California couple moves to Thailand to avoid the financial stress of living In the US

[vincent13]

What are they going to do for jobs here?. Teach English for 800 baht a day? I suppose with two of them they can pool enough money to live comfortably in Phuket.

Theyre not going to like the expensive cars,.petrol and filthy streets.

Lets have a follow up to this story in 12 months.

Read the article....

[jaffacakes1]

I get the impression that many posters here don't grasp the concept of a digital economy.

If you can 'work' anywhere in the world with a decent internet connection, why not base yourself at your favourite holiday destination. If this couple have the skills to charge a

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[Scott]

Welcome to the real world. When I graduated, I was quite disappointed as well. I could afford a cheap, rundown apartment and a car -- but I had help from my parents with the car. I couldn't do much, I could afford groceries, but not very much dining out (oh, except I always had money for Friday and Saturday nights out).

Over the years, I got pay raises, changed jobs a few times, bought a home, had a two cars and a pickup and one of the cars was new. I just didn't realize that when I graduated from University that everything wasn't going to be waiting for me.

At any rate, this couple is taking the bull by the horns and my guess is that in a few years they will have accomplished quite a bit.

Best of luck to them and yes, Oscar Wilde was right, youth is wasted on the young.

[watcharacters]

Yes I have. I don't need a car to live here because the public transportation is so good and available, saving me quite a bit of cash. Yes I bought a computer here quite a bit cheaper because of the software included. All in all I spend 500% less for the same lifestyle as the States.

The finest pirated software in Asia. Spending 500% less?....doesn't 100% less bring a person to zero cost?...my mind is I'm still trying to understand this 500% less quantum mechanics math for living costs.

.

It's a miracle.

[jaffacakes1]

... Rate sufficient enough to enable them to live in Thailand comfortably then that's a great thing. The world is changing.

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[Ricky HKT]

If they think living in California is financially stressful, wait until they have to file their first income tax returns as self employed people living overseas, and deal with FICA for the overseas self employed.

I'm forecasting beans and wienies, and a lot of peanut butter.

Also kind of interesting that they would allow an article to be published about them breaking Thai work permit laws, and put them on the radar for the Thai tax authorities.

As others have mentioned, they could have saved just as much money by moving almost anywhere in the USA but California.

We moved from California to Nevada, because of taxes (no Nevada State income tax), cost of living (NV about 60% of CA), cost of real estate (NV about 25-50% of CA), etc.

We sold everything, and moved to Phuket late last year. All debts were cleared, everything is now paid off, and we are much better off financially. But this move was planned for years, not done "On the spur of the moment" because we thought Phuket would be a cool place to hang.

As some people have mentioned already, some prices on Phuket are higher than CA. Add student debts and moving costs to that? All I Have to say is "Good Luck!"

[lovetotravel]

They could have moved to any other state and lived cheaper then California. To say they moved to Thailand because it is cheaper to live in Thailand is asinine. I lived in Michigan and it cost me the same to live here as it did in Michigan. The only thing cheaper in Thailand is labor and medical.

Have you tried buying a car lately or a computer or go buy some petrol for your car. The big difference in cost is you can buy

cheap china products that USA does not allow in country.

Yes I have. I don't need a car to live here because the public transportation is so good and available, saving me quite a bit of cash. Yes I bought a computer here quite a bit cheaper because of the software included. All in all I spend 500% less for the same lifestyle as the States.

But many do need cars here as they don't live in the city and have families to take care of. The computer you bought has pirated software. Hardly a good way to say you saved money. I just bought a nice Lenovo at Fry's that was 20% less than the price here. Same model. And had Windows installed legally.

500% less is impossible. We've lived back and forth between here and a rural part of the US for years. Depending on your lifestyle, it's cheaper in the US. And unless you have medical insurance here, it can be extremely expensive for hospital visits. 100,000 baht for a night in the ICU is not unusual for a private hospital. Government hospitals can be a nightmare to deal with here.

[Lancelot]

I recently was back in the US for a year and I did not find the cost of living there to be excessively expensive. I do agree that in general rent and medical expenses are significantly more expensive. However, an "apartment" in the US is usually a living room, bedroom, kitchen and bathroom. Here its a room and a bathroom Medical expenses are more problematic, depending on the individual's insurance status. I use the Veterans Administration for health care- $50 co-pay to see a specialist; $15 co-pay for most other services

I am retired, so my experience will be different from younger folks, just beginning their careers. I'm drawing down my savings; they should be saving for the future.

FWIW, I see young people moving to Thailand and just getting by and not saving for the future. I think its great to travel, to learn about other cultures, listen to other points of view

Take a year or two and go for it. But don't stay abroad for 20 years then suddenly realize that the sum total of your assets is the shirt on your back and a smart phone

[StrandedBusinessPerson]

Surprised by all the haters here. Seems perfectly reasonable to me, as an expat who came to Asia originally because it was cheaper to live and now here to retire, for the same reason. The quality of life here is much better on low fixed income than in the west, how can one argue that? As for getting work, pretty easy if you are half-way intelligent and 100% literate. And as an ex-Californian, I can honestly say the people of this region are much nicer to live with than say the denizens of LA. Best of luck to the couple in question!

