to 1 is about right.

[david96]

Cost of living in Thailand a good rule of thumb would be one third of the cost of living in Australia. Based on 25THB to the AUD.It all depends on your individual lifestyle.

[Heng]

Depends on how you want to live. Those who come here thinking that $100k makes you a millionaire typically end up annoyed to no end when they run into real local millionaires.

For local kids in business, I'd say the "I've made it" point is more around 10-15 million, with home(s) and car(s) paid for in cash. It's definitely less than 38 million (1,, USD) but it's not exactly a small amount either.

[mijan24]

david96 I think your one third is a good general indication when comparing everyday items Thai/Australia and using the 25 baht to the A$1 also good. When exchange rate higher (bonus).

Hotel Khon Kaen room with brecky B600 or Udonthani B400 which comfirms the one third to Aust @ least you quoted. Of course we can find exceptions but thats not the pupose, the purpose is to give some indications on costs.

Mijan24

[The Coder]

everyday life item are cheap, food, drink, rent, etc.../ luxury item are over price more expensive than in the State.

A freaking BMW-6series is 4mil, in the state i can get it for half the price and enouf left over to buy another honda

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Exactly! While everyday things can be cheap, when you talk high end forget it. Because getting a high end car, kitchen, TV, etc you will pay MORE for the same thing than so called expensive countries (that is if you can even find it). I once saw a kitchen cabinet they want 100,000 baht a meter for and it didn't look all that great to me. And a designer refrigerator? Cost is 3 times more than Europe. While shopping for a big mac might be ok, Thailand is not the place to be if bang for the buck on exclusive items is your thing.

Also, how about the factory show rooms of crafts in Chiang Mai tours? Is it really cheap? I don't think so. To some extent you gotta know where to go for things as pricing is not very uniform.

[Ajarn]

everyday life item are cheap, food, drink, rent, etc.../ luxury item are over price more expensive than in the State.

A freaking BMW-6series is 4mil, in the state i can get it for half the price and enouf left over to buy another honda

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Exactly! While everyday things can be cheap, when you talk high end forget it. Because getting a high end car, kitchen, TV, etc you will pay MORE for the same thing than so called expensive countries (that is if you can even find it). I once saw a kitchen cabinet they want 100,000 baht a meter for and it didn't look all that great to me. And a designer refrigerator? Cost is 3 times more than Europe. While shopping for a big mac might be ok, Thailand is not the place to be if bang for the buck on exclusive items is your thing.

Also, how about the factory show rooms of crafts in Chiang Mai tours? Is it really cheap? I don't think so. To some extent you gotta know where to go for things as pricing is not very uniform.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yep, definately cheap for most travellers, but not necessarily so cheap if you live here.

[thedude]

i hate to burst your bubble there gobkk, but a nice serviced apartment in bkk averages at about Baht 1,000 per square meter per month, according to my recent research, which makes a small studio unit about Baht 40,000 (or US$ 1,000) per month.

practically any imported item has a duty or tax tagged to it, which instantly makes it more expensive than in the US or Europe. wine, for example, is easily 3 to 4 times what you'd pay at home - a cheap bottle of bordeau, e.g. mouton cadet, that you'd pay US$5 for at home would cost you US$40 here, for example. a small BMW, say a 325i, will cost you more than US$70,000, instead of around US$30,000 back home.

on the other hand, anything made locally is really cheap. a bowl of street side noodles will cost you Baht 20 or US$0.50. you could slum it out in a small unserviced, C grade apartment for less than Baht 10,000 or US$250 per month. its all relative, depending on how 'local' you care to go.

Edited February 14, 2005 by thedude

[Tornado]

Costs Of living in Thailand are also different in all regions. Living in Phuket is far more expensive than living in Bangkok or Australia in my view. I spend far more here per month than would in Aus, that is for sure.

[PeaceBlondie]

Nice, large condos in Chiang Mai sell between 10,000 and 30,000 baht per square meter, and rent for as cheaply as 13 cents American (US$0.13) per square meter. Too much variation to strike an average. A hut up in the hills, maybe 800 baht per month.

Some things can't be compared, or it's a waste of time to develop a standard of comparison (as the Economist magazine did with the "Big Mac" index).

Local things are much cheaper; imported things much more dear. Usually mostly generally.

