Hat Yai, a bustling city in southern Thailand, is known for its vibrant culture and economic significance. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for both residents and newcomers.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Hat Yai, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $1.73 on average.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $43.29, with prices ranging from $20.2 to $50.51.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $4.04, with a range between $3.15 and $4.19.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer averages $1.73, imported beer $3.46, cappuccino $2.56, and Coke/Pepsi $1.12.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is consistently priced at $1.44 per liter.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.15 and $1.21, with an average price of $1.18.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.25 to $2.49, averaging $2.37.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.31 to $2.6 per kg, while oranges range from $1.73 to $2.02 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $2.89 and $3.46 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.44 per head.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket is consistently priced at $0.58.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.14 and $1.37 per liter.
  • Car Purchase - A new Volkswagen Golf costs between $17,317.52 and $18,760.64, while a Toyota Corolla ranges from $34,635.03 to $51,952.55.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $202.04 to $288.63, averaging $245.33.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent is consistently priced at $72.16.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $519.53 to $865.88, averaging $702.32.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $288.63 to $432.94, averaging $384.83.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre is $2,424.45.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $72.16 and $92, averaging $82.08.
  • Internet - Internet services range from $8.37 to $10.1, with an average cost of $9.24.
Worldwide
Thailand

Cost of Living Rankings

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.

Highest to LowestUpdated: Dec, 2024

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 14 user contributions, as of the most recent update in July, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$1.73
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$43.29
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$4.04
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.73
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.46
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.12
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.43
Cappuccino (regular)
$2.56
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.44
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$1.18
Eggs (regular) (12)
$2.37
Local Cheese (1kg)
$21.36
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.35
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$14.42
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.70
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.88
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$4.19
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$2.24
Apples (1kg)
$2.45
Oranges (1kg)
$1.88
Potato (1kg)
$3.17
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.44
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.23
Tomato (1kg)
$2.89
Banana (1kg)
$1.37
Onion (1kg)
$1.01
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$10.82
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$0.58
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.23
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$18,039.08
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$43,293.79
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$245.33
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$72.16
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$702.32
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$384.83
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$82.08
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$9.24
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$11.52
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$46.18
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
$2.89
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$7.07
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$36.08
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$25.98
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$67.83
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$93.80
Buy Apartment Price
Avg / Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
$2,424.45
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$442.56
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
6.36%
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$120.26
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$7,937.20
Hat Yai Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Hat Yai offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many other cities, with affordable dining and housing options.

Transportation costs are minimal, making it easy to navigate the city without a significant financial burden.

Utilities and internet services are reasonably priced, contributing to the overall affordability of living in Hat Yai.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hat Yai presents an attractive option for those seeking a cost-effective lifestyle in Thailand.

With its affordable housing, dining, and transportation, the city is well-suited for both locals and expatriates looking to manage their expenses efficiently.