With over 32 cities and 77 provinces in Thailand it can be tough to decide where to live. People are choosing Thailand as the place to settle down. Why? Not only because of it's beaches, islands, jungles, palaces and unreal fun experiences but because it’s way cheaper than their hometown. Cities in Thailand can be as cheap or expensive as you want, depending on the lifestyle you’re looking for, of course alters the cost. You can live comfortably in Thailand for $700- $2,000 a month.
Saving tip: Buying food locally, going a little bit outside of the touristy areas for local hidden gems, learning a bit of the language to bargain, and avoiding those new fancy organic restaurants can help save you a ton of money.
After speaking with locals, expats, digital nomads and remote workers during my trip to Thailand and also conducting my own research, I’ve curated an informative list to hopefully help you with your decision.
If you're looking for more affordable options but still want to live in a place full of things to do, a good quality of life, great weather and more, then let's dive into the list!
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Best Places in Thailand from Cheapest to Most Expensive:
1. Chiang Rai
Location: Largest city in Northern Thailand
Ideal person: If you are a solo traveler, bargain traveler or expat who likes a mix of city and country life
Most popular things to do: White temple, night bazaar, large pagoda Buddhist Temple, waterfalls, long neck village
Pros:
peaceful relaxing environment away from the scene
most affordable
very low crime rate; safe
decent healthcare; overall good quality of life
Cons:
very wet during rainy season
less to do compared to other cities
pollution
Price per month: $700- $1000
2. Chiang Mai
Location: Mountainous northern Thailand
Ideal person: yoga lovers, long term nomads, solo travelers
Most popular things to do: ancient temples, cute cafes, country tours, elephants
Pros:
affordable condos, nice neighborhoods
mountainous landscapes, great for hiking
nice weather
more things to do
Cons:
public transport
can get too busy during peak season
prices are on the rise
Price per month: $850-$1,500
3. Pattaya
Location: Thailand’s eastern Gulf coast known for its beaches
Ideal person: young travelers who love fun and adventure
Most popular things to do: Big Buddha temple, resorts, high rise condos, quiet beaches, waterparks, malls, caberat bars, museums, huge gardens
Pros:
walking distance to most of the city’s main attractions
close to Bangkok
expanding infrastructure and public transport
Cons:
high prostitution
very hot weather all year
crowded during peak season
Prices per month: $900-$1,900
4. Phuket
Location: rain forested, mountainous island in the Andaman Sea
Ideal person: couples, nomads
Most popular things to do: beaches, resorts, nightlife, markets, spas resorts, Big Buddha, scuba diving
Pros:
romantic scenic views
very safe
not as crowded
more English speakers
Cons:
limited public transport
scammers, police corruption
loud bugs called Cicadas
Price per month: $1,000 - 2,000
5. Bangkok
Location: Thailand’s capital, modern and cosmopolitan city
Ideal person: young, party lovers, solo travelers, group travel
Most popular things to do: skyscrapers, grand temples and palaces luxury hotels, clubs, top restaurants
Pros:
many primal locations to live
good healthcare, quality of life
advanced transport system
a lot of $ business opportunities
Cons:
traffic
pollution
crowds
Price per month: $1,200- $2,500
Please comment down below if you have any questions!
Until the next trip, adios! <3
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