The Cost of Living

Every new arrival wants to know "can I survive or live well in Bangkok or rural Thailand on 30,000 baht a month"? or perhaps 40,000 or even 50,000? It's always a difficult question to answer because each person has different needs, but I thought it would be interesting to compare the lifestyles and spending habits of some teachers currently living and working in Thailand. We are concerned with what they earn, but more so about what they spend money on and what it costs each of them to enjoy a certain kind of lifestyle. After each case study, I've added comments of my own. 
Conversion rate as of January 2008 is approximately 33 baht to one US Dollar or 65 baht to one pound sterling.

: Dan - Bangkok
How much do you earn from teaching per month?
34,000
How much of that can you realistically save per month?
3,000 (but I rarely do)
How much do you pay for your accommodation and what do you live in exactly (house, apartment, condo)?
I pay 5,500 baht for a two bedroom, two story house near the On-Nut BTS.
What do you spend a month on the following things? a) Transportation b) Utility bills c) Food - both restaurants and supermarket shopping d) Nightlife and drinking e) Books, computers	3,000   400 7,000 2,000 1,500
How would you summarize your standard of living in one sentence?
Not bad, but buying a fridge or similar appliance finishes my monthly “petty cash”
Are Thai friends a financial help or a hindrance?
My girlfriend is a University student with part-time job, so I guess I break even on that one.
What do you feel you 'waste' money on?
Taxis, but I hate getting funny ‘what’s the rich farang doing here” looks on the bus.
What do you consider to be a real 'bargain' here?
VCD Rental- 5 films for seven nights all for only a100 baht. Amazing Thailand!
In your opinion, how much money does anyone need to earn here in order to survive?
For a farang? At least 20,000 baht
What's your definition of 'survive'?
Food in belly, semi-clean clothes and one room apartment. That’s what you get for 20,000 baht.
Phil's analysis and comment In my opinion 30-35,000 baht a month is the absolute minimum you can survive on in Bangkok so Dan is a nice case study to start off with. He works in the capital and earns 34,000 a month. He's certainly got things sorted out in the housing department, paying only 5,500 for a house in a great location. I'm guessing that because his utility bill is so low the house either doesn't have air-conditioning or he very rarely switches it on. For me a house without air-con blasting away (at least in one room) is no fun at all. That said, Dan doesn't skimp on his grub, and he's obviously something of a 'taxi man'. With the average cost of a taxi journey being about 80 baht, he must take plenty of cabs. I'm with him all the way on the bus thing. While 500 baht a week spent on nightlife hardly puts him in the Peter Stringfellow category, 3,000 baht a month going into the savings account is a bit worrying. I'm sure Dan would like to build up more of a savings 'cushion' if he could.

: Zach - Hat Yai
How much do you earn from teaching per month?
33,000
How much of that can you realistically save per month?
10-13,000 baht
How much do you pay for your accommodation and what do you live in exactly (house, apartment, condo)?
5,000 baht for an apartment
What do you spend a month on the following things? a) Transportation b) Utility bills c) Food - both restaurants and supermarket shopping d) Nightlife and drinking e) Books, computers	1,500 1,000 4,000 1,500    500
How would you summarize your standard of living in one sentence?
I live very comfortably; economically, but I don't feel like I'm missing anything.
Are Thai friends a financial help or a hindrance?
A help so far.
What do you feel you 'waste' money on?
Drinking
What do you consider to be a real 'bargain' here?
Rent and food
In your opinion, how much money does anyone need to earn here in order to survive?
I've talked to falangs who survive on 12,000 a month, I would hate that. But they survive.
What's your definition of 'survive'?
Having enough to eat everyday and having a roof over your head
Phil's analysis and comment He seems very happy doesn't he? - even if his definition of 'survive' does sound a bit like an advert for Oxfam. Zach saves a massive 10-13,000 baht a month (150,000 baht a year is no small money), so that must please him. I'm not entirely sure what 5,000 baht a month would get you apartment-wise down in Hat Yai. It is Thailand's third biggest city and it is a major economic center. I'd be interested in how much space Zach has. 33,000 is not bad for Hat Yai though.

