Cost Of Living

[CheGuava]

We are a family of three, me British, wife Thai, Iysha 9.

We all eat Thai food,

We do things as a family, I do not really enjoy the bar scene

I love fishing, daughter dancing swimming and singing, wife likes hair being done and eating Somtam

Would like 3 bed house either rent or purchase - with pool own or communal ( probably rent )

Will buy a vehicle of some type, probably new with warranty ect

Food & Groceries - 20K

House - 14K (incl. fees for garbage collection, pool use, maintenance fees for typical out of town 2 floor 3 bedroom house)

School - 12K (assumes bi-lingual school, but not a super fancy international school, then you will spend a lot more)

Singing, dancing, etc classes - 2K

Electricity - 2K

Car payments - 12 K

Car insurance - 2K (assumes 24K annual)

Car fuel - 2K (varies of course)

Car maintenance - 1K (Or a bit less; new car, just change the oil & stuff)

Health insurance - 60 K / 12 months = 5K (for 2 adults, one child)

Visiting home with the family once a year: 90K / 12 = 7K5

Other travel in Thailand / region: 5K ?

Maid - 6K

Clothing - 3 K

Hair dresser, beauty shop etc - 3 K

Other shopping - 6 K

Going out for dinner, etc. - 6 K (varies of course)

Hobbies & things - 6 K

Truevisions TV - 1K5

Other small expenses - 4K

Total: 120K baht.

Note to all: I'm not answering any "<deleted>, I can do this for far less!" type remarks or "You stingy bastard, I'm paying at least X!". If / when you feel you won't spend as much, or will spend more, then feel free to adjust as needed.

This sounds about right to me for a very good life in CM, though you could probably cut it by 20,000 or so if you forgot the maid and the trips abroad. Glad I don't own/run a car it takes a big chunk out of the budget as well.

I'd say: "reasonable life'. Some posters seem to think this is way overboard but it really isn't with a familiy. Sure when you're on your own a bike is fine. But with a 9 year old you seriously don't want her on a motorbike. And note that I kept to fairly modest assumptions: School won't be Prem or Grace, there will be only one modest car, say a Honda Jazz or a pick-up, there's one trip home and it's in Economy class and doesn't include actually doing stuff once there, the insurance is also all very middle of the road and is only health insurance, not life insurance, and so on.

I included plenty for the little stuff, those are things you can cut on.. You don't really need to spend 3K at the hairdresser every month.. Maybe you don't really need a maid. Maybe you can do more of your shopping at Tesco instead of Rim Ping.. all valid choices.

[naboo]

The 120k above is for a family.

For a single guy:

5k house (2 bed, furnished, very pleasant surroundings, not in a moobahn) or studio.

4k bills (electric, mobile, internet, water and True (less if in a Studio))

1.5k maintenance and fuel for a scooter

1k savings for new scooter every 3 or 4 years

5k going out (beer, cinema)

9k food (including restaurants, never cooking at home)

2k part time maid and laundry

4k holidays (assumes 2x10 day trips, one in Thailand, one in S.E Asia or a trip home, cost of 50k a year)

3k randoms (hair cut, clothes)

3k hobbies

So 37.5k a month for a good life.

EDIT - free health care off my employer - I think it'd be about 1.5k extra for health care.

Edited November 2, 2010 by naboo

[anonymouse]

We are a family of three, me British, wife Thai, Iysha 9.

We all eat Thai food,

We do things as a family, I do not really enjoy the bar scene

I love fishing, daughter dancing swimming and singing, wife likes hair being done and eating Somtam

Would like 3 bed house either rent or purchase - with pool own or communal ( probably rent )

Will buy a vehicle of some type, probably new with warranty ect

Food & Groceries - 20K

House - 14K (incl. fees for garbage collection, pool use, maintenance fees for typical out of town 2 floor 3 bedroom house)

School - 12K (assumes bi-lingual school, but not a super fancy international school, then you will spend a lot more)

Singing, dancing, etc classes - 2K

Electricity - 2K

Car payments - 12 K

Car insurance - 2K (assumes 24K annual)

Car fuel - 2K (varies of course)

Car maintenance - 1K (Or a bit less; new car, just change the oil & stuff)

Health insurance - 60 K / 12 months = 5K (for 2 adults, one child)

Visiting home with the family once a year: 90K / 12 = 7K5

Other travel in Thailand / region: 5K ?

Maid - 6K

Clothing - 3 K

Hair dresser, beauty shop etc - 3 K

Other shopping - 6 K

Going out for dinner, etc. - 6 K (varies of course)

Hobbies & things - 6 K

Truevisions TV - 1K5

Other small expenses - 4K

Total: 120K baht.

