Typical monthly budgets in Pattaya
| Household | Simple | Comfortable | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | 35,000 THB | 55,000 THB | 100,000+ THB |
| Couple | 50,000 THB | 80,000 THB | 150,000+ THB |
| Family of four | 90,000 THB | 150,000 THB | 250,000+ THB |
Simple means a 1-bed condo, cooking at home and baht buses. Comfortable means a 2-bed condo, eating out often and your own scooter. Premium means a house or sea-view condo, a car and imported food. Bangkok and Phuket run about 25 to 30% higher; Chiang Mai about 20% lower.
The line items
| Item | Typical cost (THB a month) |
|---|---|
| Rent | See renting in Pattaya: 12,000 to 50,000 for most condos |
| Electricity | 1,500 to 6,000; air conditioning is the big variable |
| Water and internet | 800 to 1,500 |
| Phone plan | 300 to 800 |
| Thai food | 80 to 150 a meal at local places |
| Western food | 300 to 800 a meal |
| Health insurance | 3,000 to 15,000 per adult, rising with age |
| International school | From 30,000 per child, often far more |
Build your own number
Use the cost calculator for your city, household and lifestyle. Then add a buffer of 10%: the first months always cost more while you buy the things a furnished rental doesn't include.