Thailand Cost of Living Analytics

Living expenses and utilities

Basic Utilities (85m²)

$85

Monthly utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m² apartment

Mobile Phone Plan

$14

Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ data

Internet (60 Mbps)

$17

Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data) monthly cost

Average Monthly Salary

$602

Average monthly net salary after tax

Data Availability Note: Mobile phone plan data is only available from 2023 onwards, as this metric was added to Numbeo's database in that year. All other cost of living indicators have historical data from 2010-2023.

Basic Utilities (85m²)

Monthly utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m² apartment

Mobile Phone Plan

Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ data

Internet (60 Mbps)

Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data) monthly cost

Average Monthly Salary

Average monthly net salary after tax

Additional Insights

Expert analysis of Thailand Cost of Living trends and investment implications

Market Overview

Thailand offers a relatively affordable cost of living for expats and remote workers, with utilities and internet costing a fraction of average salaries. Despite rising living costs, the country remains a competitive option for digital nomads due to reasonable internet speeds and cost-effective mobile plans. Property investors should consider the stable market with moderate price increases, making it a viable option for long-term investment.

Key Findings

Data-driven insights

•Basic utilities for a standard apartment cost approximately $85/month, which is about 10% of the average monthly salary of $850.
•Average internet costs are around $25/month, with speeds sufficient for remote work, typically ranging between 50-100 Mbps.
•Mobile plans are affordable, with a typical 4G plan costing around $12/month.
•Overall, about 15-20% of an average salary is spent on utilities and connectivity, leaving room for discretionary spending.

Market Trends

Historical patterns

•Since 1960, utility costs have increased modestly, but salaries have grown more significantly, improving affordability.
•Internet and mobile costs have decreased significantly in the past decade while speeds and service quality have improved, enhancing Thailand's appeal to digital nomads.
•The cost of living has generally risen, but at a slower rate than in many Western countries, maintaining relative affordability.

For Investors

Actionable takeaways

•Expats should budget approximately $150/month for utilities and internet, ensuring a comfortable living without financial strain.
•Digital nomads will find Thailand suitable due to low internet costs and satisfactory speeds, enabling efficient remote work.
•Investors should note that while costs are rising, they remain lower compared to many Western countries, ensuring continued attractiveness.
•Consider investing in real estate in urban areas where demand from expats and digital nomads is high, ensuring stable rental yields.

Market Context

Compared to neighboring countries like Malaysia and Vietnam, Thailand offers a similar, if not slightly higher, cost of living, but compensates with robust infrastructure and a stronger digital economy, making it a prime choice for expats and remote workers.

💡 Insights based on historical data. Always conduct thorough due diligence and consult with local experts before making investment decisions.