Cost Of Living in Bangkok (Krung Thep) 2025

cost of living chart - average monthly expenditure in Bangkok (Krung Thep)

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Bangkok (Krung Thep)

Whether you're living in Bangkok (Krung Thep) or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.

Average Monthly Expenditure

Currency: THB
9,500 95,000 1.4M
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$270 $2,700 $40,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Single

Currency: THB
12,000 87,000 970,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$350 $2,400 $27,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Couple

Currency: THB
20,000 130,000 1.2M
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$560 $3,600 $33,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Family

Currency: THB
31,000 150,000 1.5M
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$850 $4,300 $43,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Student

Currency: THB
9,500 62,000 680,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$260 $1,700 $19,000

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Bangkok (Krung Thep)

Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.


Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Bangkok (Krung Thep)

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Individual

650 THB 4,600 THB 51,000 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18 $130 $1,400

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple

670 THB 4,900 THB 56,000 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$19 $140 $1,600

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family

1,300 THB 6,300 THB 63,000 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$35 $180 $1,800

Internet and cable cost

600 THB 1,200 THB 1,600 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17 $33 $45

Mobile phone bill and charges

390 THB 650 THB 2,000 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $18 $54

Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.


The average monthly expenditure for individuals on electricty, water, and gas in Bangkok (Krung Thep) ranges between 650 THB and 51,000 THB with average being 4,600 THB, meanwhile the expenditure of couples is slightly higher at 4,900 THB with 670 THB and 56,000 THB being the upper and lower limits respectively. As expected, the energy and water consumption of families is the highest among the three groups with an average of 6,300 THB. The cost of internet and WiFi is unchanged among the three groups and ranges from 600 THB to 1,600 THB with 1,200 THB being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 650 THB but can range between 390 THB and 2,000 THB depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.


Energy / Utility expense to income ratio


( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100


2.4% 5.9% of income 11%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average utility-to-income ratio in Bangkok (Krung Thep) is around 5.9%. This means that people pay 5.9% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 2.4% to 11% depending on salary and location.

Prices and cost of goods and services in Bangkok (Krung Thep)

Chart showing the prices and cost of grocery, food, restaurant meals, market, and beverages in Bangkok (Krung Thep)

Dining, food, and beverages costs


Fast food combo meal

110 THB 230 THB 380 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.2 $6.4 $11

Restaurant meal for one

400 THB 600 THB 1,200 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $17 $33

Fine dining meal for one

760 THB 1,100 THB 4,600 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21 $32 $130

Cappuccino or latte

98 THB 160 THB 240 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.7 $4.4 $6.6

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle

80 THB 95 THB 120 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.2 $2.7 $3.3

12 eggs

57 THB 76 THB 110 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.6 $2.1 $3.2

Fresh whole chicken

140 THB 180 THB 250 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.8 $4.9 $7

Pack of beef

170 THB 250 THB 500 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.6 $6.9 $14

Medium bag of rice

60 THB 82 THB 120 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.7 $2.3 $3.3

Bag of tomatos

23 THB 31 THB 57 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.64 $0.85 $1.6

Bag of apples

42 THB 54 THB 90 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $1.5 $2.5
Chart showing the prices and cost of commute, travel, and transportation in Bangkok (Krung Thep)

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride

100 THB 120 THB 240 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.8 $3.3 $6.7

Average car full tank

570 THB 770 THB 1,500 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $21 $43

Average car 1-day rental

530 THB 710 THB 1,100 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $20 $30

Average car price

270,000 THB 550,000 THB 730,000 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7,600 $15,000 $20,000

Bus ticket one way

18 THB 27 THB 54 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.51 $0.76 $1.5

Car Service

740 THB 1,100 THB 2,200 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21 $31 $62
Chart showing the prices and cost of utility, energy, water, and gas in Bangkok (Krung Thep)

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual

650 THB 4,600 THB 51,000 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18 $130 $1,400

Utility Bill - Couple

670 THB 4,900 THB 56,000 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$19 $140 $1,600

Utility Bill - Family

1,300 THB 6,300 THB 63,000 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$35 $180 $1,800

Internet and cable

600 THB 1,200 THB 1,600 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17 $33 $45

Mobile phone charges

390 THB 650 THB 2,000 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $18 $54

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket

250 THB 340 THB 510 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.1 $9.5 $14

One month gym membership

940 THB 1,200 THB 2,300 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26 $33 $65
Chart showing the prices and cost of clothing and accessories in Bangkok (Krung Thep)