[fab4]

What are they going to do for jobs here?. Teach English for 800 baht a day? I suppose with two of them they can pool enough money to live comfortably in Phuket.

Theyre not going to like the expensive cars,.petrol and filthy streets.

Lets have a follow up to this story in 12 months.

It's all in the article - video editing and freelance photography. They drive a motorbike, they don't have to buy a car.

[3SoiDogNight]

"degrees in visual journalism"

I have zero sympathy for them. How stupid can one be? That is a degree that trustafarians get. You better come from a well to do family and finance that degree yourself. If you're going to go in debt for a degree, it should be something worthwhile like mechanical engineering or medical doctor.

I moved here to Bangkok from San Francisco as well. Yes California is expensive but a lot has to do with over-regulations, high taxes and unfriendly business environment.

..and why in the hell did he bring his girlfriend from the States?!?!?!

He could find a much hotter one here!

[JoeThePoster]

Eight months ago

Still in the rose tinted glasses phase - safe to say.

[ezzra]

My advise, don't throw away your return portion of your tickets.. just in case...

as Thailand is not for everybody...

[moe666]

The visa runs will eat them up.

[Head Snake]

All they are doing is promoting themselves.

They now have something more for their "get-a-reality-travel-show" proposal to pitch to Television.

Its all kinda like the bubble boy episode. Just create chatter to get your name out there.

[mmh8]

I did read this and saw the bit about free lancing. I hope the work permit immigration ro what ever it is have checked up on these two.

[Kerryd]

Apparently they have "long term" visas (Ed ?) and are working (presumably with the proper work permits of course because "free lance" or not, it is still considered "work" in a country that requires volunteers to have work permits).

I must be booking on the wrong airlines though. If I didn't have work and couldn't afford to pay my bills, I'm not sure how I'd be able to afford a holiday to Peru in January, followed by a "move" to Thailand in March. Dang ! I have to work in a war zone for years to be able to live like that !

[ricardofel]

I left Thailand, after 7 years in CM, to live in California and could not be happier. Cost of living is actually less here. Gas is cheaper. Electric is cheaper, water & gas cheaper. No trash everywhere you go, no pollution.

[55Jay]

What are they going to do for jobs here?. Teach English for 800 baht a day? I suppose with two of them they can pool enough money to live comfortably in Phuket.

Theyre not going to like the expensive cars,.petrol and filthy streets.

Lets have a follow up to this story in 12 months.

The article (the linked one not the short summary here) says they are working in their field.

The article indicates they use a motorbike and spend about $3 in petrol/week. No comment on filthy streets.

The article indicated they want to push on to another country in 6 months.

No worries though, there's still every chance they can meet our expectations and return to the US to get a more acceptable, responsible life, noses to the grind stone, et al. Get married, spit out some kids because that's what you do, become slaves to their mortgage and car payments, put the kids through school; when they are both fat and sick of each other, get divorced. He takes what's left of his money after the divorce and returns to Thailand 30 odd years later to recapture his youthful memories of shagging and snorkeling with a 20 something girl, piss and moan about the current young generation, then die and get burned up in a Wat.

[thailiketoo]

Yes I have. I don't need a car to live here because the public transportation is so good and available, saving me quite a bit of cash. Yes I bought a computer here quite a bit cheaper because of the software included. All in all I spend 500% less for the same lifestyle as the States.

The finest pirated software in Asia. Spending 500% less?....doesn't 100% less bring a person to zero cost?...my mind is I'm still trying to understand this 500% less quantum mechanics math for living costs.

One particular expense related to my 4th mid life crisis cost me $52,000 per year in the States. The same expense in Thailand costs me $5000. I'm not much on maths but what percent less is $5,000 than $52,000 ?

[Local Drunk]

Surprised by all the haters here. Seems perfectly reasonable to me, as an expat who came to Asia originally because it was cheaper to live and now here to retire, for the same reason. The quality of life here is much better on low fixed income than in the west, how can one argue that? As for getting work, pretty easy if you are half-way intelligent and 100% literate. And as an ex-Californian, I can honestly say the people of this region are much nicer to live with than say the denizens of LA. Best of luck to the couple in question!

We aren't haters at all. We're perhaps a bit jaded, but that's because we understand the rules here.

[californiabeachboy]

You gotta love the article in the Business Insider - fantasy not reality, which sells a lot more magazines. They say they cannot afford to save for a house in California, so they go to Thailand, where (it is my understanding) they cannot buy a house at all! How much are they saving in Thailand? I live in California and I have been to Phuket, and the difference in cost of living is not that great, unless you are willing to live like the Thai.