Note to all: I'm not answering any "<deleted>, I can do this for far less!" type remarks or "You stingy bastard, I'm paying at least X!". If / when you feel you won't spend as much, or will spend more, then feel free to adjust as needed.

This sounds about right to me for a very good life in CM, though you could probably cut it by 20,000 or so if you forgot the maid and the trips abroad. Glad I don't own/run a car it takes a big chunk out of the budget as well.

I'd say: "reasonable life'. Some posters seem to think this is way overboard but it really isn't with a familiy.

Well I live what I call a 'reasonable life' here on half that budget, for a family of four. We own our house and I rely on local transport to get us about so that cuts the budget a fair bit. This year we holidayed in Phuket, trips to the UK would be out of the question relatives normally come to visit me . The kids go to a bilingual school.

Don't get me wrong I can easily see how a family could live on 120k but it would change what I'd say a reasonable life into a very nice life and I'm sure as the kids get older my budget will increase a fair bit.

[Spoonman]

We are a family of three, me British, wife Thai, Iysha 9.

We all eat Thai food,

We do things as a family, I do not really enjoy the bar scene

I love fishing, daughter dancing swimming and singing, wife likes hair being done and eating Somtam

Would like 3 bed house either rent or purchase - with pool own or communal ( probably rent )

Will buy a vehicle of some type, probably new with warranty ect

Food & Groceries - 20K

House - 14K (incl. fees for garbage collection, pool use, maintenance fees for typical out of town 2 floor 3 bedroom house)

School - 12K (assumes bi-lingual school, but not a super fancy international school, then you will spend a lot more)

Singing, dancing, etc classes - 2K

Electricity - 2K

Car payments - 12 K

Car insurance - 2K (assumes 24K annual)

Car fuel - 2K (varies of course)

Car maintenance - 1K (Or a bit less; new car, just change the oil & stuff)

Health insurance - 60 K / 12 months = 5K (for 2 adults, one child)

Visiting home with the family once a year: 90K / 12 = 7K5

Other travel in Thailand / region: 5K ?

Maid - 6K

Clothing - 3 K

Hair dresser, beauty shop etc - 3 K

Other shopping - 6 K

Going out for dinner, etc. - 6 K (varies of course)

Hobbies & things - 6 K

Truevisions TV - 1K5

Other small expenses - 4K

Total: 120K baht.

Note to all: I'm not answering any "<deleted>, I can do this for far less!" type remarks or "You stingy bastard, I'm paying at least X!". If / when you feel you won't spend as much, or will spend more, then feel free to adjust as needed.

Yeah thats bout what I spend in total per month, I dont have car payments or employ a maid nor have a child who needs schooling and dancing lesson.

Just to clarify here's my monthly outgoings, this does not include any eating out, clothes, bars/gogo's etc etc.

House

Rent - Bt.20,000

Electric - Bt.5000

Water - Bt. 500

Miscellaneous

Food (home) - Bt.16000

Beer (home) - Bt. 6000

Missus's allowance( lunch/ciggies/salon/scooter stuff) - Bt.6000

Ciggies (me) - Bt.3000

Dogs (vets/grooming) - Bt.1000

Internet - Bt. 590

Local cable TV - Bt.300

Pickup

Fuel - Bt.5000

Service/maintanance - Bt.1000

Tyres - Bt.3500

Rego/insurance Bt.1650

Scooter

Fuel - ?? Missus sorts from her allowance

Service - ?? Missus sorts from her allowance

Tyres - ?? Missus sorts from her allowance

Rego/insurance - ?? Missus sorts from her allowance

Total Bt.102040

Easily top that up to Bt.120,000 a month with "other" items.

This does not include health insurance nor a trip home every year as this is covered by my employer.

EDIT: just noticed this is in the Chiang Mai forum, I live In Chonburi.

Edited November 2, 2010 by Spoonman

[macsurf]

We are a family of three, me British, wife Thai, Iysha 9.

We all eat Thai food,

We do things as a family, I do not really enjoy the bar scene

I love fishing, daughter dancing swimming and singing, wife likes hair being done and eating Somtam

Would like 3 bed house either rent or purchase - with pool own or communal ( probably rent )

Will buy a vehicle of some type, probably new with warranty ect

Food & Groceries - 20K

House - 14K (incl. fees for garbage collection, pool use, maintenance fees for typical out of town 2 floor 3 bedroom house)

School - 12K (assumes bi-lingual school, but not a super fancy international school, then you will spend a lot more)

Singing, dancing, etc classes - 2K

Electricity - 2K

Car payments - 12 K

Car insurance - 2K (assumes 24K annual)

Car fuel - 2K (varies of course)

Car maintenance - 1K (Or a bit less; new car, just change the oil & stuff)

Health insurance - 60 K / 12 months = 5K (for 2 adults, one child)

Visiting home with the family once a year: 90K / 12 = 7K5

Other travel in Thailand / region: 5K ?