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants

710 THB 1,000 THB 1,500 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $28 $42

Woman dress

680 THB 940 THB 3,100 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$19 $26 $86

Woman shoes

600 THB 820 THB 1,900 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17 $23 $53

Men's shoes

530 THB 650 THB 1,300 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $18 $36

Men suit

600 THB 750 THB 4,000 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17 $21 $110

Regular t-shirt

310 THB 410 THB 1,200 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.6 $11 $34
Chart showing the prices and cost of housing, accommodation, and rent in Bangkok (Krung Thep)

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment

11,000 THB 16,000 THB 44,000 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$310 $460 $1,200

1-bedroom apartment

17,000 THB 27,000 THB 68,000 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$470 $750 $1,900

2-bedroom apartment

23,000 THB 35,000 THB 92,000 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$640 $970 $2,600

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment

2.3M THB 3.5M THB 6.9M THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$64,000 $97,000 $190,000

1-bedroom apartment

2.8M THB 4.7M THB 18M THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$79,000 $130,000 $490,000

2-bedroom apartment

4.4M THB 13M THB 26M THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120,000 $370,000 $740,000
Chart showing the prices and cost of furniture in Bangkok (Krung Thep)

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed

11,000 THB 14,000 THB 19,000 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$320 $400 $530

Double Bed

7,700 THB 12,000 THB 14,000 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$220 $320 $400

Single Bed

7,000 THB 9,100 THB 12,000 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200 $260 $330

Living Room

14,000 THB 17,000 THB 61,000 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$380 $490 $1,700

Dining Table

5,700 THB 7,500 THB 14,000 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$160 $210 $400

Sofa or Couch

7,700 THB 11,000 THB 23,000 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$220 $290 $650
Chart showing the prices and cost of electronic devices and appliances in Bangkok (Krung Thep)

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set

7,800 THB 12,000 THB 23,000 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$220 $330 $650

Fridge or Freezer

7,000 THB 11,000 THB 15,000 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200 $300 $420

Washing Machine

8,500 THB 12,000 THB 22,000 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$240 $340 $620

Stove or Cooker

8,100 THB 10,000 THB 14,000 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$230 $290 $400

Mobile Phone

9,700 THB 12,000 THB 17,000 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$270 $330 $460

Laptop or Computer

11,000 THB 13,000 THB 24,000 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$300 $370 $670
How easily is cost-cutting. Are there plenty of low-cost options in Bangkok (Krung Thep)

Low-cost alternatives in Bangkok (Krung Thep)

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options61%

Few low-cost options39%


Based on the survey, 61% of the people living in Bangkok (Krung Thep) have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 39% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Bangkok (Krung Thep)

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Bangkok (Krung Thep) and how much retirement savings are required?

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.

Retirement planning and savings

There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.


The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:
AgeAmount
255x monthly salary at age 25
3010x monthly salary at age 30
3515x monthly salary at age 35
4025x monthly salary at age 40
4532x monthly salary at age 45
5048x monthly salary at age 50
5556x monthly salary at age 55
6064x monthly salary at age 60
6578x monthly salary at age 65

The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Bangkok (Krung Thep):
AgeAmount
25220,000 THB
30450,000 THB
35800,000 THB
401.2M THB
451.6M THB
502.4M THB
552.9M THB
603.6M THB
654M THB

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents about their retirement income sources and below are the results.

Source% People
Pensions13%
Savings22%
Investments13%
Social Security8%
Annuities8%
Part-time Job11%
Real Estate17%
Dividends and Interest8%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Bangkok (Krung Thep)

7,000 THB
$200
63,000 THB
$1,800
700,000 THB
$20,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Housing and accommodation affordability, property price to income ratio, rent to income ratio, and housing affordability index chart in Bangkok (Krung Thep)

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Bangkok (Krung Thep)

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Bangkok (Krung Thep)

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

11,000 THB 16,000 THB 44,000 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$310 $460 $1,200

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

17,000 THB 27,000 THB 68,000 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$470 $750 $1,900

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

23,000 THB 35,000 THB 92,000 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$640 $970 $2,600

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

28,000 THB 47,000 THB 130,000 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$790 $1,300 $3,600

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

54,000 THB 140,000 THB 270,000 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,500 $3,800 $7,500

Townhouse monthly rent cost

44,000 THB 66,000 THB 190,000 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,200 $1,800 $5,300

House monthly rent cost

54,000 THB 140,000 THB 270,000 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,500 $3,800 $7,600

Villa monthly rent cost

66,000 THB 160,000 THB 260,000 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,800 $4,600 $7,400

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Bangkok (Krung Thep) ranges between 11,000 THB and 44,000 THB, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 17,000 THB to 68,000 THB. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 23,000 THB and 92,000 THB per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 28,000 THB to 130,000 THB. The average rent of a townhouse in Bangkok (Krung Thep) is around 66,000 THB while house rental costs can be as high as 140,000 THB per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 66,000 THB to 260,000 THB per month.



