The cost of living in Thailand

Despite the fact that prices and demand for housing in Thailand are gradually increasing, the cost of living in this sunny country remains inexpensive compared to Europe. But if you plan, for example, to rent a luxury apartment in the center of Bangkok and go to restaurants serving European cuisine every day, then the cost of living can seem quite high. In Thailand, in the most popular destinations for tourists and foreign property buyers, an average stay for two costs 25,000 baht (approximately $ 860) per month. Food The cost of food in Thai markets is lower than in supermarkets. Prices for dairy products (especially for kefir, sour cream) in Thailand are high relative to other products. Also alcohol is quite expensive here, sometimes the cost of lunch in a Thai restaurant can be less than the price for a bottle of beer. Approximate food prices: Chicken 1 kg - 65 baht ($ 2.2) Beef 1 kg - 230 baht ($ 8) Pork 1 kg - 130 baht ($ 4.4) Fish 1 kg - 50-100 baht ($ 1.7-3 , 4) Rice 1 kg - 35 baht ($ 1.2) Vegetables 1 kg - 30-80 baht ($ 1-2.7) Fruit 1 kg - 30-140 baht ($ 1.2-4.8) Eggs (dozen) - 60 baht ($ 2) Milk 1 l - 50-100 baht ($ 1.7-3.4) Butter - 120 baht ($ 4) Cheese 1 kg - 600-1000 baht ($ 20-34) (recently in Phuket local or imported cheeses began to appear at a cost of up to 500 baht per 1 kg) 0.5 liters of beer - 60-80 baht ($ 2-2.7) Food in cafes and restaurants in Thailand is several times cheaper than in Moscow. The prices for Thai dishes are lower than European ones. Lunch at a Thai cafe will cost up to 200 baht for two, and dinner at a restaurant with wine will cost about 500-600 baht ($ 17-20). In Phuket, especially at some distance from the most popular beaches, in a mid-range restaurant, a three-course meal for two will cost an average of 700-900 baht ($ 24-30), in Bangkok - about 600 baht ($ 20). Utilities and other real estate expenses Electricity, water and waste disposal bill for an apartment of approximately 85 sq. m will average 2000-3000 baht ($ 69-100) per month. Monthly utility costs for a three-bedroom villa in Phuket when using air conditioning will cost 5000 baht ($ 170). In Bangkok, renting a three-room apartment on the outskirts of the city can be about 20,000 baht ($ 690) per month, in Phuket, renting a three-bedroom villa in an area populated mainly by foreigners for a month will cost 60,000 baht (about $ 2,000). A local SIM card in Thailand can be purchased for 100 baht ($ 3.4), calls within the country cost about 3 baht per minute, and to Russia - 6 baht per minute. In Phuket, international calls start at 4 baht per minute. An unlimited internet plan costs about 1,000 baht ($ 34) per month. Transport The cost of a taxi ride depends on the distance; within Bangkok, the price of a trip will not cost more than 250 baht ($ 8.6). In Bangkok, taxis operate using taximeters. The cost of the trip starts from 35 baht. At the resorts, the price of a taxi is negotiable. Prices usually start at 200 baht per trip. In Phuket, a trip from one beach to another will cost from 300-400 baht one way. Renting a car in Thailand is quite expensive - from 700 to 1500 baht ($ 24-50) per day, but a moped rental is inexpensive here - 2500-3000 baht ($ 86-100) per month. To rent a car, you must provide an international driver's license. In Thailand, gasoline costs about 45 baht ($ 1.5) per liter and diesel about 30 baht ($ 1). In Phuket, 91st gasoline costs about 32 baht per liter, 95th - about 40 baht per liter. Medical services In Thailand, foreigners, if necessary, can use paid medical services. In public clinics, prices are several times lower than in private ones, but the level of comfort in them also differs. A doctor's appointment in private clinics in Thailand costs from 800 baht ($ 27) without tests and medications. HomesOverseas.ru would like to thank Maria Yashchenko from Raimon Land and Sergey Nesterenko from Vista del Mar for their contributions to this article. HomesOverseas.ru