Living in Thailand: What It Really Costs for Indians

If you’re an Indian considering moving to Thailand and want to understand the cost of living, you’ve come to the right place.

Compared to Western countries like the US, the UK, and many places in Western Europe, the cost of living in Thailand is 40%–65% lower. But is it more affordable than India? That’s what we will find out.

Thailand has become a popular destination for Indians who are not only visiting but also choosing to live here. Most Indian expats move here for work, while many others, including retirees over 50, actively choose to live here due to the comfort this country provides and to escape the pressure of rising costs in Indian metros.

In this article, we will cover the cost of living in various cities in Thailand, including housing, food, transportation, and daily expenses. So keep reading and decide whether Thailand fits your expectations and budget.

With just a 3-hour flight from India, you enter a land of exotic beaches, mountains, quality apartments, better infrastructure, top-tier healthcare, reliable transportation, clear air, and polite vibes.

The cost of living in major and happening cities like Bangkok can be higher than in Delhi or Mumbai. But here’s the deal: the extra spending you make here buys you cleaner streets, better air quality, less hassle, ease of getting around via MRT and BTS, less chaos, and better health.

However, other cities like Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and Hua Hin provide a more affordable and laid-back lifestyle away from the crowds, while offering beautiful scenery like mountains, beaches, or both.

In Bangkok, a 2-bedroom condo can cost around ฿21,700 – ฿63,000 per month (~USD 700 – USD 2,000), depending on whether you’re in the city centre or slightly on the outskirts. Luxury 2-bedroom condos, on the other hand, in areas like Sukhumvit or Sathorn, can go up to ฿47,000 – ฿94,500 per month (~USD 1,500 – USD 3,000).

Cities like Chiang Mai and Pattaya are slightly more affordable than Bangkok, as you can get a 2-bedroom condo starting at ฿15,500 per month (~USD 500) and going up to ฿37,800 per month (~USD 1,200).

Accommodation in Phuket typically ranges from ฿27,900 to ฿63,000 per month (~USD 900 – USD 2,000), depending on how close you are to the beach.

Hua Hin, a city near Bangkok, offers accommodation ranging from ฿25,000–฿47,000 per month (~USD 800–USD 1,500). This city is an ideal choice for retirees due to its gentle pace of life while still providing a well-rounded lifestyle.

Most condos in Thailand come fully furnished, shaped by strong demand from expats and digital nomads.

When it comes to renting in Bangkok, the price largely depends on how close you are to the BTS Skytrain or MRT (Subway), shopping malls, the size of the condo, facilities, and, of course, the location.

You can expect a higher price range in areas like Phrom Phong, Chit Lom, Thong Lor, and Asoke, as these are the prime locations—the EM District (EmQuartier, Emporium, Emsphere), upscale restaurants, parks, and major public transportation intersections.

However, as you move outward to places like Bang Na, On Nut, and Ladprao, prices tend to drop modestly compared to central areas.

A 1-bedroom, 1-bath condo in Bangkok city centre usually goes for about ฿20,000 per month (~USD 600), while outside the city centre are closer to ฿10,000 per month (~USD 300).

A 3-bedroom condo can cost around ฿60,000 per month (~USD 1,800) in the city centre and about ฿30,000 per month (~USD 900) outside the city centre.

Why does Bangkok cost more?

One reason Bangkok costs more is that land areas close to BTS stations are becoming scarce, which is why investors keep condo prices high. As a result, condo rental prices have risen by 20%–50%.

Another reason is that food imported into Bangkok is taxed at a higher rate, and food stalls also charge extra to cover their higher rent.

Traffic is another factor. Due to heavy congestion in Bangkok, many people skip buses and rely on Grab and taxis, which increases their daily expenses.

Utility costs are also 30%–50% higher in Bangkok compared to other urban areas because air-conditioning is often used throughout the day to deal with Bangkok’s heat and humidity.

When thinking about what life in Thailand actually costs, you will need to consider how much you'll spend on rent, food, getting around and basic bills.

