You came to Thailand on a holiday and loved it so much, you want to move here.
The resort areas are wonderful for a holiday.
Tourists come with a set amount of money for a limited stay and can live it up in a resort.
This is the life they dream of!
The reality is not the same when you move and live here full-time.
Let’s use Ao Nang as an example.
Wonderful beach front town with really laid back vibes.
Except locations like this survive on tourist dollars.
There is no industry or anything else to support the community.
When you end up moving to a resort area, the prices for everything are aimed at tourists.
Tourist pricing. High pricies. No discount because you live here.
Reeves Beach Club has meals starting at US $10 to more than US $60.
That might be great 1 time to try it out on a holiday, but not everyday.
A burger or chicken set at McDonald’s will set you back US $10+
Drinks at beach front clubs to enjoy the sunset are US $7+
A gallon of milk is US $6
A beer is US $3+
Rent is twice or 3 times as high as non-resort areas.
You will soon learn that the same experience you had as a short term tourist is unsustainable once you live here.
Then instead of being able to enjoy all the wonderful things you end up like this.
Watching the sunset from the sidelines because you cannot afford to go anywhere else.
In 2023 the average cost for an expat in Ao Nang is US $1,537 a month.
Digital Nomad, is US $2,131 a month.
Family is $2,634 a month.
At those prices, you need to have a monthly income to cover the costs, as well as for VISA cost, medical costs, transportation and all other costs of daily life.
You might learn the hard way that the expense of living in a Thai resort town is not worth it, if you cannot afford it.
It is no different than any other location in the world.
If you have the money you can make it the best base and enjoy all there is on offer.
If you have to live on the cheap, the enjoyment of being there will wear off quite quickly.
Always do your research before moving anywhere and understand the challenges.