The amount of income an expat requires to live in Thailand in 2023 will vary depending on their lifestyle and location. However, a good general rule of thumb is that you will need to earn at least 36,000 Thai baht per month (approximately $1,040 USD) in order to live comfortably.
Cities and tourists areas can require more than rural areas!
This will allow you to cover your basic expenses, such as rent, food, transportation, and utilities, as well as have some money left over for entertainment and other activities. If you want to live a more luxurious lifestyle, or if you live in a more expensive city like Bangkok, you will need to earn more than 36,000 baht per month.
Here is a breakdown of some typical monthly expenses for an expat living in Thailand:
- Rent: 10,000-20,000 baht
- Food: 5,000-10,000 baht
- Transportation: 2,000-4,000 baht
- Utilities: 1,000-2,000 baht
- Internet: 500-1,000 baht
- Phone: 500-1,000 baht
- Entertainment: 2,000-4,000 baht
- Personal care: 1,000-2,000 baht
- Other expenses: 2,000-4,000 baht
Of course, your actual expenses may vary depending on your individual needs and lifestyle. For example, if you eat out every meal, you will spend more on food than if you cook at home. And if you enjoy traveling frequently, you will need to budget more for transportation and accommodation.
It is also important to keep in mind that the cost of living in Thailand is rising every year. So, if you are planning to move to Thailand in the future, it is a good idea to budget for slightly higher expenses.
Overall, Thailand is a very affordable country to live in, especially compared to many Western countries. With a little planning and effort, it is possible to live a comfortable and fulfilling life in Thailand on a modest income.