I've Gone And Done It!

[Rdrokit]

Hello to all,

My name is Byron (aka Rdrokit or Rocket for short). I need your help so I am posting this thread. I have just retired (I am 59) and am planning to move to Thailand from the USA in Feb 2007. I already have 4 Rais of land in Non Sung just outside of Khorat and plan on building a 1700 sq. ft home there.

What I need to know from you all is monthly expenses so I can make out a budget before I come over. Things like how much for utilities each month, what kind of insurance will I need and how much does it cost? I think petrol is about the same as I am currently paying $3.50 gal in the US. How much for groceries for 2 peolpe each month and any other expense you can think of.

Until I am 62 and my Social Security pension kicks in I will have to survive on a small pension from my past employeer and withdrawals from my IRA account so I need a budget.

Thanks in advance for all your help.

Byron

P.S. I have been to Thailand numerous times and am engaged to a lovely girl from Khorat

[Ken]

I just did a "search" of the Issan forum using "cost of living". Came up with quite a few links. One of the links is from last year, but seemed like some good info. Hope it helps you.

Cost of Living

Edit: Oh, by the way welcome to the forum. Perhaps see you around the Korat area in the future.

[Rdrokit]

Thanks Ken. Great example! When i get settle i will join expat club. See you there.

[bangsaen bob]

Well my experience is about as follows:

1. Biggest Expense Beer about 18,000 a month.

2. Trips to visit friends 10,000

3. House payment 0

4. Elec no A/C 500

5. Water 300

6. Phones, 1 land line 2 cell 1,500

7. Car payment 13,000

8. School and trans 5,000

9. Food very minimal 6-8,000

10. misc figure it out 10,000 a month

11. Gas a bit under $3.00 a gal 2,000 a month

12 Insurance 2,000 a month

I'd just round it up to 80,000 a month.

Good luck, money goes like water here.

Bangsaen Bob

[Ken]

Well my experience is about as follows:

1. Biggest Expense Beer about 18,000 a month.

........

I'd just round it up to 80,000 a month.

Good luck, money goes like water here.

Bangsaen Bob

Yea, but I would bet our Danish buddy down there in Bangsaen lives on a lot less than that.

Without breaking it down, I live quite comfortably on 40,000 Baht up here in the "sticks". And yea beer would have to be my biggest expense....but 18,000 Baht...not unless you are talking about what can happen when you've had a few too many.

[bangsaen bob]

It looks like I forgot health insurance. That's another 3,000 a month.

well, I could get by on a lot less if I had to. I need a job.

[pnustedt]

Well my experience is about as follows:

1. Biggest Expense Beer about 18,000 a month.

I have just moved to Sisaket and I pay Bt290 a box of 12 beers - to keep up with Bob I would need to consume 15.5 boxes a week (26 large bottles a day)! I can manage on a bit less! However, air con is a must.

Ken's figure is more realistic to me - but I've found that you really can spend as much or as little as you wish here.

[Pink Mist]

Well my experience is about as follows:

1. Biggest Expense Beer about 18,000 a month.

I have just moved to Sisaket and I pay Bt290 a box of 12 beers - to keep up with Bob I would need to consume 15.5 boxes a week (26 large bottles a day)! I can manage on a bit less! However, air con is a must.

Ken's figure is more realistic to me - but I've found that you really can spend as much or as little as you wish here.

Yorkie spills more than Bt290 a day Pete®

[pnustedt]

Yorkie spills more than Bt290 a day Pete®

Yes, down his neck tho! - he'd do anything to stop a drop hitting the floor!

[Jeff1]

For the more frugal , you can always put a bucket under your chair .

[Rdrokit]

Looks like some of you have taken up beer as a hobby. Probably cheaper than women....ha...ha.

[bangsaen bob]

What can I say, my wife drinks like a fish. Beer here is 600 a case, or 40THB at the local hangouts.

i.e. Bangsaen

[jayenram]

1. Biggest Expense Beer about 18,000 a month.

Well, it's a wonder you can remember where the rest goes. I don't spend as much as that and I don't have a clue!

[jayenram]

Yorkie spills more than Bt290 a day Pete®

Yes, down his neck tho! - he'd do anything to stop a drop hitting the floor!

The bandwagon is in town again I see. Anyone else like a lift?