Nong Khai, a charming city in Thailand, offers a unique blend of cultural richness and affordability. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocation or extended stay.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of essential expenses, including housing, dining, transportation, and more, to help you plan your budget effectively.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $1.44 on average.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $25.20, with prices ranging from $24.48 to $25.92.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $5.18.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer averages $1.73, imported beer $2.59, cappuccino $1.44, and Coke/Pepsi $1.15.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced at $1.44 per liter.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs $1.50.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs average $1.38.
  • Water (1.5 liter bottle) - A 1.5 liter bottle of water costs $0.43.
  • Potatoes (1kg) - Potatoes are priced at $1.44 per kg.

Transportation

  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced at $1.18 per liter.
  • Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) - A new Volkswagen Golf or equivalent costs approximately $22,695.39.
  • Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) - A new Toyota Corolla or equivalent costs approximately $24,164.26.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment outside the centre ranges from $86.40 to $144.01, averaging $115.21.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $518.42.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment outside the centre averages $259.21.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost $61.20 on average.
  • Internet - Internet services average $11.52.
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: Jan, 2025

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 5 user contributions, as of the most recent update in May, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$1.44
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$25.20
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$5.18
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.73
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.59
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.15
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.20
Cappuccino (regular)
$1.44
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.44
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$1.50
Eggs (regular) (12)
$1.38
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.43
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.58
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$5.18
Potato (1kg)
$1.44
Transportation
Avg / Range
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.18
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$22,695.39
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$24,164.26
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$115.21
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$518.42
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$259.21
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$61.20
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$11.52
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$100.80
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$5.76
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,031.09
Nong Khai Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Nong Khai offers a low cost of living, particularly in terms of dining and housing, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals.

While transportation costs for new cars are significant, daily expenses such as groceries and utilities remain affordable.

Potential residents can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank, especially if they choose to live outside the city centre.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Nong Khai presents a cost-effective living environment with affordable dining, housing, and utility expenses.

The city's low cost of living, combined with its cultural appeal, makes it an excellent choice for those looking to experience Thailand without the high costs associated with larger cities.