Maid - 6K

Clothing - 3 K

Hair dresser, beauty shop etc - 3 K

Other shopping - 6 K

Going out for dinner, etc. - 6 K (varies of course)

Hobbies & things - 6 K

Truevisions TV - 1K5

Other small expenses - 4K

Total: 120K baht.

Note to all: I'm not answering any "<deleted>, I can do this for far less!" type remarks or "You stingy bastard, I'm paying at least X!". If / when you feel you won't spend as much, or will spend more, then feel free to adjust as needed.

Yeah thats bout what I spend in total per month, I dont have car payments or employ a maid nor have a child who needs schooling and dancing lesson.

Just to clarify here's my monthly outgoings, this does not include any eating out, clothes, bars/gogo's etc etc.

House

Rent - Bt.20,000

Electric - Bt.5000

Water - Bt. 500

Miscellaneous

Food (home) - Bt.16000

Beer (home) - Bt. 6000

Missus's allowance( lunch/ciggies/salon/scooter stuff) - Bt.6000

Ciggies (me) - Bt.3000

Dogs (vets/grooming) - Bt.1000

Internet - Bt. 590

Local cable TV - Bt.300

Pickup

Fuel - Bt.5000

Service/maintanance - Bt.1000

Tyres - Bt.3500

Rego/insurance Bt.1650

Scooter

Fuel - ?? Missus sorts from her allowance

Service - ?? Missus sorts from her allowance

Tyres - ?? Missus sorts from her allowance

Rego/insurance - ?? Missus sorts from her allowance

Total Bt.102040

Easily top that up to Bt.120,000 a month with "other" items.

This does not include health insurance nor a trip home every year as this is covered by my employer.

EDIT: just noticed this is in the Chiang Mai forum, I live In Chonburi.

9000 Baht on Beer & Cigarettes??..!.. ......Please stay in Chonburi.

[WinnieTheKhwai]

Maybe he prefers fancier beers? My own budget was 3 big bottles x 31 days.

[jayjay0]

We are a family of three, me British, wife Thai, Iysha 9.

We all eat Thai food,

We do things as a family, I do not really enjoy the bar scene

I love fishing, daughter dancing swimming and singing, wife likes hair being done and eating Somtam

Would like 3 bed house either rent or purchase - with pool own or communal ( probably rent )

Will buy a vehicle of some type, probably new with warranty ect

Food & Groceries - 20K

House - 14K (incl. fees for garbage collection, pool use, maintenance fees for typical out of town 2 floor 3 bedroom house)

School - 12K (assumes bi-lingual school, but not a super fancy international school, then you will spend a lot more)

Singing, dancing, etc classes - 2K

Electricity - 2K

Car payments - 12 K

Car insurance - 2K (assumes 24K annual)

Car fuel - 2K (varies of course)

Car maintenance - 1K (Or a bit less; new car, just change the oil & stuff)

Health insurance - 60 K / 12 months = 5K (for 2 adults, one child)

Visiting home with the family once a year: 90K / 12 = 7K5

Other travel in Thailand / region: 5K ?

Maid - 6K

Clothing - 3 K

Hair dresser, beauty shop etc - 3 K

Other shopping - 6 K

Going out for dinner, etc. - 6 K (varies of course)

Hobbies & things - 6 K

Truevisions TV - 1K5

Other small expenses - 4K

Total: 120K baht.

Note to all: I'm not answering any "<deleted>, I can do this for far less!" type remarks or "You stingy bastard, I'm paying at least X!". If / when you feel you won't spend as much, or will spend more, then feel free to adjust as needed.

Yeah thats bout what I spend in total per month, I dont have car payments or employ a maid nor have a child who needs schooling and dancing lesson.

Just to clarify here's my monthly outgoings, this does not include any eating out, clothes, bars/gogo's etc etc.