[JimmyGreaves]

Walking around Big C etc it looks as though most electrical items TV's fridges etc are on par with Europe.

[dvk1951]

not including extravagant spending and bars and bar girls every night, if one didn't work or open a business would $10,000 last a year?

including extravagant spending and bars and bar girls every night what would be the minimun?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

To answer the OP, US$10,00/yr at current rates is 385k baht/yr or 32,000 baht per month. Can you survive on 32k/mth, YES. Can you enjoy yourself and be comfortable NO, unless you were willing to go 100% local for housing, transportation, food, etc.

For someone to have amassed a decent nest egg they have most likely grown accustomed to a bit more posh lifestyle, personally I think the 32k/mth lifestyle would be a rather rude cultural shock to most.

JMHO

Edited February 14, 2005 by dvk1951

[Boon Mee]

Costs Of living in Thailand are also different in all regions. Living in Phuket is far more expensive than living in Bangkok or Australia in my view. I spend far more here per month than  would in Aus, that is for sure.

Well, for a guy with really "deep pockets" like yourself it should be no problem, eh?

[GoodHeart]

how much money is the minimum for a good start in thailand?

a nice serviced studio apt in bkk can be had for $200

That is a myth you are perpetuating. I've been shopping for same for a month. Guess what- a 'nice serviced studio' apartment can be had in BKK for 40,000 bt/month. Do the math.

US $200 in the present Market will get you a room with zilch in the way of amenities.

[Diggerbasher]

GoodHeart is spot on with his monthly figure.Could not believe the cost when i had to check it out for a friend.

[gobkk]

how much money is the minimum for a good start in thailand?

a nice serviced studio apt in bkk can be had for $200

That is a myth you are perpetuating. I've been shopping for same for a month. Guess what- a 'nice serviced studio' apartment can be had in BKK for 40,000 bt/month. Do the math.

US $200 in the present Market will get you a room with zilch in the way of amenities.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

boss tower has non-serviced studios for 9500 baht and serviced ones for 12000.

boss is very nice with good facilities and they are cheaper than places like the grand president.

http://www.bosstower.com/v5.html

there are plenty of cheaper places than boss but not as nice.

Baan Tippawan For Rent (THB/mo.)

6,000 - 17,000

Room Type: 1 br, Studio

Address: 8 Soi Nomchit , Nared Rd., Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500

Contact No.: Tel: 02-266-8922-4 Fax :02-266-8921

Contact: Ulaiwan details

HP Tower For Rent (THB/mo.)

6,000 - 20,000

Room Type: Studio

Address: 2029/16 Chareonkrung Rd., Bangkorlam, Bang Korlam, Bangkok 10120

Contact No.: Tel: 02-212-7740 Fax: n/a

Contact: Pen details

KCC Apartment For Rent (THB/mo.)

4,500 - 6,000

Room Type: 1 br

Address: 518 Sathupradit Rd., Bangpongpang, Yannawa, Bangkok 10120

Contact No.: Tel: 02-295-4482,02-392-1643-4,02-682-1591 Fax: n/a

Contact: Kanchana, Busarin details

KL Mansion For Rent (THB/mo.)

5,000 - 10,000

Room Type: Studio

Address: 227/3 Soi Saint Louis 3, South Sathorn Rd., Yannawa, Sathorn, Bangkok 10120

Contact No.: Tel: 02-286-1998 Fax :02-676-3034

Contact: Watchareewan details

May Fair Suites For Rent (THB/mo.)

4,500 - 7,500

Room Type: 1 br, 2 br, Studio

Address: 60/29 Soi Yenchit , Chan 24, Chan Rd., Thungwatdon, Sathorn, Bangkok 10120

Contact No.: Tel: 02-213-0700-8 Fax :02-213-0705

Contact: Kung details

New Saeng Thong Court For Rent (THB/mo.)

5,000 - 10,000

Room Type: Studio

Address: 211/6 Soi Puttha Osod , Nared Rd., Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500

Contact No.: Tel: 02-234-9970-5 Fax: n/a

Contact: An details

P.S. House Si Phraya For Rent (THB/mo.)

2,500 - 9,500

Room Type: 2 br

Address: 439 Soi Keawfa , Siphraya Rd., Bangrak, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500

Contact No.: Tel: 02-238-0006,02-236-9184 Fax :02-236-0116

Contact: Laynu details

Polcharoen Apartment For Rent (THB/mo.)

