The cost of living in Thailand

Thailand has been an extremely attractive destination for over a decade, especially for those tired of the perpetual dampness, city winds, and temperature fluctuations. Of course, for our citizens, the cost of living in Thailand has increased due to the weakening of the national currency.

However, the cost of living has also increased in other European destinations. If we're talking about swapping winter for summer, it's still hard to come up with a better option than Thailand. It's worth mentioning right away that it's better to fly to Thailand for a longer period: there's the issue of acclimatization and the high cost of flights. What attracts many people to this delightful, incomparable country is precisely the opportunity for an extended stay.

Staying in Thailand for up to 30 days does not require a visa and thus does not incur any visa-related expenses.

For longer stays, additional costs may arise. These could include expenses starting from 1,800 baht for each additional week of stay beyond the initial 30 days. Alternatively, obtaining a Thai visa for 3 months is another option, which can be arranged in one of the neighboring countries.

An important part of expenses in any country is accommodation. A flat near the sea in Thailand will cost around 15,000 baht per month, which, given the current exchange rate, is quite comparable to a one-bedroom apartment in Moscow. Utility bills in Thailand are slightly higher than in our country, mainly due to expenses for electricity, heating, and air conditioning.

With careful budgeting, these expenses can be around 500 baht. In any case, renting accommodation in Thailand means renting a place by the sea away from polluted areas, surrounded by beautiful nature. Additionally, you can rent more prestigious accommodation within resort complexes.

Food expenses are typically an important component when it comes to vacations or longer stays. In this regard, Thailand outperforms many other countries. It's most popular for visitors to eat at small cafes, where the cost is relatively low, especially when purchasing local dishes and fruits.

European dishes will be more expensive, as well as prices for products from other countries that can be purchased in supermarkets. For example, cheese or cherries will be relatively expensive, as well as various types of grains traditional for Europeans. On average, without significant savings, a couple in Thailand spends around 25,000 baht per month on food.

Another expense to consider is transportation. Comfortable trains and buses that transport you over long distances are very affordable, with tickets ranging from 300 to 1,000 baht depending on the class (sitting, sleeping, with air conditioning or without) and distance. Additionally, for those who want to stay in the country for an extended period, the prices of low-cost carriers are also noteworthy—around 1,500-2,000 baht.Renting your own car can cost around 15,000 baht per month, while renting a motorbike typically ranges from 3,000 to 4,000 baht.

It's also possible to purchase a used vehicle in excellent condition, which isn't surprising given the prevalence of Japanese cars in the region and the dry climate that extends the lifespan of vehicles. Other expenses to consider include costs for communication, internet, and shopping for footwear and clothing. On average, these expenses are slightly higher than in Russia, but the overall amount spent on them is not significant, as you certainly won't need winter clothing and footwear in Thailand