House

Rent - Bt.20,000

Electric - Bt.5000

Water - Bt. 500

Miscellaneous

Food (home) - Bt.16000

Beer (home) - Bt. 6000

Missus's allowance( lunch/ciggies/salon/scooter stuff) - Bt.6000

Ciggies (me) - Bt.3000

Dogs (vets/grooming) - Bt.1000

Internet - Bt. 590

Local cable TV - Bt.300

Pickup

Fuel - Bt.5000

Service/maintanance - Bt.1000

Tyres - Bt.3500

Rego/insurance Bt.1650

Scooter

Fuel - ?? Missus sorts from her allowance

Service - ?? Missus sorts from her allowance

Tyres - ?? Missus sorts from her allowance

Rego/insurance - ?? Missus sorts from her allowance

Total Bt.102040

Easily top that up to Bt.120,000 a month with "other" items.

This does not include health insurance nor a trip home every year as this is covered by my employer.

EDIT: just noticed this is in the Chiang Mai forum, I live In Chonburi.

Your life style might be a little more costly here. You really only give your wife two thirds of your booze and cigarette habits?

[elektrified]

It's hard to imagine how anyone could rack up a 5K per month electric bill. The highest bill I have ever had was about 2200 Baht in one month and that was with 3 aircons, 2 computers, 2 refrigerators and several fans going 24 hours + lights at night, 2 televisions on several hours per day, etc.

[iainiain101]

The budgets here to date really only seem to cover existance. If you are here working then that is fine, your day is taken up. If not then surely you need to budget for some activities, given you are either retired or here on a long holiday.

A lot of expats play golf. Cheapest would be around 600 Baht for 18 holes (inc. caddie fee and tip). This can easily raise up to 2000 Baht per 18 holes depending on the course you decide to play. Obviously memberships can reduce the marginal cost, but can be a heavy initial outlay. Golf tends to be a social event, so you can generally add on for lunch / beers afterwards anywhere between 300 and 1500 Baht. So a range of 900 Baht to 3500 a day. Most people seem to try a play 3 times a week, so between 10k and 40k a month. (this does not include equipment such as balls etc) With golf you will probably require a car if you are using the better further out of town courses, and more fuel.

Theese examples are extremes, my point being that when sitting and budgeting for living in Chiang Mai whilst in the West, you will probably have a full day of work. You should therefore add a decent budget for activities to fill the day.

Iain

[CheGuava]

It's hard to imagine how anyone could rack up a 5K per month electric bill. The highest bill I have ever had was about 2200 Baht in one month and that was with 3 aircons, 2 computers, 2 refrigerators and several fans going 24 hours + lights at night, 2 televisions on several hours per day, etc.

Could live in a serviced apartment with a "special" electricity fee per unit?

[CheGuava]

A lot of expats play golf. Cheapest would be around 600 Baht for 18 holes (inc. caddie fee and tip). This can easily raise up to 2000 Baht per 18 holes depending on the course you decide to play. Obviously memberships can reduce the marginal cost, but can be a heavy initial outlay. Golf tends to be a social event, so you can generally add on for lunch / beers afterwards anywhere between 300 and 1500 Baht. So a range of 900 Baht to 3500 a day.

Excellent point.

I also made a mental note on Golf: With those amounts it makes for an excellent budget post to hide other leisure expenses in. I suddenly see the attraction.

[Spoonman]

It's hard to imagine how anyone could rack up a 5K per month electric bill. The highest bill I have ever had was about 2200 Baht in one month and that was with 3 aircons, 2 computers, 2 refrigerators and several fans going 24 hours + lights at night, 2 televisions on several hours per day, etc.

3 ac units (one in each master bedroom and office 24/7, one in spare room only when visitors stay over)

Ducted AC for the main house including bathrooms (runs about 4 hours every evening)

4 PC's (on 24/7)

3 Laptops (sporadic use)

4 Televisions (lounge room one 12hrs a day+xbox360, master bedroom 4 hrs a night+Xbox360, other 2 sproadic useage)

2 Fridges (24/7)

1 chest Freezer (24/7)

Several fans (bout 12 hrs a day)

3 fish ponds with pumps and lights (pupms 24/7, lights maybe 4 hrs a night)

Water cooler (24/7 cools+heats)

Household water pump

Lots of lights including garden illumination at night.

etc etc etc...... it soon starts to add up.

Edited November 3, 2010 by Spoonman

[CheGuava]

Yes.. it adds up to.. <grabs calculator> a carbon footprint the size of Belgium.

I think with just a little extra effort, EGAT will issue you your own substation.

Edited November 3, 2010 by CheGuava

[LivinLOS]

It's hard to imagine how anyone could rack up a 5K per month electric bill. The highest bill I have ever had was about 2200 Baht in one month and that was with 3 aircons, 2 computers, 2 refrigerators and several fans going 24 hours + lights at night, 2 televisions on several hours per day, etc.

