Is Thailand really cheap?

[trogers]

Was for over a month in Thailand in many areas. My Wife, who is Thai, said that we have a much higher standard of living and quality of life in Canada compared to what our $$ would get us in Thailand. I have to agree as we were considering on retiring in Thailand, but after being there, we couldn't wait to get back to Canada lol. I use to take many things for granted here, but not any more.

Back shoveling snow and ice 3 months a year?

[steve654]

Was for over a month in Thailand in many areas. My Wife, who is Thai, said that we have a much higher standard of living and quality of life in Canada compared to what our $$ would get us in Thailand. I have to agree as we were considering on retiring in Thailand, but after being there, we couldn't wait to get back to Canada lol. I use to take many things for granted here, but not any more.

Back shoveling snow and ice 3 months a year?

Keeps you fit for the Winter! Keep in mind that we live in a small town a few minutes walk to a huge lake and surrounded by mountains. If we lived in any one of Canada's larger cities, quality of life would drop significantly for us.

[bigbearjohn]

30,000 baht per month is what you would pay in rent in the west

I live in Washington State and what you can get for B30,000 is just so-so, not very special. For B30,000

you can get a nice 2 bedroom condo on the beach in Jomtien.

[Stevemercer]

Anything that is mainly just labor is still very cheap - food preparation, haircut, massage, girls, building, repairs etc. You might be able to live comfortably on <30,000 Baht a month if you are single, have no family demands, no car and only drink once or twice a week, and stay away from the girls.

[papayasalad]

30,000 baht per month is what you would pay in rent in the west

I live in Washington State and what you can get for B30,000 is just so-so, not very special. For B30,000

you can get a nice 2 bedroom condo on the beach in Jomtien.

for 30k you can get a nice house, with swimming pool and jacuzzi inside Thailand on a quiet place not too far from a big town. can even employ someone.

for 8k I have found nice houses in udon.

faranglands have a system of living based on debt. so cannot compare as the rules are rigged.

[SoFarAndNear]

You can live her very cheap but that means you have to live like a local and will 100% need to learn the language. If you cant speak Thai you will mostly like to pay more...on most occasions. But another bad news is that you don't get the Thai prices on National Parks anymore even if with work permit and Non O visa extension . I used to get Thai prices at National Parks for years but now they don't give me that anymore. Easy makes your National Park weekend trips a few thousand baht more expensive. Also makes me feel very stupid when I pay 3-4 times more then my Thai partner even if I can speak Thai very decent and in general do all the speaking...

[SoFarAndNear]

Anything that is mainly just labor is still very cheap - food preparation, haircut, massage, girls, building, repairs etc. You might be able to live comfortably on <30,000 Baht a month if you are single, have no family demands, no car and only drink once or twice a week, and stay away from the girls.

Why do you have to stay away from girls?

[louse1953]

The headline says Thailand,but it's all about Pattaya.

[DrTuner]

If you live like a peasant, it is. If you want to have western standards, not.

Define western standards... I live the same here as there on exactly the same budget, 15000-20000thb. I have all I need. Do all I want. I share food most of the time with friends. Every day the same people, good company. Housing is 5000 all in (including cleaning lady). A large Leo in the local open air bar Is 75thb and in the local brothel karaoke joint it's 100thb. Life is good here

Western standards as in basically imported everything, including houses built to western spec, large variety of foods, cars, etc. Imported wife too, I suppose, though that is one of the few items Thailand manages to produce above western standards.

[bigbearjohn]

I know two male farangs who live together and pool their resources. They each spend no more than B18,000 a month. They live on the North side of Pattaya which is generally cheaper. However, neither are drinkers and they prepare all their own meals. I know many expats that are barely surviving in the USA on the paltry amount they get from Social Security. It's hard to pay rent in the USA unless you live in the southern states. Over all, they live much better in Thailand than they could live in the USA.

[louse1953]

it can be cheap if you want or have to live like a poor Thai person but if you want to live like a real human I don't think its cheap, you win a few and lose a few. l don't live here cos its cheap, the money it cost me to live here I could live anywhere in the world.

I'd rather socialize with a so called poor Thai person than a real ......human snob such as yourself.

[papayasalad]

You can live her very cheap but that means you have to live like a local and will 100% need to learn the language. If you cant speak Thai you will mostly like to pay more...on most occasions. But another bad news is that you don't get the Thai prices on National Parks anymore even if with work permit and Non O visa extension . I used to get Thai prices at National Parks for years but now they don't give me that anymore. Easy makes your National Park weekend trips a few thousand baht more expensive. Also makes me feel very stupid when I pay 3-4 times more then my Thai partner even if I can speak Thai very decent and in general do all the speaking...

and one day thais will pay more. what they do to us, will happen to them.

[louse1953]

I don’t dispute for one second that these places exist, but would they be close to public transport – if not you need your own transport which could prove costly on a THB30,000 budget or you will need to take taxis with the same end result.

