Cost of Living in Thailand
The cost of living in Thailand is very cheap compared to other expat destinations and international cities. Expats who are paid salaries equivalent to those in their home countries will be able to afford new luxuries. Often expat families even hire a maid who can live-in or visit daily.
A resident of Thailand (in Thailand for more than 180 days per tax year) is liable to pay tax on local income and on any income that is brought into Thailand. Non-residents are subject to tax only on Thai-based income. The tax rate for residents is calculated on a progressive scale starting from 10% for annual income exceeding THB 150,000 to 37% for anything exceeding THB 4,000,001.
Food is extremely inexpensive in Thailand. Street meals should cost around THB 185, a good mid-range meal at a restaurant will cost closer to THB 263 and a beer will be about THB 78 at a bar. Furniture, crafts and handmade goods are also inexpensive so decorating an unfurnished apartment may be more cost effective than renting a furnished one.
Transportation is cheap; a 3km city centre bus fare is about THB 22. Most things bought at markets can be bartered for and it is not expected to pay the first asking price. Memorising some Thai will substantially cut the costs of transportation and market goods.
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