Pool pumps.. Water fountains.. Fish tanks.. And AC use... Easily done.

Mine (normal house now) with pool is never sub 4 or 5k (1000 - 1200 kwh) and in my old villa with guests using AC I had a couple of 15k bills.. That was at regular 4 baht per unit but large pools, garden lights and features etc.

[sarahsbloke]

Not sure what index you talk of. I used to see regular posts about the cost of living in Thailand. Not many any more. That is why I ask is there any up to date information ?

Thank you to those that have answered. If there is a link to a previous thread please let me know

We are a family of three, me British, wife Thai, Iysha 9.

We all eat Thai food,

We do things as a family, I do not really enjoy the bar scene

I love fishing, daughter dancing swimming and singing, wife likes hair being done and eating Somtam

I expect to pay for school for my daughter

Would like 3 bed house either rent or purchase - with pool own or communal ( probably rent )

Will buy a vehicle of some type, probably new with warranty ect

Any help would be great

I have a similar family and live just outside ChiangMai (Doi Saket)

I rent a nice modern 3 bedroom house with air-con where I live with my wife and 12yo step-daughter.

We have 2 motorcycles.

Our total costs are 40,000bht a month ....... sometimes 45,000bht in a month where we make a capital purchase (fridge, washing m/c, etc)

My daughter attends the local school (free), we use the local hospital (30bht)

House rental 7000bht

Electricity 1200bht

Water 250bht

Food 5000bht

Internet 800bht (all my TV is downloaded)

MIL 3000bht (to stay away and always side with me in family arguments)

We eat out often, almost always Thai food, have nights out in town, and I enjoy walking and swimming in the mountains.

My wife and I just went down south on a 3 week tour of the relatives and an 8 day trip to the islands, 6 plane tickets, 6 coach tickets, fan room on a nice island beach .... 25,000bht (We did go a bit mad, expense no object)

Day out for me

Drive to Chiang Mai, tea or a large beer while playing pool with my pals 60bht

Lunch in a nice air con Thai restaurant (free wifi or use of PC) 40bht

Off to the shopping mall for an ice cream at Svensons 89bht

Walking around looking at the girls legs .... no charge.

Total 189bht + petrol

Day out for the family

Drive to a mountain resort swimming pool

Swimming pool fee 30bht adult, 20bht child .... 100bht if my daughter takes a friend.

Plastic bags of food to eat at home on the way back 100bht

Total 200bht + petrol

Trip to the cinema

Gat Suan Gow mall, movie 70bht each

How anyone can spend 100k+ a month is totally beyond me, our standard of living here on 40k, is way higher than in was back in the UK.

Edited November 3, 2010 by sarahsbloke

[CheGuava]

How anyone can spend 100k+ a month is totally beyond me

It's not THAT hard to imagine though right, seriously? For example:

* Look around on the roads. Those big metal 4 wheeled machines are cars. Many people want/need to drive one. Or Two. They cost quite a bit of money, but provide comfort and better safety.

* When you run into a more serious medical situation, 30 baht won't cut it. This is why many people get insurance.

* Local schooling vs bi-lingual vs international will be a big debate. In summary many people prefer their kids to go to a bilingual or international school.

* You budget 5000 baht for a fridge or a washing machine. 5000 baht fridges frost over real easy. 5000 baht washing machines just wobble some cold water around. Many people prefer appliances similar to what they would have back home. Then you're looking at 20K minimum.

our standard of living here on 40k, is way higher than in was back in the UK.

Agreed; in the end what matters is where you feel happy. It's probably more the 'standard of happiness' that is higher here than truly the standard of living. Living is not a spending competition.

[Spoonman]

How anyone can spend 100k+ a month is totally beyond me, our standard of living here on 40k, is way higher than in was back in the UK.

Its not hard as I outlined above, I have a work mate here who rents a joint for 80,000 a month....he has new BMW's for him and his farang wife and 2 children going to Regents.....I would not like to guess his monthly outgoings.

Edited November 3, 2010 by Spoonman

[LivinLOS]

How anyone can spend 100k+ a month is totally beyond me, our standard of living here on 40k, is way higher than in was back in the UK.

Coming from Phuket.. Down here its hard to imagine being under 100k..

Not being lavish.. But just cars medical rents and other costs all add up fast. I dont have kids (and if I did they would be educated cost no object, in fact I would probably leave to get them educated in the west.. But thats personal preference).

