How Much to Budget for Living in Bangkok

How Much to Budget for Living in Bangkok

thai-baht-blog

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