How Much it Costs to Live Abroad in Thailand
We recently sold our home in Canada and relocated to live abroad in Thailand. Consequently a lot of people ask this one simple question.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO LIVE ABROAD IN THAILAND?
Always. Our friends, family members are all curious. Other than the lifestyle, endless summer, and a new adventure, how could you not be tempted? We get the luxury of living an extremely good lifestyle, while for the same price that someone typically pays just as rent alone. It has since been 2 months since we have took the plunge, so I thought it was about time to break down our Thailand expenses. Keep in mind, you can live for cheaper than what we do, we are not here to be “thrifty” we are here to live a wonderful lifestyle. Therefore we get a wonderful lifestyle, at an affordable price.
HERE IS THE BREAKDOWN:
Brand New Luxury 1 bdrm Condo Monthly Rent (Includes pool, ocean view, Wi-fi) = $16,000Baht $611 CAD
Electricity including constant use of A/C = $1,200Baht $46 CAD
Water = $300Baht $12 CAD
Scooter Rental = $3,000Baht $114 CAD
Scooter Gas (approx 80 baht per tank) = $640Baht $24.25 CAD
Groceries. We choose to cook a lot from home to eat fresh, healthy foods. = $7,000Baht $267 CAD
Alcohol & Entertainment. We just want to have fun = $3,100Baht $120 CAD
Gym membership for 2. Health is an important part of Lifestyle! = $1500Baht $87 CAD
Proteins and Supplements. = $3,900Baht $150 CAD
Cell Phone & Data Plan. 750 mb of data, unlimited text, 150 minutes plus free wi-fi = $190Baht $7.26 CAD
Medical Plan. Approximately $60 cad a month for expat insurance. = $0 Baht $60 CAD
Grand Total. No expenses spared and we live VERY comfortably $37,341 Baht $1426.50 CAD
SUMMARY OF COSTS TO LIVE ON KOH SAMUI, THAILAND
Wow! So, our monthly expenses total to $37,000 Baht, or $1426 CAD. Our totals include everything we want each month and we live a great lifestyle in addition to items that are important to us, like fresh foods, super food supplements, and a luxurious condo with a pool.
In addition, entertainment like travel or visa runs are additional to the monthly expenses. So let’s compare that to the average rent. Whereas in Vancouver, Canada, the average rent is $1,900 for a 1 bedroom. In my home town (albeit it’s much smaller), it’s approximately $1,000 for a 2 bedroom.
WHAT COULD YOUR COSTS BE TO LIVE IN THAILAND?
On the contrary to my figures, a lot of misconception about living in Asia is that it is super cheap. Therefore, I sometimes get a surprised reaction at the costs to living here. Some opinions are that it should be cheaper. This can be partly true. You can save a lot of money by living in a house or apartment that is more basic, without a pool, without air conditioning in the living room from approx 6,000-10,000 baht. Your electricity is lower because of no air conditioning in the living room. You can also eat solely at markets for an incredibly affordable price and skip the supplements and gym and your living costs in Thailand would be closer to $18,000 baht, $725 CAD. Let’s be realistic. For a nominal amount more, you can live in luxury with all the comforts of a healthy lifestyle. Seems like that’s worth it!
ARE YOU THINKING OF MOVING TO LIVE ABROAD IN THAILAND?
This is my first blog post about our relocation but I’m more than happy to answer any questions you might have. Prior to our relocation, there was lots of information that I had read online that I learned was different upon moving here. If you are visiting during rainy season read this article about what to expect. We were always entertained in Thailand on our wonderful yard by playing games. We found some classics and made up some new ones inspired from this outdoor games list to take advantage of the wonderful Thailand weather outdoors. Find our drone video here about some of the beautiful beaches you can expect to encounter in beautiful Thailand. Just comment below 🙂