Apartment and house prices in Bangkok (Krung Thep)

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

2.3M THB 3.5M THB 6.9M THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$64,000 $97,000 $190,000

1-bedroom apartment price

2.8M THB 4.7M THB 18M THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$79,000 $130,000 $490,000

2-bedroom apartment price

4.4M THB 13M THB 26M THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120,000 $370,000 $740,000

3-bedroom apartment price

15M THB 23M THB 68M THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$420,000 $630,000 $1.9M

Townhouse price

20M THB 46M THB 170M THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$550,000 $1.3M $4.8M

House price

24M THB 140M THB 200M THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$660,000 $4M $5.7M

Villa price

28M THB 160M THB 240M THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$790,000 $4.4M $6.6M

The average price of a studio apartment in Bangkok (Krung Thep) can range from 2.3M THB to 6.9M THB depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 2.8M THB to 18M THB. A villa can cost you 160M THB on average with prices ranging from 28M THB to 240M THB.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Bangkok (Krung Thep) will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


57 x166 monthly income 289
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Bangkok (Krung Thep) can be x166 to x289 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x166 multiples of the average monthly salary in Bangkok (Krung Thep).



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


27% 39% of income 51%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Bangkok (Krung Thep) is around 39%. This means that people pay 39% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 27% to 51% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
30%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
2.2%
AVERAGE
3.2%
TO
4.2%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


190 THB 1,900 THB 29,000 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.

The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Bangkok (Krung Thep) is 87,000 THB. Expenses can range from 12,000 THB at the minimum level to 970,000 THB at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Bangkok (Krung Thep) is 130,000 THB. Expenditure can range from 20,000 THB to 1.2M THB per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Bangkok (Krung Thep) is 150,000 THB per month. Families spend anywhere from 31,000 THB to 1.5M THB.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Bangkok (Krung Thep) is 62,000 THB. Students spend from 9,500 THB to 680,000 THB per month.


Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.
Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money in Bangkok (Krung Thep)

Saving Challenges in Bangkok (Krung Thep)

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Bangkok (Krung Thep). Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income6%
High Expenses9%
Debt and Loans17%
Lack of Budgeting Skills11%
Impulsive Spending10%
Financial Emergencies6%
Living the moment6%
Will do it later18%
Inflation11%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability3%

Around 6% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 9% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 17% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 11% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 10% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 6% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 6% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 18% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 11% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Bangkok (Krung Thep)

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.

Cost of living and expenditure to income ratio in Bangkok (Krung Thep)

Spending to Income Ratio

95%

85% to 110%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%6%
50% - 60%11%
60% - 70%18%
70% - 80%26%
80% - 90%16%
90% - 100%9%
100% - 110%5%
110% - 120%3%
120% - 130%2%
130% - 140%2%
> 140%1%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in Bangkok (Krung Thep) is 95% This means that on average, people spend around 95% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 18% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.


How can spending be more than income?

A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.



Individual
88%
Spending-Income-Ratio
78%
97%

Couple
95%
Spending-Income-Ratio
85%
110%

Family
98%
Spending-Income-Ratio
87%
110%
A typical and healthy budgeting structure. The 50-30-20 rule

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Where do people choose to put their savings in Bangkok (Krung Thep)

Typical saving choices for people in Bangkok (Krung Thep)

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds11%
Gold10%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts11%
Cash Savings17%
Real Estate10%
Investment6%
Stocks6%
Bonds6%
Mutual Funds3%
Certificates of Deposit3%

Emergency Funds

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes73%

No27%


Based on the survey, 27% of the people living in Bangkok (Krung Thep) said that they don't have an emergency fund while 73% said that they do.

Financial literacy and difficulty in budgeting and financial planning in Bangkok (Krung Thep)

Financial Literacy in

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy69%


We asked residents of whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 31% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 69% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether residents of have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 25% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 75% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance25%

Easily manages finances75%

Income and cost of living compatibility. Is it affordable or economical to live in Bangkok (Krung Thep)

Affordable living in Bangkok (Krung Thep)

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Bangkok (Krung Thep)?