CM does seem cheaper on many fronts.. But doubt I will make it down below 80 or 90 ish.. I like imported stuff, fact is it aint cheap here.

[anonymouse]

Not sure what index you talk of. I used to see regular posts about the cost of living in Thailand. Not many any more. That is why I ask is there any up to date information ?

Thank you to those that have answered. If there is a link to a previous thread please let me know

We are a family of three, me British, wife Thai, Iysha 9.

We all eat Thai food,

We do things as a family, I do not really enjoy the bar scene

I love fishing, daughter dancing swimming and singing, wife likes hair being done and eating Somtam

I expect to pay for school for my daughter

Would like 3 bed house either rent or purchase - with pool own or communal ( probably rent )

Will buy a vehicle of some type, probably new with warranty ect

Any help would be great

I have a similar family and live just outside ChiangMai (Doi Saket)

I rent a nice modern 3 bedroom house with air-con where I live with my wife and 12yo step-daughter.

We have 2 motorcycles.

Our total costs are 40,000bht a month ....... sometimes 45,000bht in a month where we make a capital purchase (fridge, washing m/c, etc)

My daughter attends the local school (free), we use the local hospital (30bht)

House rental 7000bht

Electricity 1200bht

Water 250bht

Food 5000bht

Internet 800bht (all my TV is downloaded)

MIL 3000bht (to stay away and always side with me in family arguments)

We eat out often, almost always Thai food, have nights out in town, and I enjoy walking and swimming in the mountains.

My wife and I just went down south on a 3 week tour of the relatives and an 8 day trip to the islands, 6 plane tickets, 6 coach tickets, fan room on a nice island beach .... 25,000bht (We did go a bit mad, expense no object)

Day out for me

Drive to Chiang Mai, tea or a large beer while playing pool with my pals 60bht

Lunch in a nice air con Thai restaurant (free wifi or use of PC) 40bht

Off to the shopping mall for an ice cream at Svensons 89bht

Walking around looking at the girls legs .... no charge.

Total 189bht + petrol

Day out for the family

Drive to a mountain resort swimming pool

Swimming pool fee 30bht adult, 20bht child .... 100bht if my daughter takes a friend.

Plastic bags of food to eat at home on the way back 100bht

Total 200bht + petrol

Trip to the cinema

Gat Suan Gow mall, movie 70bht each

How anyone can spend 100k+ a month is totally beyond me, our standard of living here on 40k, is way higher than in was back in the UK.

This seems a good lifestyle and as I said on an earlier post I can lead a good life on a lot less than 120k.

But 5,000 baht for food for 3 people over a month is 55baht a head per day even I'm not that frugal

[anonymouse]

Not sure what index you talk of. I used to see regular posts about the cost of living in Thailand. Not many any more. That is why I ask is there any up to date information ?

Thank you to those that have answered. If there is a link to a previous thread please let me know

We are a family of three, me British, wife Thai, Iysha 9.

We all eat Thai food,

We do things as a family, I do not really enjoy the bar scene

I love fishing, daughter dancing swimming and singing, wife likes hair being done and eating Somtam

I expect to pay for school for my daughter

Would like 3 bed house either rent or purchase - with pool own or communal ( probably rent )

Will buy a vehicle of some type, probably new with warranty ect

Any help would be great

I have a similar family and live just outside ChiangMai (Doi Saket)

I rent a nice modern 3 bedroom house with air-con where I live with my wife and 12yo step-daughter.

We have 2 motorcycles.

Our total costs are 40,000bht a month ....... sometimes 45,000bht in a month where we make a capital purchase (fridge, washing m/c, etc)

My daughter attends the local school (free), we use the local hospital (30bht)

House rental 7000bht

Electricity 1200bht

Water 250bht

Food 5000bht

Internet 800bht (all my TV is downloaded)

MIL 3000bht (to stay away and always side with me in family arguments)

We eat out often, almost always Thai food, have nights out in town, and I enjoy walking and swimming in the mountains.

My wife and I just went down south on a 3 week tour of the relatives and an 8 day trip to the islands, 6 plane tickets, 6 coach tickets, fan room on a nice island beach .... 25,000bht (We did go a bit mad, expense no object)

Day out for me

Drive to Chiang Mai, tea or a large beer while playing pool with my pals 60bht

Lunch in a nice air con Thai restaurant (free wifi or use of PC) 40bht

Off to the shopping mall for an ice cream at Svensons 89bht

Walking around looking at the girls legs .... no charge.

Total 189bht + petrol

Day out for the family

Drive to a mountain resort swimming pool

Swimming pool fee 30bht adult, 20bht child .... 100bht if my daughter takes a friend.