Pretty sure most places west of Suk that are cheap are also near song taeow routes or a motorcy taxi location. They may not be the most attractive forms of "public transportation," but if you're planning to get by under Baht 30,000 a month you can hardly be dreaming of door-to-door limo services. While the proper taxis are comparatively expensive, their occasional use would hardly amount to the same expense as owning your own car ... or you could even consider walking.

If you are living in Pattaya, you have much bigger problems.

I'm living in Pattaya and have no big problems, although I wouldn't want to be staying here on a budget as low as the "author" of the article is aiming for. Obviously some challenged individuals find everything a struggle.

It's beginning to sound like Pattaya-bashing is motivated by jealousy. Possibly the overwhelming attraction of living in a rural area staring at a tree 24/7 isn't the thrill some anticipated and those who find themselves in a bucolic setting are feeling envious of those of us who don't have to personally chase down & kill whatever we eat everyday.

Rather stare at a tree and watch the buff eat grass,in peace and quiet,than the noise pollution,big city problems of Patts.

[sead]

As in every country the start is the expensive part. But after you settled with a condo and a scooter it becomes easier. After some years you know where to buy 10bht soup or eat steak for 59bht. A cordon bleu for 130bht etc.

[JAG]

If you live like a peasant, it is. If you want to have western standards, not.

Yes if you wish to live as you did in the west it's actually more expensive.

Well then, if you want to live as you did in the west, why didn't you stay in the west?

[merlen10002]

I think 50,000 is more realistic , I don't drink or smoke and don't live the high life, live in a two story three bed room air cond house. ten minutes drive to Tesco or 15 minutes to Big C , it is 10,000 per month, it did take a bit of finding. good condition and nice living. in Pattaya. I think 30,000 in Pattaya or BKK is not realistic .

[timendres]

it can be cheap if you want or have to live like a poor Thai person but if you want to live like a real human I don't think its cheap, you win a few and lose a few. l don't live here cos its cheap, the money it cost me to live here I could live anywhere in the world.

I had a very nice apartment in Din Daeng (Bangkok, Ratchada Soi 3) with an awesome view, 59sqm with living room and bedroom, two bathrooms, two blaconies, maid service twice a week, and a nice walk to Central, Fortune, Esplanade, the MRT, and endless street food. I had a swimming pool, gym, high-speed internet, cable TV, smart phone, air conditioning, and my sheets and towels were exchanged for me every weekend. I ate very well every day. All of this totaled 25,000 baht per month, which, on the 30,000 baht budget in the article, would leave me with 5,000 to go out on occasion (typically spending about 1000 to 2000 baht).

The apartment I had, if it were located in New York, would have cost a minimum of 150,000 baht per month, and that would not have been in as nice a location as I was in here. In San Francisco, it would have been at least 90,000 baht, but likely more. In my little tiny "cheapest place in America" home town, it would still have run 24,000+ baht per month. And none of those places would include the maid service or have a pool.

Clearly, I was not living the "high life", but I was comfortable, enjoyed myself, and was very happy. I was certainly not living "like a poor Thai person". Now, granted, I still have money in the bank to deal with emergencies, if they came along. I would not want to be living on that 30,000 with no ability to save up for those emergencies. And that budget does not include special events or travel. So I would admit that a budget of 40,000 baht would have been more realistic. But I was living very nicely on 30,000 baht, and in my opinion, living much better than I was in the US on 150,000 baht.

So, cheaper than the US? Very much so!

[gandalf12]

Was for over a month in Thailand in many areas. My Wife, who is Thai, said that we have a much higher standard of living and quality of life in Canada compared to what our $$ would get us in Thailand. I have to agree as we were considering on retiring in Thailand, but after being there, we couldn't wait to get back to Canada lol. I use to take many things for granted here, but not any more.

I dreamed that sunshine and beaches would lure me away, but it didn't.

I found Canada to be ridiculously priced. Very expensive at least in Calgary it was

[thaiduncankk]

I think 50,000 is more realistic , I don't drink or smoke and don't live the high life, live in a two story three bed room air cond house. ten minutes drive to Tesco or 15 minutes to Big C , it is 10,000 per month, it did take a bit of finding. good condition and nice living. in Pattaya. I think 30,000 in Pattaya or BKK is not realistic .

10k for the house, don't drink, smoke or live the high life.

Hard to see where the other 40k goes every month.

[DrTuner]

If you live like a peasant, it is. If you want to have western standards, not.

Yes if you wish to live as you did in the west it's actually more expensive.

Well then, if you want to live as you did in the west, why didn't you stay in the west?

Cost alone ain't everything. That said, I wouldn't move here anymore. There's another thread going on about that.

[rebelplatoon]

And this story is not considering you have a full life (and wife) and kids.. To answer the question with kids growing up, schooling, mortgage, car payments, NO, it's not cheap.

[steve654]

Was for over a month in Thailand in many areas. My Wife, who is Thai, said that we have a much higher standard of living and quality of life in Canada compared to what our $$ would get us in Thailand. I have to agree as we were considering on retiring in Thailand, but after being there, we couldn't wait to get back to Canada lol. I use to take many things for granted here, but not any more.