: Joe - Bangkok
How much do you earn from teaching per month?
41,000 from a school and 30,000 from a centre.
How much of that can you realistically save per month?
10,000
How much do you pay for your accommodation and what do you live in exactly (house, apartment, condo)?
7,000 for a fully furnished condo
What do you spend a month on the following things? a) Transportation b) Utility bills c) Food - both restaurants and supermarket shopping d) Nightlife and drinking e) Books, computers	13,000 5,000 15,000 2,000 2-3,000
How would you summarize your standard of living in one sentence?
Comfortable by local standards, but not able to convert this internationally.
Are Thai friends a financial help or a hindrance?
Neither
What do you feel you 'waste' money on?
The utility section (including UBC and two cell-phones)
What do you consider to be a real 'bargain' here?
Food
In your opinion, how much money does anyone need to earn here in order to survive?
30,000 a month
What's your definition of 'survive'?
Paying rent and eating
Phil's analysis and comment Joe is married with two children, so although he earns a relatively whopping 71,000 baht a month, his outgoings are high. I'm sure Joe would be the first to admit that if he were single, he'd be living the life of Riley on that sort of income. Although he didn't say in his e-mail to me, I bet holding down two jobs means teaching a lot of hours. But you do these things when you've a wife and kiddies to support. Oh, the 13,000 baht for transportation includes Joe's car payments.

: Linda - Korat
How much do you earn from teaching per month?
35,000 a month
How much of that can you realistically save per month?
10,000 - 12,000 provided that no real big issues come up
How much do you pay for your accommodation and what do you live in exactly (house, apartment, condo)?
I live in a large 3 bedroom house for 5,000 per month
What do you spend a month on the following things? a) Transportation b) Utility bills c) Food - both restaurants and supermarket shopping d) Nightlife and drinking e) Books, computers	9,000 2,500 11,000 500 300
How would you summarize your standard of living in one sentence?
I don't really want for anything...(but a trip home ) I live a middle class life.
Are Thai friends a financial help or a hindrance?
Neither
What do you feel you 'waste' money on?
Clothes and trinkets
What do you consider to be a real 'bargain' here?
Food and housing
In your opinion, how much money does anyone need to earn here in order to survive?
To survive 25000, to live over 30,000
What's your definition of 'survive'?
Housing and food
Phil's analysis and comment Linda shares my opinion about the difference between living and surviving - 5,000 baht a month can make all the difference. I haven't been to Khorat in a while but there never strikes me as being very much to spend your money on. I'm not surprised that the nightlife bill only comes to about 500 a month. Linda's transportation bill includes running her very own truck and when it comes to food, she certainly doesn't go hungry. She sounds as though all in all, she lives well. And manages to put a few quid in the bank each month. Nice one.

: Brian - Bangkok
How much do you earn from teaching per month?
43,500 baht (after taxes, 40,000 baht) I teach at a private language school in the heart of Bangkok. I’m considered the “head teacher,” although my salary doesn’t reflect that!
How much of that can you realistically save per month?
Approximately 25,000 baht.
How much do you pay for your accommodation and what do you live in exactly (house, apartment, condo)?
I live in a small two story, two bedroom house in the Sathorn area. My rent is 6,130 baht/month.
What do you spend a month on the following things? a) Transportation b) Utility bills c) Food - both restaurants and supermarket shopping d) Nightlife and drinking e) Books, computers	1,500 500 3,500 700 zero I have many books at home. I also borrow books from friends). I have a computer, but I don’t have internet access, nor do I play games, buy software, etc. I very, very rarely buy a DVD.
How would you summarize your standard of living in one sentence?
My standard of living, for me, is very good. It is also higher than it was back home, breaking my spirit under high rents, lack of well-paying work, and expensive necessities.
Are Thai friends a financial help or a hindrance?
I don't have any Thai friends
What do you feel you 'waste' money on?
Alcohol
What do you consider to be a real 'bargain' here?
Food, clothing, holidays outside of Bangkok…
In your opinion, how much money does anyone need to earn here in order to survive?
To survive? 20,000 baht/month. In order to have a reasonable standard of living one should earn at least 40,000 baht/month.
What's your definition of 'survive'?
To have the essentials necessary for life itself. Everything beyond that is borne from privilege and luxury.
Phil's analysis and comment Everyone has their own priorities and I take my hat off to Brian for managing to save well over 50% of his salary, but there are very few teachers in the 35-50,000 earning bracket who follow his example. If my maths is correct, then Brian is living on 15,000 baht a month and the cost of his house is coming out of that relatively small amount. There's no doubt that Brian does 'go without' on occasion. He has no internet access, his food bill is the lowest so far, and his utility bill of just 500 baht would suggest he survives without air-conditioning. His standard of living seems to be a lot lower than what I would settle for but sacrifices do have to be made if you're looking to save 25,000 baht a month.