They said it is not for a vacation, but "Jeff and Marina plan to live in Thailand for at least the next six months before they choose another country to call home" That is not a home, it is a vacation. And I applaud them for that - have fun and see the world.

But the kicker for me was the photo they attached to the article - a couple holding hands swimming among the fishes. Is that their job (video editing)? Do you need a work permit for that?

Dude, if the stresses of living in California, are, like bumming you out, just score some weed, and some fish tacos, and, like, chill!

[MikeOboe57]

 

 

Yes I have.  I don't need a car to live here because the public transportation is so good and available, saving me quite a bit of cash.  Yes I bought a computer here quite a bit cheaper because of the software included.  All in all I spend 500% less for the same lifestyle as the States.  

 

The finest pirated software in Asia.  Spending 500% less?....doesn't 100% less bring a person to zero cost?...my mind is I'm still trying to understand this 500% less quantum mechanics math for living costs.  

 

 

One particular expense related to my 4th mid life crisis cost me $52,000 per year in the States.  The same expense in Thailand costs me $5000.  I'm not much on maths but what percent less is $5,000 than $52,000 ?

 

90?

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[AlphMichaels]

I get it..., I don't think they get it. Not yet anyway. Call it whatever you wish, they've taken a 1 year sabbatical and will likely find they're not "employ-able" in this part of the world, save online contractor portals.

Could be wrong and I wish them the best if they decide to make it their home. It is a lovely place to be. I did the same but under completely different circumstances..., it was time to shut down my professional life to make time for my personal. After 30 years of busting my arse, saving well and ready to see something more, I felt it was time to change my life. Still maintain my home in US..., call it "my coffin..., just in case". Left no debt behind.

One poster stated the cost of living was same here as in US. I disagree. I spend a little over 1/3 that which I spent in the US on day-to-day needs. I do NOT own a car but have scooter and use public transportation as necessary. I walk a lot and that has resulted in a weight loss of over 30 pound in 3 years. Lease a spectacular condo that would cost me 3X the amount I'd pay in the states. Love Thai food and eat from the street almost daily. When I don't, I prepare my own from fresh(er) ingredients obtained from local markets. I avoid Villa, MaxValu and Foodlands. I make a monthly run to Big C for the toiletries and ancillary cooking/cleaning needs. I still enjoy social times but keep diligence on what I spend & where I go. If a westerner comes to Thailand and tries to live an identical lifestyle to that which was left, yes, you will pay same..., likely even more.

But there is a lower cost of quality living and lifestyle to be had here. I'm a living example of it.

Edited November 13, 2013 by AlphMichaels

[Braddockrd]

Thailand seems like the land of miracles. These 2 were unable to find any work. All of a sudden the work is flowing in and they are snorkeling in paradise... yeah, right...

[thailiketoo]

They could have moved to any other state and lived cheaper then California. To say they moved to Thailand because it is cheaper to live in Thailand is asinine. I lived in Michigan and it cost me the same to live here as it did in Michigan. The only thing cheaper in Thailand is labor and medical.

Have you tried buying a car lately or a computer or go buy some petrol for your car. The big difference in cost is you can buy

cheap china products that USA does not allow in country.

Yes I have. I don't need a car to live here because the public transportation is so good and available, saving me quite a bit of cash. Yes I bought a computer here quite a bit cheaper because of the software included. All in all I spend 500% less for the same lifestyle as the States.

But many do need cars here as they don't live in the city and have families to take care of. The computer you bought has pirated software. Hardly a good way to say you saved money. I just bought a nice Lenovo at Fry's that was 20% less than the price here. Same model. And had Windows installed legally.

500% less is impossible. We've lived back and forth between here and a rural part of the US for years. Depending on your lifestyle, it's cheaper in the US. And unless you have medical insurance here, it can be extremely expensive for hospital visits. 100,000 baht for a night in the ICU is not unusual for a private hospital. Government hospitals can be a nightmare to deal with here.

I didn't say everyone only me. My house costs mega bucks less here. I had a house on the beach in the USA and I have a house on the beach here. Not Phuket. My car costs mega bucks less here. I had a new Cadillac in the USA and no car here. My hobbies cost mega bucks in the States and much less here. I have medical insurance here and find the hospitals and medical procedures and staff far advanced over what I was used to in the States. My family can stay in my room at the hospital here and not so in the States so that is a lot less money considering the hotel expenses in the States to be close to the hospital. Not everyone but I find that $20,000 here buys me more than $100,000 in the States.

[me313]

The Dead Kennedys (a California punk band) had a song called "California Uber Alles". Now it's truly Thailand Uber Alles.....not just cheap in price but cheap cheap services and human labor and all that goes with it...

[MikeOboe57]

"Marina lays..."

I'm beginning to understand why they had to struggle as journalists in an English speaking country.

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[mojaco]

I think ssying 500% less in Thailand is the equivalent of sayIng 500% more in the USA.

[Rob8891]

Another 'dog bites man' article. Yawn.