Plastic bags of food to eat at home on the way back 100bht

Total 200bht + petrol

Trip to the cinema

Gat Suan Gow mall, movie 70bht each

How anyone can spend 100k+ a month is totally beyond me, our standard of living here on 40k, is way higher than in was back in the UK.

[sarahsbloke]

This seems a good lifestyle and as I said on an earlier post I can lead a good life on a lot less than 120k.

But 5,000 baht for food for 3 people over a month is 55baht a head per day even I'm not that frugal

Wife has just gone off to market for the evening meal with 100bht

That will buy tonight's food for 4 of us (MIL staying for a while)

Typical day

Breakfast

Cow Tom Gai, 5bht each ... 20bht (cooked at home)

Lunch

Go out for noodles 30bht each ..... 90bht

Dinner

Yellow chicken and potato curry with rice

Some nasty green stuff that smells of rotting fish 100bht

Total 210bht (but there are 4 of us at the moment) and if we have lunch at home ... would only totalled 140bht

If we go out to dinner at our local Thai restaurant (good food) ... dinner for 4 (no alcohol) about 300bht.

Once you stop eating imported food, or stop eating in places for foreigners, prices become really cheap.

Without the wife

Going crazy at a Thai karaoke joint staffed by Payap university students you could spend 500bht (free-flowing beer, food and a hostess each) and 100bht for the girl.

Normal nights out in a Thai bar, staffed by girls from CM university (you are not allowed to buy them drinks, but they may have a glass from your bottle), live music, men don't pour drinks .... large beer chang 140bht for 3 bottles, ice 25bht a bucket. Share, Oxide, Blossom, etc.

NIght out at Hotshots, whiskey set 440bht, usually share the cost with a pal, the girls we usually meet pay for the extra mixers and ice (yes they are hos, no we don't take them home, they are friends, we go home to the wives, they go to Spicy after hotshots closes for customers)

Hotshots cost more last Friday Taktan Chonlada was singing (I think it was her) ..... so it was 800bht for the whiskey and upto 5 people at the table. Still good value ... plenty of girls wanting to be on our table.

Edited November 3, 2010 by sarahsbloke

[Spoonman]

Hotshots cost more last Friday Taktan Chonlada was singing (I think it was her) ..... so it was 800bht for the whiskey and upto 5 people at the table. Still good value ... plenty of girls wanting to be on our table.

That is decent value for sure, even moreso taking into consideration my expenditure last friday night exceeded 7,000b........Walking Strret Pattaya is defo not a frugal persons destination these days.

[bolx]

Some big budgets flying about. Does anyone mind if I ask how you all make a living as there arent that many high paying jobs in Chiang Mai. Or are you all already rich and retired?

[anonymouse]

This seems a good lifestyle and as I said on an earlier post I can lead a good life on a lot less than 120k.

But 5,000 baht for food for 3 people over a month is 55baht a head per day even I'm not that frugal

Wife has just gone off to market for the evening meal with 100bht

That will buy tonight's food for 4 of us (MIL staying for a while)

Typical day

Breakfast

Cow Tom Gai, 5bht each ... 20bht (cooked at home)

Lunch

Go out for noodles 30bht each ..... 90bht

Dinner

Yellow chicken and potato curry with rice

Some nasty green stuff that smells of rotting fish 100bht

Total 210bht (but there are 4 of us at the moment) and if we have lunch at home ... would only totalled 140bht

If we go out to dinner at our local Thai restaurant (good food) ... dinner for 4 (no alcohol) about 300bht.

Once you stop eating imported food, or stop eating in places for foreigners, prices become really cheap.

Without the wife

Going crazy at a Thai karaoke joint staffed by Payap university students you could spend 500bht (free-flowing beer, food and a hostess each) and 100bht for the girl.

Normal nights out in a Thai bar, staffed by girls from CM university (you are not allowed to buy them drinks, but they may have a glass from your bottle), live music, men don't pour drinks .... large beer chang 140bht for 3 bottles, ice 25bht a bucket. Share, Oxide, Blossom, etc.

NIght out at Hotshots, whiskey set 440bht, usually share the cost with a pal, the girls we usually meet pay for the extra mixers and ice (yes they are hos, no we don't take them home, they are friends, we go home to the wives, they go to Spicy after hotshots closes for customers)

Hotshots cost more last Friday Taktan Chonlada was singing (I think it was her) ..... so it was 800bht for the whiskey and upto 5 people at the table. Still good value ... plenty of girls wanting to be on our table.