: Jason - Bangkok
How much do you earn from teaching per month?
50,000 to 70,000 Baht, depending upon the hours worked.
How much of that can you realistically save per month?
Zilch in practice, but about 20k in theory.
How much do you pay for your accommodation and what do you live in exactly (house, apartment, condo)?
19k/month. I have a two-bedroom condo on Sukhumwit soi 23
What do you spend a month on the following things? a) Transportation b) Utility bills c) Food - both restaurants and supermarket shopping d) Nightlife and drinking e) Books, computers	1,500 5,000 (includes a part-time maid) 10,000 8.000 500
How would you summarize your standard of living in one sentence?
Comfortable, but could be better.
Are Thai friends a financial help or a hindrance?
Thai business partner just wiped me out, but otherwise I don't have Thai friends.
What do you feel you 'waste' money on?
Food and drink
What do you consider to be a real 'bargain' here?
Food, especially good quality proper food (not street rubbish).
In your opinion, how much money does anyone need to earn here in order to survive?
If they are happy living in a shoebox, about 40,000.
What's your definition of 'survive'?
Not running out of money every month and having enough for proper food every day and the occasional night out.
Phil's analysis and comment Jason is an interesting case study. He earns 50-70,000 baht a month, which is a decent income for a Bangkok teacher, but lives (or tries to live) the life of someone on double that amount. 19,000 baht a month for an apartment! a part-time maid to rinse out his smalls! 18,000 baht a month on food and entertainment! Leave me out. You have to live within your means as a teacher. If Jason has a nice nest egg behind him then who can blame him for lording it up til the wee small hours. If he doesn't have a bit of floorboard money stashed away, then I'd sure hate to be his bank manager. I think I'd hate to be his liver as well.

: Graeme - Samut Prakarn
How much do you earn from teaching per month?
52,000
How much of that can you realistically save per month?
10-15,000
How much do you pay for your accommodation and what do you live in exactly (house, apartment, condo)?
My rent is 7250 a month. I share a two bedroom apartment with a friend. It has a kitchen, two bathrooms, lounge, dining room, two bedrooms and a study + entrance hall.
What do you spend a month on the following things? a) Transportation b) Utility bills c) Food - both restaurants and supermarket shopping d) Nightlife and drinking e) Books, computers	2,000 4,000 8,000 5-8,000 2,000
How would you summarize your standard of living in one sentence?
I live very comfortably, but do worry about lack of financial security in the future.
Are Thai friends a financial help or a hindrance?
Neither. I pay my way and they pay theirs.
What do you feel you 'waste' money on?
Hotels in Bangkok because I'm too lazy to take a cab home to Samut Prakarn after a night out.
What do you consider to be a real 'bargain' here?
Food and clothes
In your opinion, how much money does anyone need to earn here in order to survive?
If they are happy living in a shoebox, about 40,000.
What's your definition of 'survive'?
For foreigners who are used to western standards of living I would estimate about 40,000 in Bangkok and 30,000 in rural areas.
Phil's analysis and comment I like the look of Graeme's numbers - I really do. It sounds like he lives in a really nice place, he spends quite a bit on the pleasures in life and he still sticks 10-15,000 in the bank every month. Like many teachers, Graeme worries about financial security in the future but if he's living for the now, then he's sure enjoying himself. I disagree with his inferring that 40,000 baht salaries will see you living in a shoebox. Again, it depends on your priorities.

: Dave - Chacheungsaw
How much do you earn from teaching per month?
34,000
How much of that can you realistically save per month?
10,000
How much do you pay for your accommodation and what do you live in exactly (house, apartment, condo)?
4,500 – a big old two-bedroom house with huge gardens, a circular driveway gates garage outside rooms, covered area basement (too scared to go down as the trapdoor is very small) – no BS its nice.
What do you spend a month on the following things? a) Transportation b) Utility bills c) Food - both restaurants and supermarket shopping d) Nightlife and drinking e) Books, computers	3,000 1,300 3,000 3,000 120 on games
How would you summarize your standard of living in one sentence?
I know I have no future but for the time being life is not to bad.
Are Thai friends a financial help or a hindrance?
Neither. It evens out
What do you feel you 'waste' money on?
Motorbikes, otherwise I have no idea what I do with my money I still save most months
What do you consider to be a real 'bargain' here?
Food
In your opinion, how much money does anyone need to earn here in order to survive?
Honestly I don’t know – If you make 50k you spend 50k you make 30k you spend 30k. My mate who was out here on an expat salary was making 2500 quid a month with no rent or bills and he spent it all every month
What's your definition of 'survive'?
Having a quiet life staying at home and not worrying about too much.
Phil's analysis and comment For those who don't know it, Chacheungsaw (where Dave lives) is about an hour's commute from Bangkok. I'm sure Dave will forgive me when I say that it's hardly the Las Vegas of Eastern Thailand. In fact I sometimes think its only claim to fame is that you can spell the name fifty different ways! A teacher's salary of 34,000 will go a long way in Chachoengsaw (there's another one) It's worth pointing out that Dave runs a motorcycle (probably an essential) and sounds a bit like a health food freak. Most of his food spending seems to go on milk and muesli. Have I got that right Dave?

