Cost of living in Bangkok
Bangkok, the vibrant capital of Thailand, is known for its bustling streets, rich culture, and diverse culinary scene. Understanding the cost of living in this dynamic city is crucial for both expatriates and locals alike.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect to encounter in Bangkok, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $2.89 on average, with a range between $1.59 and $5.77.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $28.86, with prices ranging from $17.32 to $57.73.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $5.77, with a range between $4.33 and $7.22.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.44 to $4.33, imported beer $2.45 to $7.22, cappuccino $1.15 to $4.62, and Coke/Pepsi $0.43 to $1.17.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.3 and $2.86 per liter, averaging $1.86.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.76 and $2.89, with an average price of $1.4.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.5 to $3.36, averaging $2.21.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.41 to $5.05 per kg, while oranges range from $1.01 to $3.32 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.87 and $2.31 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.58 to $1.73 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.87 and $1.85, with a monthly pass priced between $25.98 and $86.59.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.01 and $1.3 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $1.01, with a cost of $1.01 to $1.44 per km and $5.2 to $8.66 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $432.94 to $865.88, averaging $584.27.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $202.04 to $479.12, averaging $298.37.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1154.5 to $2453.31, averaging $1676.62.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $519.53 to $1587.44, averaging $800.79.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $4329.38 to $8947.38, averaging $5449.25.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $2309 to $2886.25, averaging $2547.18.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $49.07 and $136.3, averaging $84.94.
- Internet - Internet services range from $11.55 to $23.09, with an average cost of $15.19.
Cost of Living Rankings
Bangkok ranks 2nd on the Cost of Living rankings in Thailand. The cost of living indices for Thailand are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Thailand, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Bangkok offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many Western cities, with low prices for dining and groceries.
Housing costs can vary significantly depending on the location, with city centre apartments being more expensive.
Transportation is economical, especially with public transport options, though owning a car can be costly due to fuel prices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bangkok presents a cost-effective living environment, particularly appealing to those looking for affordable dining and transportation.
While housing in the city centre can be pricey, options outside the centre offer more budget-friendly alternatives.
Overall, Bangkok's cost of living is manageable, making it an attractive destination for expatriates and locals alike.