Famous for its energetic street life, cultural landmarks, and red-light districts, Bangkok is Thailand’s only cosmopolitan city among small towns and villages. While the general cost of living in Thailand is relatively affordable, living expenses in Bangkok can vary significantly depending on your lifestyle choices.

Compared to other major cities in the region, Bangkok offers a good balance between affordability and quality of life. While certain areas and luxury living options can be costly, many expats working in Bangkok earn high salaries and can enjoy an excellent standard of living while still managing to save.

Cost of accommodation in Bangkok

As is the case in most major cities, the closer to the centre you live, the more expensive the accommodation in Bangkok will be. Bangkok is well known for its traffic jams, so commuting may not be an attractive option for many. Owing to this, most expats live in serviced apartments in the city centre and the areas close to public transport hubs. These typically come with cleaning services and sought-after amenities, such as gyms and swimming pools.

Non-serviced apartments are also available at more reasonable rates. Families generally live in Western-style suburban gated communities on the outskirts of Bangkok, but this option is significantly pricier. You’ll also need to account for utilities, which can add up quickly due to Bangkok’s hot weather and the need for air conditioning.

Accommodation in Bangkok 
Areas and Suburbs in Bangkok

Cost of transport in Bangkok

Bangkok boasts an efficient and extensive public transport infrastructure. You’ll have access to the BTS Skytrain and MRT at fairly reasonable prices. You may also purchase the reloadable Rabbit card to reduce your commuting expenses. Taxis are abundant and are a cost-effective way to get around Bangkok.

If you can brave Bangkok’s congestion and erratic driving, you can save by hiring or purchasing a motorbike. Those looking for a more adventurous mode of transport should look no further than the tuk-tuks and songthaews. That said, tuk-tuks can be quite steeply priced as they are mainly geared towards tourists.

Public Transport in Bangkok

Cost of groceries in Bangkok

The cost of groceries in Bangkok will largely depend on your individual preferences. If you opt to buy imported Western brands, you’ll have to shell out quite handsomely for them, while those who go for local products will have a fairly low grocery bill. It can also be quite cheap for single expats to buy street food rather than buy groceries monthly.

If you have some money to spare, you can visit shops such as Gourmet Market and Villa Market, which sell high-quality and speciality fresh produce, cheeses and wines. Lotus’s and Tops Market offer a wide range of groceries at more reasonable prices.

Cost of eating out and entertainment in Bangkok

Bangkok is a foodie’s paradise, with an abundance of street food markets and fine dining restaurants. The Thai capital is most famous for its incredibly cheap and tasty street fare. Still, if you’re yearning for a taste of home, you’ll be catered for with more than 30 Michelin-starred restaurants serving cuisine from around the world at a slightly higher but still largely affordable cost.

Thanks to Bangkok’s three red-light districts, revellers will not be disappointed in the city’s nightlife and lifestyle options. You can find everything from budget bars to high-end clubs offering pricier drinks and entrance fees.

Lifestyle in Bangkok

Cost of education in Bangkok

Thailand has an established public education system throughout Bangkok. The main considerations for expat families are that public schooling is not free for children of foreign nationals, the language of instruction is Thai, and there are some concerns about the general quality of education in the country.

For that reason, most parents send their children to expensive international schools. Some people may be lucky enough to have this cost included as part of their relocation package; those who don’t will need to budget carefully.

Education in Bangkok 
International Schools in Bangkok

Cost of healthcare in Bangkok

Bangkok and Thailand as a whole have modern and relatively affordable healthcare services. As such, medical tourism has become one of the biggest industries in the country. Expats working in Bangkok may be eligible for the Social Security healthcare scheme, which is funded through payroll contributions. The quality of care at public healthcare facilities is generally adequate, but it can vary throughout the city.

Those who can afford it typically purchase private health insurance to access private hospitals and specialists while avoiding long waiting times. This option is still relatively cheap in Bangkok but can vary depending on coverage level, age and health status.

Healthcare in Bangkok

Cost of living in Bangkok chart

Prices are listed in Thai baht (THB) and may vary depending on the product and service provider. The list below shows average prices for Bangkok in October 2025.

Accommodation (monthly rent)
Three-bedroom apartment in the city centreTHB 64,500
Three-bedroom apartment outside the city centreTHB 25,500
One-bedroom apartment in the city centreTHB 22,000
One-bedroom apartment outside the city centreTHB 10,400
Shopping
Eggs (dozen)THB 80
Milk (1 litre)THB 62
Rice (1kg)THB 45
Loaf of white breadTHB 50
Chicken breasts (1kg)THB 95
Cheese (500g)THB 350
Eating out
Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurantTHB 950
Big Mac MealTHB 200
Coca-Cola (330ml)THB 16.30
CappuccinoTHB 85
Local beer (500ml)THB 65
Utilities
Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and dataTHB 380
Internet (uncapped ADSL or cable – average per month)THB 600
Basic utilities (average per month for a standard household)THB 2,900
Transport
Taxi rate (per kilometre)THB 7
Bus/train fare in the city centreTHB 40
Gasoline/petrol (per litre)THB 40

What do expats say about living costs in Bangkok?

"The cost of living in Thailand is way cheaper than in France. Even though Bangkok has become significantly more expensive over the years, it’s still cheap compared to other countries. The prices for food, accommodation and utilities have risen quite a bit lately, but in my case, it’s still a lower percentage of my income than it would have been if I was living in France. The only things that feel more expensive in Thailand are going out, alcoholic drinks, festivals, concerts and some activities."

Read more from French expat Matt in his expat interview on living in Bangkok.

"Bangkok is an expensive city these days, but if you know how the system works and don’t demand Western comforts, you can still live pretty cheaply. Things like cheese and booze are expensive no matter where you go."

Read our expat interview about life in Bangkok with Canadian expat Greg to learn more.

Further reading

►For more advice on financial matters in the country, check out Banking, Money and Taxes in Thailand

Are you an expat living in Bangkok?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Bangkok. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute, or fill in our expat interview form to be featured.

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