All kudos to you, but a diet of rice soup, noodle soup & nasty green stuff that smells of rotting fish [ the chicken and potato curry is good!]

would not constitute good living to me.

I eat mainly Thai food very little imported products our food bill for 4 is around the 12-15,000 mark. I might send my wife round to yours to get some tips

Agreed on drinking at the Thai Bars I have friend in santitam and we enjoy sharing a bottle of whiskey and having a bite to eat at some very cheap local places.

[sarahsbloke]

All kudos to you, but a diet of rice soup, noodle soup & nasty green stuff that smells of rotting fish [ the chicken and potato curry is good!]

would not constitute good living to me.

I eat mainly Thai food very little imported products our food bill for 4 is around the 12-15,000 mark. I might send my wife round to yours to get some tips

Agreed on drinking at the Thai Bars I have friend in santitam and we enjoy sharing a bottle of whiskey and having a bite to eat at some very cheap local places.

I won't eat the nasty green stuff either ....... but I do love rice soup for breakfast!

[CMX]

but I do love rice soup for breakfast! ! S..B..

Plus, if we make it at home, we can add ginger, Chinese style.

I've scanned above - perhaps too quickly - but for currency comparisons over time, I go to XE dot com or another and enter the currency of my interest against to baht. Then I map it. Easy to go back monthly, annually and up to 5 years, peaks and valleys, of course.

I've talked to some ex-pats who claim that financially, the Thai wife/gf and her family pay for themselves. I expect that must include going out less often.

[sarahsbloke]

but I do love rice soup for breakfast! ! S..B..

Plus, if we make it at home, we can add ginger, Chinese style.

Mine's just been placed in front of me now ...... with pork ..... add loads of black pepper ..... yummy!

Edited November 4, 2010 by sarahsbloke

[mamborobert]

Whilst this is a very intersting topic it is never going to be enlightening.

Everybody is different kids/no kids, young kids/older kids, rent/own, 25/65, golf/bar/golf and bar, family/no family, house/condo, maid/no maid, healthy/infirm, car/motorbike, local school/international school etc

You can rent a nice place out of town for 8000 to 15000 baht...but if you are a home body I can understand spening more...Like all things you get what you paid for....and there is always some place nicer.

It is exactly the same in home countries. We all know that there is a minimum in Thailand upon which you exist rather than live...but there is no real maximum. Same as home countries.

People generally live up to their income. If you get a pay rise its not like you suddenly start saving more, your lifestyle simply moves up (generally).

I am on about 3500 AUD a month which at a 22 baht exchange rate got me 77000 baht a month, and now at 29 gets me 101000 baht a month.

I am actually saving but then I have relatively simply needs and to my mind was living quite well (ok bloody well) on the 77000 baht a month at a poor exchange rate, and usually had a heap left over from this...which I spend on overseas travel.

There is no magic figure but I would have thought that family wise you 60 000 baht would generally be comfortable...and everything above that is driven by need (kids schooling choices for example) or desire (golf/overseas trips for example).

Its a matter of choices....I could think of nothing worse than playing golf three days a week, and could never justify spending 10 000 baht a month on this...but I would not do that in my home country either. But that is me and my money...If you have the money then its yours to do what you want with.

I too however could eat rice soup for breakfast for the rest of my life and die happy.

Bottom line is value for dollar you are better in Thailand than a lot of other places....but I do think you need 60 000 baht a month, anything below this (and if you are older and/or have a long term or chronic illness) and I would think that your home countries (in quite a few cases) welfare and health system may start to outweight staying in Thailand.

[jonnyscot]

we budget 30000 per month for myself, wife and 2 children, 3 bed house, electric, internet, gas, water charges, we don't drink, we use car and bike but car is used mostly for expressway driving about 20000km per year, we eat mostly thai food with the once weekly western feast, eat out no more than 2 times per week (thai), otherwise wife cooks at home, groceries mostly bought from local market, but the odd jaunt to makro for small purchases, only thing I havent added to that would be daughters school fees as I can't remember exact cost but I think about 30k per term, but I also think there is a big difference in cost of living depending on where in thailand you live, for example on recent visit to makro I saw some item 10 baht cheaper in one district than it was in another makro store in another district, not much variation 10 baht, but on a big shopping bill then surely quite a difference.

[uptheos]

Some big budgets flying about. Does anyone mind if I ask how you all make a living as there arent that many high paying jobs in Chiang Mai. Or are you all already rich and retired?

People with genuinely high budgets, probably wouldn't feel the need to post their information on here, knowing that they were higher than average.

Edited November 4, 2010 by uptheos