I dreamed that sunshine and beaches would lure me away, but it didn't.

I found Canada to be ridiculously priced. Very expensive at least in Calgary it was

I did mention before that if I lived in one of Canada's large cities, Calgary for example, quality of life would not be nearly as good as I have in my small town. Today I got large avocado's at Walmart for 87 cents each which is about 22baht. Health care is free, gas is about 5% cheaper than Thailand and on it goes. Where Thailand has us beat hands down is rent, but we own our house, so not to worry there. I found generally food cheaper here, but we live near an organic farmer who is a friend and if our whole system collapses it would still only cost us $50 a week for two of us to eat really well.

Edited January 21, 2016 by steve654

[NeverSure]

I know two male farangs who live together and pool their resources. They each spend no more than B18,000 a month. They live on the North side of Pattaya which is generally cheaper. However, neither are drinkers and they prepare all their own meals. I know many expats that are barely surviving in the USA on the paltry amount they get from Social Security. It's hard to pay rent in the USA unless you live in the southern states. Over all, they live much better in Thailand than they could live in the USA.

If a guy winds up in retirement with only $500 per month.. What are they going to do if something causes big medical expenses?

There is a thread running in the home country forum that's worth a read about the US:

USA -- low budget repatriation specific locations that aren't horrible.

[Enoon]

it can be cheap if you want or have to live like a poor Thai person but if you want to live like a real human I don't think its cheap, you win a few and lose a few. l don't live here cos its cheap, the money it cost me to live here I could live anywhere in the world.

Repulsive to suggest that poor Thai people do not live as "real humans". Repulsive.

Edited January 21, 2016 by Enoon

[thaiduncankk]

Was for over a month in Thailand in many areas. My Wife, who is Thai, said that we have a much higher standard of living and quality of life in Canada compared to what our $$ would get us in Thailand. I have to agree as we were considering on retiring in Thailand, but after being there, we couldn't wait to get back to Canada lol. I use to take many things for granted here, but not any more.

I dreamed that sunshine and beaches would lure me away, but it didn't.

But spend all day on a Thailand forum ????????

[Benmart]

Of interest is the hateful venom that some share annonymously. Very sad indeed. I live in Pattaya and have friends that live on 30,000 baht per month. They don't drink alcohol, which can be a costly adventure, but to each their own. I don't degrade where others live, do, eat, wear, etc., and give those that do, a wide birth and avoid them when I can.

[Benmart]

Of interest is the hateful venom that some share annonymously. Very sad indeed. I live in Pattaya and have friends that live on 30,000 baht per month. They don't drink alcohol, which can be a costly adventure, but to each their own. I don't degrade where others live, do, eat, wear, etc., and give those that do, a wide birth and avoid them when I can.

[Don Mega]

You can live comfortably in Thailand on 30.000 a month if you dont do things in excess.

Car repayments.

Car insurance.

Car maintenance.

Cost me about 30k a month.

I must live an excessive lifestyle.

I guess you must own a Rolls Royce on finance, cos I can't imagine any other car that would cost about 30K a month.

My Bad. only 25,700 a month.... average about 1,500 a week in fuel so in total over 30k a month.

Finance - 22,000 a month.

Insurance - 1,600 a month.

Tyres - 1,600 a month.

Maintenance - 500 a month.

I aint got the coin to keep a Rolls Royce on the road.

[aRobotnamedWAR]

Pattaya is Thailand like Los Vegas is the USA.

dear sir,

here is a bag full of "nope"

Pattaya is not like Las Vagas, not one bit.

Pattaya is not even clean,

not even safe,

there is no work pride,

have you ever spent so much money there that they give you free food? free room? FREE BOOZE? FREE LOBSTER BUFFET!!!??

tourist safety is NUMBER ONE concern in Vegas. ... not in pattaya.

in vegas, all the casinos work together. EVERY SINGLE ONE. yet, there is heavy competition.

Bribery is nearly unheard of from officials.

ZERO TAX AS A RESIDENT.

prostitution/drugs are taxed and regulated outside city limits

cheating the system... you will be punished and you cant PAY your way out even if you have a rich daddy.

so, tell me again how Pattaya is like, my home... las vegas?

[bobthomas]

If you live like a peasant, it is. If you want to have western standards, not.

Yes if you wish to live as you did in the west it's actually more expensive.

I moved to Thailand 15 years ago.

At that time everything was cheaper in Thailand and conversely, more expensive in the West.

There were a variety of exotic items and experiences that a person simply could not find in the west.

Presently, I find Thailand to be, much more expensive, and oddly, the quality of goods and services has been abysmally poor for at least the last 5 or 6 years.

Save for perhaps a few items such as cheap rent, street food,and penniless prostitutes on beach Rd.,

the overall cost (and access to) quality goods/services as well as a much better quality of life

is available primarily in the west.......and not Thailand.

Uncle Bob (Steward of the Stars)