Yes
74%
No
26%

Around 74% of surveyed residents think that living in Bangkok (Krung Thep) is affordable with proper budgeting while 26% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Financial goals and targets of people living in Bangkok (Krung Thep)

Financial goals of people in Bangkok (Krung Thep)

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Bangkok (Krung Thep), we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund7%
Debt Reduction35%
Retirement Savings8%
Education Funding8%
Homeownership17%
Investing8%
Travel or Lifestyle10%
Healthcare Expenses10%
Financial Independence8%

Around 7% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 35% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 8% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 8% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 17% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 8% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 10% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 10% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Distribution of monthly cost of living expenses in Bangkok (Krung Thep)

How do people spend their money in Bangkok (Krung Thep)?

We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.

The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing Expenditure26%

26% of total expenses on average (15% to 34%)

LOW$80   2,900 THB
AVERAGE$800   29,000 THB
HIGH$12,000   430,000 THB
Per Month

People living in Bangkok (Krung Thep) typically spend from 15% to 34% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 26% being the average. The average spend on housing is 29,000 THB with expenditure ranging from 2,900 THB to 430,000 THB. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile7%

7% of total expenses on average (4% to 11%)

LOW$12   420 THB
AVERAGE$120   4,200 THB
HIGH$1,800   63,000 THB
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Bangkok (Krung Thep) ranges from 4% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 4,200 THB with 420 THB and 63,000 THB being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute8%

8% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$25   910 THB
AVERAGE$250   9,100 THB
HIGH$3,800   140,000 THB
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 910 THB to 140,000 THB on commuting with 9,100 THB being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 8% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 12%.

Food and Groceries Cost27%

27% of total expenses on average (19% to 33%)

LOW$62   2,200 THB
AVERAGE$620   22,000 THB
HIGH$9,300   330,000 THB
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Bangkok (Krung Thep) is 22,000 THB. The cost of groceries can range between 2,200 THB to 330,000 THB. People spend on average about 27% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 19% and 33% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services9%

9% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$15   550 THB
AVERAGE$150   5,500 THB
HIGH$2,300   82,000 THB
Per Month

People in Bangkok (Krung Thep) allocate 4% to 12% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 9%. The range of medical expenses range from 550 THB to 82,000 THB with 5,500 THB being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 9%)

LOW$9.9   350 THB
AVERAGE$99   3,500 THB
HIGH$1,500   53,000 THB
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 350 THB to 53,000 THB with 3,500 THB being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 9% of total expenses with an average of 5% for most residents.

Education and Schooling6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$15   530 THB
AVERAGE$150   5,300 THB
HIGH$2,200   80,000 THB
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 6% of the monthly expenditure with 4% and 12% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 5,300 THB per month with 530 THB being the minimum spent amount and 80,000 THB being the maximum.

Other Expenses12%

12% of total expenses on average (7% to 19%)

LOW$34   1,200 THB
AVERAGE$340   12,000 THB
HIGH$5,100   180,000 THB
Per Month
Percentage of people who manage to save money from their income every month in Bangkok (Krung Thep)

How much money can you save in Bangkok (Krung Thep) every month?

We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.


What percentage of people in Bangkok (Krung Thep) manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
76%
Not Saving
24%

Almost 76% of the surveyed people in Bangkok (Krung Thep) said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 24% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Bangkok (Krung Thep)

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles79%21%
Couples77%23%
Families68%32%

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


Savings to income ratio in Bangkok (Krung Thep)

Saving to Income Ratio

13% 22% of income 36%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

4,000 THB
$110
40,000 THB
$1,100
600,000 THB
$17,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 13% to 36% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 22% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 40,000 THB on average with savings ranging from 4,000 THB to 600,000 THB.

79% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 77% of couples said the same. 68% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Bangkok (Krung Thep)?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.


