If you’re considering living in Thailand, whether for work, teaching, or simply experiencing life in a new region, understanding how much it costs to live in different parts of the country is critical. Below, I break down the cost of living for a single person in three key areas: Bangkok (central city), Central Thailand (outside Bangkok), and Isaan (Northeast Thailand). This comparison can help you budget, plan, and choose the region that suits your lifestyle and financial goals.
What do I mean by ‘cost of living’?
In this guide, I look at the core recurring monthly costs:
Rent (studio or 1‑bedroom)
Utilities (electricity, water, internet)
Food (groceries, street food, local restaurants)
Transport
Other living expenses (personal spending, leisure)
I have chosen a framework that assumes a modest-to-comfortable lifestyle not ultra-luxury, but also not extremely minimalist.
Bangkok
Housing / Rent
A studio condo in central Bangkok (e.g., Sukhumvit, Silom, Sathorn) typically costs around ฿12,000–25,000/month.
For a 1-bedroom condo in prime central areas, the range is ฿20,000–45,000/month.
For a studio condo in outer Bangkok areas (e.g., Lad Phrao, Bang Na, Minburi) the range is ฿5,000-10,000/month
Utilities & Bills
Electricity, water, and common utilities for such apartments can run from ฿1,000 up to ~฿5,000, especially when using air conditioning continually.
Internet (fiber) typically costs ฿600–1,000/month.
Mobile phone plans (data + airtime) vary: ~฿300–1,200 depending on the package.
Food & Groceries
Street food is very affordable: ~฿40–80 per meal.
food court meals or simple local restaurants: ~฿60–200 depending on place.Groceries for one person (mix of local markets + supermarket) average ฿8,000–15,000/month.
Transport
BTS / MRT (Skytrain / subway) single rides cost between ฿17–65 depending on distance.
A monthly public transport pass (BTS / MRT) is around ฿1,400–2,500 for frequent users.
Buses are very cheap: ~฿8–25 per ride
Grab-bike rides start from ฿35 plus distance.
Total Monthly Living Cost Estimate (Single Person)
Using a moderate “comfortable but not extravagant” lifestyle:
Rent + utilities: ~฿20,000–30,000 (for a decent 1BR or studio + bills)
Food: ~฿8,000–15,000
Transport + other: ~฿1,500–4,000+ depending on how much you travel and use services
Estimated total: ~฿30,000–35,000 / month is a realistic range for many people living in Bangkok with a moderate lifestyle. This aligns with other expat‑budget guides.
Central Thailand
By “Central Thailand,” here we refer to the more regional / provincial parts that are not Bangkok but still lie in the central economic region. This includes smaller cities and towns in central provinces. Areas such as Saraburi, Petachaburi and Rayong.
Housing / Rent
There is less standardized data for 1-bedroom condos in non‑Bangkok central cities, but rental costs will generally be lower than in Bangkok’s most central districts.
A studio condo in typically costs around ฿5,000–15,000/month.
For a 1-bedroom condo the range is ฿8,000–20,000/month.
Living Costs
Utilities (electricity, water, internet) are likely to be somewhat lower than Bangkok due to lower rents / smaller apartments, though usage (especially electricity) is likely to be similar.
Food costs: local markets remain very accessible; local restaurants / food courts are likely cheaper than Bangkok, but still structured around Thai domestic cost levels.
Transport: more local buses, motorbikes-taxis, or even car rental depending on the city.
Estimated Monthly Cost for a Single Person
A rough estimate: ฿20,000–30,000+ per month might be a reasonable guess, though this depends heavily on the specific city, how “provincial” it is, and one’s lifestyle.
This makes central regional Thailand an attractive option for people who want a decent lifestyle on a teacher’s or graduate-level salary, without the full cost burden of Bangkok
Isaan (Northeast Thailand)
Isaan (the Northeast region) is widely regarded as one of the most affordable places to live in Thailand, while still offering rich culture and a high quality of life in many of its towns and cities. Housing / Rent
According to TheBaht’s guide: in a regional hub like Khon Kaen, a studio condo can cost ฿3,000–8,000/month, and a 1-bedroom unit is typically ฿6,000–12,000/month.
In Udon Thani and Nong Khai, monthly rent for studio is similar: ฿3,500–8,000 for many apartments / rooms.
In smaller Isaan cities (e.g., Roi Et, Surin, Buriram), very basic accommodation (rooms) can be as low as ฿2,000–5,000/month, depending on quality and location.
Utilities / Bills
Utilities (electricity, water, internet) will generally be lower than in Bangkok, but usage patterns (e.g., air con) matter.
Food & Daily Living
Street food is very cheap in Isaan: meals can cost ฿20–50 at local stalls.
Small local restaurants might charge ฿40–120 for a typical dish.
Because many people shop in local markets, food costs remain very affordable.
Monthly Budget Scenarios
Ultra-Budget / Minimal Local Lifestyle: ~฿15,000–25,000/month for basic comfort.
Comfortable Local Living: ~฿25,000–30,000/month for a more modern lifestyle with nicer housing, utility usage, and some discretionary spending.
Western-Style Comfort in Isaan: Up to ฿50,000+ for those wanting “imported goods” or a more international lifestyle, though this is well above typical local living costs.
Other Expenses / Transport
Transport in Isaan is often cheaper because you’re less likely to rely on expensive transit systems: local buses, motorcycles, and fewer “premium” transport costs.
Entertainment, healthcare, and personal spending tend to be more modest than in Bangkok due to lower prices for local services.
Considerations
Implications for Teachers / Graduates / People Considering Moving
Savings Potential: In Isaan, a teacher is likely to be able to save more, since living costs are significantly lower than in Bangkok.
Quality of Life Trade-off: While Bangkok offers more infrastructure, entertainment, and international amenities, Isaan gives you a very good quality of life for a much lower cost.
Budgeting Planning: It’s wise to model your salary against estimated living costs for the region you want to be in.
Long-Term Considerations: If you plan to stay for a year or more, lower living costs in Isaan may mean more financial breathing room and a greater chance to invest or save.Cultural Experience: Living in Isaan offers a more “local Thai” experience, which can be very rewarding personally, though language and infrastructure may differ.
Caveats & Important Notes
These are estimates only. Actual costs vary based on your lifestyle, exact location, and personal spending habits.
Many figures are drawn from expat‑oriented cost guides (e.g., TheBaht) and may skew toward typical expat patterns; local Thai budgets are often even lower with many Thai people living on an average salary of ฿20,000/month
Inflation, rental market changes, and utility cost fluctuations can shift these numbers over time. Always check up-to-date listings when planning.
For long-term stays, also budget for “one-off” costs: deposit for housing, visa/permit fees, insurance, and emergency buffers.
To conclude
Bangkok offers the most “city” lifestyle but comes with a high cost.
Central Thailand (non-Bangkok) can be a sweet spot: a more relaxed cost without being too rural.
Isaan stands out as the most cost-effective region, especially for people who want to maximize savings, live modestly, and enjoy a genuine Thai cultural experience.
For anyone working, teaching, or living in Thailand, especially through organisations like SINE Education, these insights can help you budget realistically, choose a location wisely, and plan for both your financial goals and lifestyle preferences.
Click here to read more blogs from SINE Teachers
Click here to view the source for this blog
View our openings
Your journey into teaching starts right here
Apply Now