Thailand is a beautiful country and one of the most popular retirements and expatriate travel options. Since the living expenses in Thailand are often cheaper than in the other countries, there are several other places in Thailand where you might live quite well on less than you could in the different countries.
Nonetheless, just like anywhere else, some areas in Thailand are much more pricey than the others, so unless you don’t need to budget at all, you’re undoubtedly wondering, “What is the cheapest place to live in Thailand?”
Here is the top cheapest place to live in Thailand to save your time and energy.
Important Points to Remember
- Thailand is a well-traveled country with a cheap cost of living and rising business prospects that attract expatriates worldwide.
- Expats and retirees can choose from several housing alternatives in Thailand, including rental housing, buying property or condominiums, and staying in resorts.
- Even during raining season, the country becomes quite inconvenient. Despite this, Thailand boasts a pleasant climate and even some of Asia’s most gorgeous weather.
- Thailand’s living costs are around 60% less than that of the United States and range from 15% to 30% less than much of Asia.
- Foreigners are not allowed to own land in Thailand. On the other hand, expatriates and retirees can still buy apartments and condos for four to twenty-three percent less than comparable residences in the United States.
- Renting a place in Thailand costs around 16% of what renting a similar unit in New York City costs.
- Thailand is the world’s 65th most expensive country to settle.
Cheapest Place to Live in Thailand: Bangkok
Despite being Thailand’s principal city hub, Bangkok, the country’s capital, makes our list. Just like any other capital city, it has issues. On the other hand, Expats draw to Bangkok for property ownership and work prospects.
Bangkok is rapidly expanding, and in the not-too-distant future, it could become a well-known city with over 10 million people. As a result, the city might feel congested at times. Several high-rise buildings in the city’s core district attract expatriates because they provide a short commute.
Since Bangkok is so huge, the living cost in Bangkok, Thailand, and its nearby suburbs vary greatly.
Bangkok’s Average Rental and Housing Prices
The average monthly rent in Dollars for each apartment is $424, which is higher than Koh Samui, Krabi, and Chiang Mai. It’s also a little more pricey than Phuket, but only a little. Rent is around 60% less than the standard rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the United States and is 85 percent less than a one-bedroom apartment in New York City.
In terms of average housing costs in US dollars, a condo will set you back roughly $198,000, higher than Phuket, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, and even Krabi. A house will set you back $383,000. Due to Thailand’s limitations on foreigners owning land, buying a home anywhere in the country is much more complicated than buying a condo.
Additional Living Expenses
The cost of necessities is higher in Bangkok. It’s not out of reach, depending on the salary and way of living. Compared to New York and the rest of the United States, you’ll pay half less on food, transportation, utilities, and even daycare. You’ll also pay roughly 15% more than other cities like Chiang Mai. Remember that, despite its low cost, Bangkok is more pricey than some other places on the list.
Cheapest Place to Live in Thailand: Phuket
Phuket is a unique area with mild winds, beautiful beaches, and friendly personalities, located south of Bangkok on Thailand’s peninsula. Every year, it becomes a more cosmopolitan hive of activity, bringing more expatriates and fewer visitors. The primary visitors to Phuket are educators, medical personnel, and hospital business people.
It’s important to remember that Phuket’s people are extraordinarily varied. Therefore some areas have entirely distinct vibes than others. There are native Thais from all around and retirees from across all walks of life. Including low-income pensioners, business expatriates, and wealthy retirees from all over the globe.
Phuket’s Average Renting and Housing Values
For a one-bedroom apartment, the average monthly rent in USD is $400. Apartment leases in Bangkok, Phuket, and Krabi are similar in price, while Phuket is slightly less expensive. Phuket rent is 8% more expensive compared to Chiang Mai and 16% more costly than Koh Samui. It is 85% cheaper than New York City and 75% less costly than the national average rent.
Regarding average housing prices in US dollars, if you would like to purchase a home in Phuket. The average cost is around $158,000. They’re pricier than Chiang Mai, though less than Bangkok. A property will set you back more than $500,000. Making it more costly than Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Krabi, but equivalent to Koh Samui.
Additional Living Expenses
Groceries, transportation, utilities, and other consumer products and services cost about 7% less in Phuket than in Bangkok, but 55% less in New York City.
Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, and Krabi are more expensive than Phuket. The entire cost of living in Krabi, excluding rent, is far lower than Phuket.
Cheapest Place to Live in Thailand: Krabi
When people think of migrating to Thailand, Krabi isn’t usually the first place that comes to mind. Even though it isn’t a vast immigrants hotspot. Krabi is a worthwhile look because of its placed atmosphere. And ability to escape the hustle and bustle of more significant, busier towns.