Thailand can indeed be affordable, but it really comes down to the type of lifestyle you choose and what your budget allows.

If you're single, your monthly expenses stay fairly predictable as long as you're living within your means and not chasing luxury. Families will obviously spend more, mainly because of higher rent and larger daily needs, but the overall cost structure will be more manageable compared to many global cities.

What a day-to-day life looks like for one person in Thailand can be seen in the table below. These figures reflect regular life and can go up or down depending on the city and lifestyle choices.

Average Monthly Living Costs (Single Person)

Rent usually takes up most of your expenses, but it also depends on where you stay. If you're living in Bangkok and close to the city and public transport, the price usually goes up.

Utilities are also within a manageable range, but this depends on how often you use the AC.

In Thailand, food prices really vary. You can go from very affordable street food and local stalls to high-end restaurants. The best part is that you get to choose — you can mix cooking at home, eating at local and mid-range restaurants, and occasionally treating yourself to upscale dining, all while keeping your spending under control.

Transport costs depend on whether you stick to trains and buses or rely more on taxis and ride-hailing apps.

Whether you're moving here as a single, couple, or family, you can live a comfortable and balanced life here. It’s more about being smarter rather than cutting corners.

Rent is generally higher in Bangkok compared to Delhi, but somewhat similar to Mumbai for similar apartments in city centres. However, rent is lower in cities like Chiang Mai, Pattaya and Hua Hin when compared to second-tier Indian cities like Pune or Jaipur.

When it comes to food, cooking at home is less costly in India because staple foods like rice, fresh veggies, and dal can easily be found in local markets. Eating out in India varies. You can go from very cheap dhabas to high-end restaurants.

In Thailand, it’s the opposite. Buying food and eating out can sometimes be more affordable. You can find delicious street food as well as food from made-to-order stalls, markets, and food courts.

A proper meal in Thailand can be as affordable as rice with a Thai curry or stir-fried dish (khao gaeng), which typically costs around 40–60 baht (~USD 1.25 – USD 1.90) at local food stalls and markets.

Although public transport, like autos and trains, is cheaper in India, you often spend more time stuck in traffic or in packed rides. In Thailand, despite slightly higher transportation costs, you get to your destination faster, avoiding traffic with reliable options like the BTS Skytrain or MRT.

While the cost of living in India may generally be lower overall, Thailand offers a more balanced lifestyle. Many people move here to escape India’s hustle culture and into a city that offers a calmer lifestyle.

Condos in Thailand are often smaller, but they are modern and come with shared facilities and building management. This means that you require less upkeep, less cleaning, and don’t always require a full-time maid. Furthermore, Thailand has strict no-litter rules, which is why public spaces are much cleaner.

There has also been a growing number of Indians in their 50s looking to retire in Thailand. What’s making this long stay possible is the retirement visa for citizens aged 50 and above. With this visa, they can stay long-term, work remotely, and also open a Thai bank account.

The Thailand retirement cost of living is surprisingly reasonable, especially in cities like Chiang Mai and Hua Hin. Retirees benefit from affordable, high-quality healthcare and good infrastructure to a higher standard of living at a lower cost in cities like Chiang Mai, along with cleaner air.

Although Chiang Mai witnesses seasonal pollution during wildfire months, for the rest of the year, the air is more breathable. In contrast, cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Pune experience high pollution throughout the year.

Overall, Indian retirees move to Thailand for a better overall quality of living and a more laid-back lifestyle.

Thailand can be genuinely affordable for Indians. Singles, couples, families, and retirees can live a comfortable lifestyle here with better housing options and quality healthcare.

But how affordable Thailand is really comes down to where you live and your family size. Rent and education costs in cities like Phuket and Bangkok can be much higher than in Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, or Pattaya, where lifestyles can be more budget-friendly.

If you’re moving to Bangkok—for example, a family of four looking to send children to private international schools—a higher income is needed to live a comfortable life.