What are the living expenses in Thailand: housing, food, and transportation?

In resort areas, the prices for accommodation close to the beaches are quite high. For example, on the famous island of Phuket, as well as on the less popular but very attractive island of Samui for locals, renting a small studio of 30-40 square meters in a tourist zone just a few steps from the sea will cost you at least $700 per month. This is certainly far from the lowest rate. If you are interested in purchasing such property, be prepared to invest at least $100,000. Note that such a studio will be fully furnished and equipped with everything necessary for comfortable living, including furniture, plumbing, curtains, and even bath accessories, allowing you to move in and start a new life without much hassle.

Villas and houses

If you need more space, you might consider purchasing a villa with two or three bedrooms, which would be complemented by attractive features such as a private pool and a small tropical garden. For such a privilege, you will need to pay at least $200,000. If you are considering renting a house, the cost in this case starts at $2,000 per month.

Savings on housing

For those looking to save money, it's worth considering accommodation located further away from the beach. By stepping away from tourist routes, you may notice that prices drop significantly, sometimes by half. Keep in mind that during the high tourist season, which starts in early winter in Thailand, rental prices can double. However, you might be in luck if you're planning for a long-term rental — this can lead to significant savings; for example, with a one-year lease, discounts could reach up to 50%.

Pattaya and other options

In addition, there is good news for those who prefer Pattaya or want to cut their expenses. If you want to better understand the local price categories, feel free to divide all the aforementioned amounts by two.

Food expenses

When it comes to food, your expenses will largely depend on your personal preferences and appetite. However, once you are in Thailand, it would be strange not to try the rich variety of local cuisine, fresh fruits, and vegetables. There are great opportunities to save money if you do some price research in advance and know where the best places to shop are.

Shopping tips

• In supermarkets near large shopping centers, prices are generally higher than at street markets.
• You can find affordable vegetables and fruits at street markets.
• Meat and fish are also available in such markets, but one should be cautious as they are often stored in high-temperature conditions.

In any case, there is always a risk in trying something exotic, but it's not for everyone; even among our employees, opinions on this matter differ.

Large supermarkets

If you're willing to pay a little more, you can visit one of Thailand's major supermarkets, such as Tesco Lotus, Big C, Super Cheap, or Makro Cash and Carry. These retail chains can be found in almost any tourist area of the country. There's also the Villa Market chain, which specializes in selling imported food products, including meat, fruits, cheeses, sausages, and much more. Keep in mind that prices at this chain are generally higher than in most other stores.

The demand for "home-cooked" food while on vacation

You may find yourself in a situation where, on the third day of your vacation, despite the abundance of exotic cuisine, your body starts signaling the need for "regular home-cooked meals." In Thailand, there are many stores that offer products familiar to Russians.

You can even find stores with familiar names like "Gastronom," where a selection of products you’ve known since childhood is available. Here you can buy:

• dumplings
• cottage cheese
• various salads (herring under a fur coat and Olivier);
• kefir;
• buckwheat;
• millet
• other culinary delights.

Prices for groceries in Thailand

If you pay attention to the prices, you can find the following rates in supermarkets in Thailand:

• a liter of milk - about2 dollars;
• a loaf of bread — approximately1 dollar;
• a dozen eggs —2 dollars;
• a kilogram of chicken meat —2 dollars;
• pork and beef — approximately3 dollarsper kilogram;
• fish (mackerel or sea bass) —3-4 dollarsper kilogram;
• shrimp —7 dollarsper kilogram;
• mussels - from5 to 7 dollars;
• butter (200 grams) — about3 dollars;
• cheese (100 grams) — from2 to 3 dollars;
• a kilogram of potatoes —1 dollar;
• cucumbers —2-3 dollars;
• Tomatoes are in the same range;
• pineapples - for0.7 dollars;
• watermelon — about1 dollar;
• mango - from3 to 4 dollarsper kilogram;
• coconuts — by0.7 dollars;
• beer (0.5 liters) — about1.5 dollars;
• wine (0.7 liters) — from12 to 15 dollars;
• a bottle of water (1.5 liters) — total0.5 dollars.

Dining out

When it comes to dining out, you can have lunch or dinner at restaurants located in tourist areas or visit local Thai cafes. On average, a budget for two will be sufficient for50-70 dollarsper day, to cover not only the main dishes but also drinks, juices, and snacks between the main meals.

In the restaurants of the tourist area, the prices are roughly like this:

• salad - from3 to 4 dollars;
• hot dishes —7-10 dollars;
• a cup of coffee —3-4 dollars.

On the corners of the streets, you can find simple Thai cafes with plastic tables and chairs, where prices can be...twice as lowThere are also night markets offering food, where the prices are pleasantly affordable.

Transport in Thailand

The transportation system in Thailand won't be an issue for you. Besides trains and flights, you can travel by intercity buses or minivans, which can accommodate14-16 passengers.

Available in the city:

• taxi with air conditioning;
• buses;
• tuk-tuks;
• Songteos are small trucks with two rows of seats.

For those who want to experience authenticity, you can try riding a bicycle rickshaw.