Like many other Thai cities, Krabi has abundant beaches, and tourists can see everywhere. It isn’t as popular as locations like Koh Samui as a tourist destination, and it isn’t as industrialized as Bangkok.
The majority of immigrants here are retirees wishing to get away from the turmoil of big cities and tourist hotspots. Still, many also work in domestic areas such as education and hospitality.
Krabi’s Average Renting and Housing Values
In US dollars, the average rent is $392 per month. Krabi is less expensive than Bangkok and Phuket but more costly than Chiang Mai and Koh Samui. Falling almost exactly in the middle of our list of typical one-bedroom apartment rates. Rent is around 25% less expensive than in Phuket and 30% less expensive than Bangkok. On the other hand, Krabi is 85% less costly than New York City.
Condos in Krabi have a selling cost of $185,000, which puts them on par with almost everything except Chiang Mai. If you qualify for and purchase a home, it will cost you about $210,000, compared to $500,000 in Phuket and Koh Samui. They’re also far less expensive than apartments in the United States.
Additional Living Expenses
Krabi is close to some of the other places on the list, namely Bangkok, necessities. On the other hand, Groceries are significantly more expensive around Krabi than almost anywhere else.
One peculiarity of Krabi is that supermarket expenditures might be 25 percent higher than in Bangkok. 30% higher in Chiang Mai, and 50 percent higher in Koh Samui. Nonetheless, dining out now is a bit as affordable as, if not less so, in those cities. If you eat out in Krabi, you might be able to save some money on your meal bill.
Chiang Mai: Cheapest Place to Live in Thailand
Chiang Mai’s minor nature makes moving around more accessible. For foreigners who wish to live inside an urbanized area atmosphere without the hectic pace of life found in Bangkok and other bigger cities, Chiang Mai delivers. Chiang Mai is typically one of the country’s most affordable cities.
This city features commercial malls and chain eateries. As well as Buddhist festivals, beautiful temples, and a massive lanterns releasing ceremony in November if you’re seeking a mix of traditional and new, unique experiences.
Chiang Mai’s Average Rental and Housing Values
For a one-bedroom apartment, the average monthly rent in USD is $370. It costs slightly more often than Koh Samui and is near Krabi, but far less than Phuket and Bangkok. Chiang Mai is also roughly 85% less expensive than New York City and 50% cheaper than the United States.
In USD, the average house costs $145,000, compared to $653,000 in New York and $408,000 nationwide, and $76,000 for a condominium. Condos are popular among individuals looking to buy properties in Thailand due to land ownership constraints. But if you ever manage to acquire a house, you’ll pay a lot of money.
Additional Living Expenses
Groceries, transportation, daycare, utilities, and other necessities are far less costly in Chiang Mai than in Bangkok, Phuket, or even Krabi.
Furthermore, except for rent, the living cost in Chiang Mai is around 60% lower than in the United States and New York City. Generally, Chiang Mai is among Thailand’s most affordable cities to live in.
Koh Samui: Cheapest Place to Live in Thailand
Koh Samui is undoubtedly Thailand’s most unique destination. You would think it’s too pricey because it’s an island. But it’s a lot cheaper than other parts of the country. While Koh Samui was previously mostly a farming and fishing island. It is now a major tourist attraction with plenty of boutiques, restaurants, resorts, and other amenities.
However, many Thai customs still exist on Koh Samui. So if you wander away from the crowded areas, you’ll discover many friendly Thais going about their daily lives.
Koh Samui’s Average Renting and Housing Values
For a one-bedroom apartment, the average monthly rent in USD is $336. Koh Samui, including Chiang Mai, is the cheapest place to live in Thailand and rent almost any city on the list. It is roughly 82% cheaper than New York City and 75% less costly than the national average rent.
Condominiums from Koh Samui are also far less pricey than in any other place on the list. With an average price of roughly $130,000. You’ll have a hard time finding that kind of value on other islands around the globe or in the United States. However, if you can purchase a home, the average price will be $456,000. But foreigners will find it extremely difficult to acquire a home anywhere in Thailand.
Additional Living Expenses
Koh Samui has some of Thailand’s lowest living costs, especially compared to the United States. Essentials such as groceries and utilities are between 12 and 20% less expensive than Phuket and Bangkok.
Although Koh Samui has a thriving tourism economy. You may be surprised to learn that touristy activities. Like dining out are also less expensive than in places like Phuket. It is, nevertheless, higher-priced than other Thailand destinations such as Chiang Mai.