3,500 - 6,000

Room Type: 1 br

Address: 203 Rama 3 Rd., Bangpongpang, Yannawa, Bangkok 10120

Contact No.: Tel: 02-284-2410,02-294-5926,02-294-7347 Fax :02-294-7846

Contact: Somphorn details

Pramuan Apartment For Rent (THB/mo.)

3,500 - 6,500

Room Type: Studio

Address: 18-20 Soi Sawang , Mahanakorn Rd., Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500

Contact No.: Tel: 02-233-2854 Fax :02-233-2864

Contact: Nipaporn details

Tarn House For Rent (THB/mo.)

4,000 - 6,000

Room Type: Studio

Address: 1450/4-5 Soi Charoenkrung 42/1, Charoenkrung Rd., Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500

Contact No.: Tel: 02-235-1030 Fax: n/a

Contact: นิติบุคคล details

V.S.P. Mansion For Rent (THB/mo.)

5,000 - 6,000

Room Type: Studio

Address: 302 Soi Songpha , Sriphaya Rd., Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500

Contact No.: Tel: 02-633-0311-5 Fax :02-233-4547

Contact: นิติบุคคล details

[Ajarn]

Walking around Big C etc it looks as though most electrical items TV's fridges etc are on par with Europe.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

In terms of prices, or quality?...

[Tornado]

Costs Of living in Thailand are also different in all regions. Living in Phuket is far more expensive than living in Bangkok or Australia in my view. I spend far more here per month than  would in Aus, that is for sure.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well, for a guy with really "deep pockets" like yourself it should be no problem, eh?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Not as deep as before , but I WILL BE BACK

[Serendipitist]

IMH(...humorous!?)O:

On <= 1000 baht a day, you'll have to live like most locals for almost everything. You will not have a 'quality' partner. But occasionally (once a month) you may strike it lucky with a tired 'BB roaster' at 1.30am outside NCP, who'll accept a couple of hundred, because she's tired. You'll be checking the receipts for everything and you'll know where to score changs for under 20 baht - not least because you won't be buying any dearer... You will sometimes wonder whether it was a wise choice to turn down that mcjob offer back home. But at least the weather's warm here. Albeit, to afford purchasing a new fan for your room will mean staying in for 2 days after its purchase. You will scoff at those who have more daily cash - deriding them as 'muff tourists' etc.

Fun factor: 3/10

On 2000 baht a day'll be living well as a fahlang who does some things locally, but mostly dines out and lives a 'good' life here - provided, that is, you are lucky enough to have an attractive steady GF who is a partially 'shopophobic' orphan who worships (most of) the ground you walk on, and is a day to day 'nibbler' with her 'cash destruction tactics'. Your rental costs will be on the moonlit side of 10K. You will scoff, like most, at the 'rich' fahlang tourists who pay 1000bt+ BF's.

Fun factor: 5-7/10

On 4K++ baht a day, you can do everything as an highly privileged fahlang, and can just about afford a, cough, 'quality' GF who's sole purpose in life is to shop (between manicures & beauty treatments) and send the loose change back home to mom, pop, uncle, aunt, cousins, sisters, brother, grandma & sick buffalo. The fact that she has a 'kee kong' look in her eyes, & lies frequently will be irrelevant, as you will be made to feel quite special at absolutlely all other times... (as long as the cash doesn't stop flowing). You will occasionally notice that the weather here is hot, but only as you step from one perfectly air conditioned environment to another. Rental costs will be on the sunny side of 10K. You will scoff at the fact that 'Moet' retails in Lotus for up to 3 times its going rate in Paris.

Fun factor 8-10/10

[Heng]

*scoffing*

[OldAsiaHand]

A freaking BMW-6series is 4mil, in the state i can get it for half the price and enouf left over to buy another honda

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If you can actually buy a 6 series for 4 million, you better grab it fast. I think the real price is well over twice that.

As a rule of thumb, import duties raise the price of cars here to about three times what they cost in the States. If they're actually assembled here (Cherokee, some Merc, some BMW's etc), that becomes more like 'merely' two and a half times US price. And at $90K in the US, the Thai price for a 6 series would be about $270 K here, or somewhere over B10 million. Look at the price of 911's as a yard stick of comparison. They're about B12-14 million.

[chaladmak]

got usefull info here - thks !