How Much to Budget for Living in Bangkok

Thailand’s cost of living is low, which is great news for students seeking in-person internships in Bangkok. Food is cheap and high quality, with the average cost of a meal in a restaurant costing between 60-100 baht. Street food is cheaper with a Pad Thai costing 40-50 baht and a bottle of water 10 baht.
What’s the Exchange Rate?*
1 GBP = 42.58 THB
1 USD = 34.04 THB
1 AUD = 22.68 THB
1 CAD = 24.98 THB
1 NZD = 21.20 THB
*Exchange rates as of 03/05/2023. For the current exchange rates, please see here.
What Budget Is Right for Me?
Your lifestyle is the main factor that will determine your budget. It will vary depending on what transportation you decide to take, personal dining preferences, nightlife and more.
Getting around Bangkok is easy and affordable. There are many ways to travel with the most popular being by Skytrain (BTS), Underground train (MRT), taxi, motorcycle, subway, Tuk Tuk and bus. The Skytrain and underground train are an excellent way to see the city, with trains running every 5-12 minutes and costing a minimum of 15 baht per ticket. For food, all apartments will have kitchens, so you will have the option to cook your own meals. However, local people typically dine out, buy food from local vendors, or use food delivery services. Food at supermarkets is also affordable, with big supermarkets like Big C and Tesco Lotus being the most popular.
Weekly/Monthly Expenses
In general, you can live on a low budget and still be able to live quite well. For those looking to spend a little more, there are also medium and high-budget estimates. See which budget is right for you.
[LOW] For those looking to save money while still having fun and trying new things.
Expense Type | Cost per week | Description |
Transport | 700THB | Using skytrain or underground train |
Food | 1,750THB | Street food, and cook |
Treats | 500THB | One night out with one alcohol drink |
Extras | 300THB | Going to museums/cinema |
Avg weekly | 3,250THB | |
Avg monthly | 13,975THB |
[MEDIUM] For those who go to the gym, eat out more or spend more in other ways.
Expense Type | Cost per week | Description |
Transport | 1,050THB | Using local taxi, skytrain or underground train |
Food | 2,750THB | Restuarant, food at shopping mall |
Treats | 1,200THB | Couple nights out with drinks and taxi |
Extras | 800THB | Going to museums/cinema/gym |
Avg weekly | 5,800THB | |
Avg monthly | 24,940THB |
[HIGH] For those who would like to spend more on cocktail bars, taxis or shopping.
Expense Type | Cost per week | Description |
Transport | 1,750THB | Using local taxi, ride-hailing apps |
Food | 3,750THB | International restuarant/organic restaurant |
Treats | 2,000THB | Nights out at classy clubs with drinks and taxi/clothes shopping |
Extras | 1,500THB | Going to museums/cinema/gym/individual travel |
Avg weekly | 9,000THB | |
Avg monthly | 38,700THB |
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