How Much Does It Cost to Live in Bangkok in 2024? A Personal Breakdown

Thinking about moving to Bangkok or just curious about how much it costs to live here? Well, let me break it all down for you! In this article, I’ll share my personal monthly expenses while living a comfortable lifestyle in the city. Of course, everyone’s financial situation is different, but this should give you a general idea of what to expect.

To make things easier, I’ll split my expenses into two categories:

1. Fixed Expenses – Rent, utilities, internet, and other recurring monthly costs.
2. Variable Expenses – Food, shopping, transportation, and personal care.

Let’s get into it!

Fixed Expenses: The Essentials

1. Rent & Utilities
   I live in a one-bedroom condo in the Asok area, which is a super convenient location with easy access to public transport, restaurants, and malls. My rent costs 30,000 THB ($800) per month.

If you’re staying in Bangkok for a longer period (6 months to a year), you can find condos for 20,000 THB per month, especially if you sign a long-term lease. Airbnb rentals, on the other hand, tend to be pricier.

On top of rent, utilities (water + electricity) usually add 1,200-1,500 THB ($35-45) per month.

2. SIM Card & Mobile Data
   Thailand has three major service providers: AIS, True, and DTAC. I use DTAC, and my unlimited data plan costs only 250 THB ($7) per month—super cheap!
3. Health Insurance
   Since I travel a lot around Southeast Asia, I have SafetyWing travel insurance, which costs me $56.28 per month. It’s great for digital nomads and frequent travelers, and they process claims quickly.
4. Groceries
   Bangkok is full of 7-Eleven stores, and I’m guilty of grabbing quick snacks way too often! But for larger grocery hauls, I shop at Makro or Lotus. My grocery bill comes to around 6,000 THB ($178) per month.

A cool thing I recently discovered: Makro has an app where you can order groceries online. If you spend over 1,000 THB, delivery is free!

5. Transportation
   Unlike in Bali, where I rode a scooter everywhere, I don’t drive in Bangkok because of the crazy traffic. Instead, I use:

• Grab (ride-hailing app)
• Bolt (cheaper alternative to Grab)
• BTS Skytrain & MRT (subway)

I spend 4,487 THB ($127) per month on transportation. If you want to save money, using the BTS and MRT is the best option!

6. Gym Membership
   I work out at Fitness First, which has great facilities, workout classes, and even Pilates reformer sessions. My membership costs 2,300 THB ($68) per month.

Variable Expenses: Lifestyle & Fun

1. Eating Out
   With so many food options in Bangkok, it’s tempting to eat out all the time! I try to limit myself to 2-3 meals out per week, spending around 400-500 THB per meal. That adds up to about 6,000 THB per month.

If you’re on a budget, eating at local street food stalls can save you a lot!

2. Shopping
   Bangkok has so many cute shops, and it’s hard not to splurge. To keep things in check, I set a budget of 5,000 THB ($148) per month for shopping.
3. Beauty & Self-Care
   I get my nails and eyelash extensions done regularly, which costs around 3,000 THB ($89) per month. For facials, I limit myself to one session per month, which costs around 4,000 THB ($118).

Total Monthly Expenses

Is Bangkok Expensive or Affordable?

Some people might think this budget is reasonable, while others might find it expensive. The truth is, Bangkok can be as cheap or as expensive as you want. If you eat street food and live in a smaller apartment, you can live comfortably for under 40,000 THB ($1,100) per month.

At the same time, if you love luxury, there are plenty of high-end condos, restaurants, and shopping malls where you can spend double or even triple my budget.

So, what do you think? If you live in Bangkok, how much do you spend per month? Let me know your thoughts!