: Jack - Bangkok
How much do you earn from teaching per month?
Good month 60k, basic month 42k, average 50-55k
How much of that can you realistically save per month?
10k - although I don't often manage more than 5!
How much do you pay for your accommodation and what do you live in exactly (house, apartment, condo)?
Townhouse, 2 bed 2 bath 1 air, 6100bt.
What do you spend a month on the following things? a) Transportation b) Utility bills c) Food - both restaurants and supermarket shopping d) Nightlife and drinking e) Books, computers	4,000 4,500 7,000 7,000 2,000
How would you summarize your standard of living in one sentence?
Very comfortable, live really nicely but don't go out as much as before.
Are Thai friends a financial help or a hindrance?
Well, she's no help!
What do you feel you 'waste' money on?
Travelling the length of the city to get to work because I have a nice house in On Nut and don't want to move to shitty Bangkhae! Lady drinks!
What do you consider to be a real 'bargain' here?
Food, booze, cigs. Got a good deal on a laptop. T-shirts
In your opinion, how much money does anyone need to earn here in order to survive?
I think 40k would be OK - provided one was pretty sensible. But I also think that it's possible to "survive" on a lot less and indeed know people that do!
What's your definition of 'survive'?
Eating what you want when you want (having a full fridge). Enough cash left over for at least a few beers every weekend (even if it's only cans at home). Not having to worry about "splashing out" 150bt on a taxi in the rain!
Phil's analysis and comment Jack - I love your definition of 'survive'. What can I say? Jack's a spender - no doubt about that. Food, booze and nightlife run him 14,000 a month and a further 10,000 for rent and utilities. Keep out of those go-go bars Jack! What's pleasing me about this survey is that many teachers seem to have found good houses in good locations. And there's me thinking that most teachers lived in 3-4,000 baht shoeboxes.

: Richard - Bangkok
How much do you earn from teaching per month?
After tax? Around 150,000 which really is great for Bangkok, but well down on the comparative scale. I’m the principal of a small but well run international school in Bangkok.
How much of that can you realistically save per month?
I try to put at least 50-70,000 away and manage it most of the time
How much do you pay for your accommodation and what do you live in exactly (house, apartment, condo)?
I have a nice condo in Bangkok and a house in Pattaya which together costs me around 30,000 a month
What do you spend a month on the following things? a) Transportation b) Utility bills c) Food - both restaurants and supermarket shopping d) Nightlife and drinking e) Books, computers	5,000 5,000 10-20,000 20-30,000 Very little
How would you summarize your standard of living in one sentence?
Comfortable. I’ve been lucky to have spend most of the last decade in Thailand or the Middle East which has meant a nice, comfortable lifestyle; far better than I could afford in the UK although being single with no kids probably helps!
Are Thai friends a financial help or a hindrance?
Neither. I don’t borrow off them and they don’t borrow off me. Mostly. I have some Thai friends and they are pretty great on the whole. They share bills, buy whisky and are just normal folks like the rest of us!
What do you feel you 'waste' money on?
I should say beer but I like a night out, on second thoughts I DO have to say beer. Beer.
What do you consider to be a real 'bargain' here?
The whole lifestyle is a bargain. From Emporium to Tescos or from The Oriental to Nanna, everything is fresh, cheap and available. Tailored clothing, live-in maids, affordable cigarettes, I love it all. I love sitting in garden restaurants eating great food, drinking cheap beer and socializing with interesting, well-traveled people secure in the knowledge that even if they piss off and leave me with the bill I can afford to pay it! Travel options are so reasonable too and the good holidays and long weekends mean that its easy to get away.
In your opinion, how much money does anyone need to earn here in order to survive?
For a farang? At least 20,000 baht
What's your definition of 'survive'?
I think forty thousand is about the minimum although I think that I’d find it difficult at anything under 60,000 baht. You can live reasonably well on that and anything above it is, frankly, jam, anyway. I really can’t understand how anyone can live on 20,000 a month (although I know Western people, who are raising a family, who do).
Phil's analysis and comment Imagine the Incredible Hulk lying in a vegetable patch covered in green paint. That's how green I am. Richard has earning and saving potential that 99% of teachers in Thailand can only dream about. There are of course people who say that money won't buy you happiness. As I've gotten older I've realized one glorious universal truth - people who say money can't buy happiness either don't have any or don't know where to shop!