Motorcycles as the primary mode of transportation

Nevertheless, the main mode of transportation in Thailand is two-wheeled vehicles. You may have seen videos where noisy streets are filled with motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds skillfully weaving between cars amidst the continuous honking of horns.

At first glance, it may seem that traffic rules are not followed here, but one should not underestimate the situation: the rules do exist and are followed in most cases. In Thailand, two-wheeled vehicles are called motorbikes or, in Thai, "motosai."

Depending on your preferences and financial capabilities, you have a choice: to purchase or rent transportation. In popular resorts like Phuket and Samui, taxi and tuk-tuk prices are roughly the same. The minimum fare is about $5, which usually covers a distance of 10-20 kilometers between resort areas. If you want to use a motorcycle with a driver, you can pay half of that amount. However, this mode of transportation is suitable only for one person. If your group consists of two or more, it's best to call a tuk-tuk or a regular taxi.

Buses and car rentals

As for bus transportation, a trip on a public bus will cost just 1 dollar. However, if you need a more comfortable way to get around, renting a car is a great option. The average rental price is about 30-35 dollars per day. Like in most other countries, you can save significantly with long-term rentals; for example, a monthly car rental will cost around 500-600 dollars.

Shopping in Thailand

In Thailand, it's common to encounter those who are passionate about shopping and are looking for unique leather goods made from exotic materials such as python, cobra, crocodile, or even shark skin. Although the prices for such items may seem high, they are still significantly lower than in most European countries.

Prices for leather goods

For example, a wallet made of snake leather can be purchased for just50 dollars...while stingray leather products also start at the same amount. Clutches and ballet flats made from python leather are priced from...100 dollars...and a classic women's handbag will cost about...200 dollarsIf you decide to purchase an accessory made from Siamese crocodile leather, be prepared to shell out around1,000 dollars.As for men's shoe models, their price is around700 dollars...and you can find a stylish belt for...100 dollars.

Local markets and sales

In mass-market retail stores, the prices for clothing and accessories remain comparable to those in our country. However, in Thailand, there are many local markets that are definitely worth visiting to fully experience the atmosphere of the local culture. These markets offer a variety of goods at very attractive prices, making shopping truly exciting.

Market prices

As for market prices, here are a few examples:

• T-shirts and tops – from3 dollars
• Shorts - from3 dollars
• Swimsuits - from7-8 dollars
• Sundresses - from10 dollars
• Slippers - from2 dollars
• Pareos – from3 dollars
• Hats - from3 dollars
• Sunglasses - from3 dollars

Don't forget to pay attention to local sales that often take place in the country. The largest sale, known as the "Amazing Thailand Grand Sale," runs from June to August in major cities. During this time, stores offer unique deals with discounts of up to70%It is worth noting that during this period, prices for services such as plastic surgery and spa treatments also decrease, which provides an opportunity not only to refresh your wardrobe but also to enhance your appearance.

Tourism and entertainment in Thailand

Nevertheless, Thailand is not just a shopping destination, but also an amazing country for relaxation. Here, you can enjoy the sunshine, the beach, and water sports, as well as a variety of excursions and active activities. Two sun loungers on the beach with a comfortable table will cost you only6-7 dollars.

Diving and sea adventures

If you're looking for water activities and want to explore the underwater world, unforgettable diving adventures await you. For two dives and lunch, you will need to pay starting from100 dollarsFor a more serious interest in diving, a course for obtaining the Open Water Diver certification is offered, which costs from450 dollars.

Traditional Thai massage

It is also important to mention traditional Thai massage. You can get an hour-long session of this massage for just10 dollarsFor those interested in learning the art of Thai massage, it's worth setting aside three days for training and approximately600 dollarsto special courses where you will be introduced to this amazing practice.

Thus, Thailand offers not only a wealth of local products but also numerous opportunities for active recreation and relaxation, making it an attractive destination for tourists.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that life in resort countries like Thailand is full of contradictions and opportunities. Of course, the costs of housing, food, and transportation can vary depending on your lifestyle and preferences, but despite this, everyone will find something suitable.

If you dream of living by the sea, it's important to remember thatproximity to the beachIt entails certain expenses. And if you want to save money, the further away you are from the tourist area, the better it is for your budget.

Gastronomic adventures

Let's also note thatadventuresWhen it comes to Thai cuisine, it's definitely worth trying. However, there are some nuances: by exploring local markets and cafes, you can significantly reduce your food expenses and perhaps discover new culinary horizons.

Transport system

Thailand's transportation system offers a wealth of options for getting around. Don't be afraid to use local transport — it's not only convenient but also provides a deeper understanding of the country's culture.

• Every experience you gain, whether it's a tuk-tuk ride or street food, will enrich your journey.
• Researching local cafes will help you save money.
• Don't miss the chance to try a variety of Thai dishes.

Your decision

So, the decision on how to live and what to explore in Thailand is entirely up to you. This corner of the world offers a wide range of opportunities — from a relaxing beach getaway to thrilling adventures in the bustling city streets.

The main thing is not to be shy about trying new things, to find a place where you feel comfortable, and to enjoy every moment. I hope this article helps you better understand the local realities and prepare for your next trip to this amazing place.