Tommy
Working in Bangkok
Monthly Earnings 105,000 baht
Q1. How much do you earn from teaching per month?
I earn 105K from my full time salary at an international school in Bangkok. The school does provide opportunities for private tutoring, and I have been approached by many people too, which is something I may look at in the future. It's reassuring to know that option is there. Foreign teachers are very lucky that we are so in-demand for private tutoring.
Q2. How much of that can you realistically save per month?
I aim for 40K every month but I can usually save more, usually 50,000+. My previous job paid a 30,000 baht a month salary so I'm used to living on a tighter budget so it is taking me a while to loosen the purse strings! I have been looking for ways to invest in Thailand but apart from buying gold I don't see many options. (an idea for an Ajarn blog, perhaps?)
Q3. How much do you pay for your accommodation and what do you live in exactly (house, apartment, condo)?
I pay 8,000 baht for a townhouse on the outskirts of Bangkok. It has 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a small garden. Yes, it is quite cheap but I must stress I live among mostly Thais and there is no swimming pool or gym (which seems to be a requirement for most foreigners).
Q4. What do you spend a month on the following things?
Transportation
I spend about 200 baht a week on gas, so 800 baht in total
Utility bills
800-900 on electricity, about 150 for water, so let's say 1,100 baht a month
Food - both restaurants and supermarket shopping
I've averaged it out at around 400 baht a day. This includes a lot of "farang food" and a lot of home cooking. While the street food is delicious I still tend to eat food from home. So total food bill averages out at about 12,000 baht
Nightlife and drinking
I do enjoy a few beers while watching the football at the weekend. I'd say about 1,500 a month as I like to drink Carlsberg over local beers. In terms of entertainment in general I also usually go the cinema and get a massage at the weekend. That can add another 3,000 a month.
Books, computers
The odd trip to Asia books will cost me about 1,000-2,000 a month. I've started reading a lot more since I got a garden (seriously, houses are awesome!).
Q5. How would you summarize your standard of living in one sentence?
I have a very good standard of living here. There is food on the table, clothes on my back and a roof over my head. Considering the weather, the friendly locals, an awesome school, a very friendly staff and being able to save a lot.... I'm in no rush to go home
Q6. What do you consider to be a real 'bargain' here?
Where do I start?! Look at my rent and utilities - they come to about 8% of my monthly income! The cost of gas and public transport is so cheap too, as is healthcare. Food, beer, massages.... all much cheaper than at home.
Q7. In your opinion, how much money does anyone need to earn here in order to survive?
I survived on 30,000 baht a month for a year and I had no complaints. But that is surviving. If you are thinking long term or want to save/travel you need about 60K. If you are thinking of being here for a few years do not accept the first offer you get and do not accept 30K (speaking from experience). Leave these jobs to the backpackers and show schools that they get what they pay for.
Phil's analysis and comment
Tommy also had the following to say about the townhouse that he rents for 8,000 baht a month.
"The house did not come furnished so it has taken some investment to get it decorated but it has been a lovely experience putting my stamp on it and creating a "home". It certainly beats my time in studio apartments with the standard bed, wardrobe, tv stand and the only place you can clear your head is on a tiny balcony. That's one piece of advice I would give to all foreigners - get a house and put your stamp on it, it will make you feel much more at home. So many of the other teachers at my school are paying 15-20k for one bedroom apartments in the city, I can't imagine doing that, and it has nothing to do with cost"
I agree with you Tommy. I've lived in both houses and apartments. Both have their plus and minus points but the rented house wins it for me.
Summarizing his standard of living here compared to life back in the UK, Tommy also adds "In terms of my career, working here is actually more stable and much easier than trying to work my way up the very congested teaching ladder back home too. Considering I'm still in my twenties that is both extremely exciting and very depressing! Will this feeling of contentment last forever or will the reality of home come calling?"
Thank you Tommy for all the effort you put into that and for some very interesting answers.
We would love to get your cost of living surveys and you can do so by filling in the on-line form. Tell us about your lifestyle!
Many teachers unfortunately fill in the form and just provide a list of figures and no back story. It's those glimpses into a teacher's lifestyle that make these surveys interesting and enjoyable. Many thanks for your contributions.
Submit your own Cost of Living survey