: Doug - Bangkok
How much do you earn from teaching per month?
I earn around 54,000 per month. Sometimes more if I have to substitute teach.
How much of that can you realistically save per month?
Not much, sinceI have a child on the way. I figure my expenses just about match my income. However, Sometimes I can hide 5,000.
How much do you pay for your accommodation and what do you live in exactly (house, apartment, condo)?
I pay 13,000 per month for a 50 square meter apartment.
What do you spend a month on the following things? a) Transportation b) Utility bills c) Food - both restaurants and supermarket shopping d) Nightlife and drinking e) Books, computers	3,000 3,500 5,000 1-2,000 1,000
How would you summarize your standard of living in one sentence?
Pretty much equal to what I had in America, just minus the car. Luckily, I don't need one here.
Are Thai friends a financial help or a hindrance?
I don't have many Thai friends. I do support my SO and assuming full financial support for our upcoming child.
What do you feel you 'waste' money on?
Probably a lot of things. I do know I spend too much on "farang" food. I do take taxis when I don't have to.
What do you consider to be a real 'bargain' here?
The public transportation system.
In your opinion, how much money does anyone need to earn here in order to survive?
Probably 50-60,000 baht/month in order to maintain a lifestyle equivalent to "the west." With that said, you can survive with a small level of comfort on 35,000 baht/month.
What's your definition of 'survive'?
Having enough money to maintain food, clothing, and a decent room.
Phil's analysis and comment Doug earns a very nice salary - make no mistake. I just feel that he could be saving (or hiding) more than 5,000 baht a month (even with a kiddy on the way) Perhaps he needs to eat more Thai food and take public transport a bit more often. That said, I never begrudge a man sinking his teeth into a hearty rump steak or jumping into an air-conditioned taxi while the Bangkok massive stand sweltering at their bus shelters.

: Allan - Pitsanoloke
How much do you earn from teaching per month?
25,000 a month plus about 5000 a month in extra teaching. Minus 1000 baht tax and 750 baht health care. I get a pay-rise to 27,500 next year and can earn more overtime if I wanted.
How much of that can you realistically save per month?
10,000 baht could be saved but I put aside 6000 baht a month into a separate account.
How much do you pay for your accommodation and what do you live in exactly (house, apartment, condo)?
4,500 for a one bedroom unit. Includes satellite television, cable internet, and cleaning once a week. Room is provided by school.
What do you spend a month on the following things? a) Transportation b) Utility bills c) Food - both restaurants and supermarket shopping d) Nightlife and drinking e) Books, computers	200-400 baht Nothing 4000-6000 baht 2,000-4,000 baht up to 800 baht
How would you summarize your standard of living in one sentence?
Comfortable and relaxed. Where I live means I can travel to Bangkok or Chiang Mai for three days get away. These trips cost me 10,000 baht and I do them once every two months.
Are Thai friends a financial help or a hindrance?
I had a Thai girlfriend who earned 20,000 baht a month for a while. I would just give her 12,000 baht a month to cover all the bills, food, restaurants and things and the rest was my money to either spend or save.
What do you feel you 'waste' money on?
Not much....Anytime I buy something I do not need. Maybe I am different but I find I no longer want anything or miss anything that I do not really need. I guess any time I buy beer I am wasting money.
What do you consider to be a real 'bargain' here?
Food
In your opinion, how much money does anyone need to earn here in order to survive?
15,000 a month would mean you would not be struggling to eat and could have a night out at a restaurant. 10,000 would be bare survival.
What's your definition of 'survive'?
Having somewhere to live, eating at least twice a day, and having the ability to get out once a week.
Phil's analysis and comment Allan manages his budget well and lives the kind of life he wants to lead....all on about 30,000 baht a month. He doesn't squander large amounts of money on beer, food and entertainment but he seems happy with his lot. He uses the words 'comfortable and relaxed' to describe his lifestyle. Who is going to argue with that? Nice to see that he's managing to stick 6,000 baht a month in the tommy tank as well. Probably to fund those trips to Bangkok every couple of months.