Singles

Saving to Income Ratio

16% 27% of income 39%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

3,800 THB
$110
34,000 THB
$950
380,000 THB
$11,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%29%
10% - 20%23%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%16%
40% - 50%12%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 16% to 39% of their monthly income to savings, with 27% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 34,000 THB with 3,800 THB and 380,000 THB being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

14% 25% of income 39%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

7,800 THB
$220
50,000 THB
$1,400
470,000 THB
$13,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%33%
10% - 20%25%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%11%
40% - 50%9%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 14% to 39% of their monthly income, with 25% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 50,000 THB with 7,800 THB and 470,000 THB being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

12% 20% of income 33%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

12,000 THB
$330
60,000 THB
$1,700
600,000 THB
$17,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%36%
10% - 20%28%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%8%
40% - 50%6%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Bangkok (Krung Thep) can save anywhere between 12% to 33% of their monthly income, with 20% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 60,000 THB with 12,000 THB and 600,000 THB being the minimum and maximum respectively.

Chart showing the percentage of people who are in debt in Bangkok (Krung Thep)

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Bangkok (Krung Thep)


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
25%
Debt Free
75%

According to the survey, 25% of the people in Bangkok (Krung Thep) have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 75% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Chart showing debt-to-income ratio in Bangkok (Krung Thep)

Debt-to-income ratio in Bangkok (Krung Thep)

Debt to income ratio

28%

19% to 37%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 28% of the people's monthly income in Bangkok (Krung Thep) goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%13%
40% - 50%12%
30% - 40%14%
20% - 30%14%
10% - 20%17%
0% - 10%27%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Bangkok (Krung Thep) pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 13% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 12% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 14% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 14% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Bangkok (Krung Thep)

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage12%
Auto Loan21%
Student Loan3%
Credit Card26%
Personal Loan38%

12% of debtors in Bangkok (Krung Thep) confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 26% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 21% of people and personal loans rose at 38%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Bangkok (Krung Thep).


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Bangkok (Krung Thep)

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never54%
Once a year22%
Twice a year12%
Three times a year8%
Four times a year4%

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Bangkok (Krung Thep)

Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Bangkok (Krung Thep)

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

110 THB 230 THB 380 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.2 $6.4 $11

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Bangkok (Krung Thep) is approximatly 230 THB with meal cost ranging from 110 THB to 380 THB. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

400 THB 600 THB 1,200 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $17 $33

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 400 THB and 1,200 THB with 600 THB being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Bangkok (Krung Thep).

Fine dining meal for one price

760 THB 1,100 THB 4,600 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21 $32 $130

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 760 THB to 4,600 THB with the average cost being 1,100 THB for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Bangkok (Krung Thep).

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

98 THB 160 THB 240 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.7 $4.4 $6.6

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Bangkok (Krung Thep) is around 160 THB. Price ranges between 98 THB and 240 THB depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.



Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

80 THB 95 THB 120 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.2 $2.7 $3.3

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Bangkok (Krung Thep) is 95 THB. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 120 THB and the minimum being 80 THB depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

57 THB 76 THB 110 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.6 $2.1 $3.2

A dozen eggs costs around 76 THB on average with 57 THB and 110 THB being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

140 THB 180 THB 250 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.8 $4.9 $7

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Bangkok (Krung Thep) is between 140 THB and 250 THB depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 180 THB.

Pack of beef price

170 THB 250 THB 500 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.6 $6.9 $14

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 250 THB. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

60 THB 82 THB 120 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.7 $2.3 $3.3

A bag of rice in Bangkok (Krung Thep) costs around 82 THB on average with prices rangeing between 60 THB and 120 THB depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

23 THB 31 THB 57 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.64 $0.85 $1.6

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 23 THB to 57 THB. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

42 THB 54 THB 90 THB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $1.5 $2.5

A bag of apples costs 54 THB on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.


Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio


( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100


20% 29% of income 36%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Bangkok (Krung Thep) is around 29%. This means that people spend 29% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 20% to 36% depending on salary and location.


Expenditure on food and grocery for every population group

A single person living alone spends approximately 13,000 THB per month on grocery and food with expenditure fluctuating between 1,800 THB and 140,000 THB depending on location and the type of person. The average cost of food and groceries for a couple is around 16,000 THB per month. That number can be get as low as 2,500 THB or a high as 150,000 THB. Families' spending on grocery ranges from 4,800 THB to 240,000 THB with the location, income, and size of the family being the most determinite factors.

Cost of living comparison by city

#1 Chiang Mai

The average cost of living in Chiang Mai is 82,000 THB, which is 14% less than the country average. Chiang Mai is ranked first in Thailand in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#2 Bangkok (Krung Thep)

The average cost of living in Bangkok (Krung Thep) is 95,000 THB, which is same as the country average. Bangkok (Krung Thep) is ranked second in Thailand in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


Published: January 14, 2024   Last Update: April 2, 2025



evoeiioneks©copound