The cost of living in Bangkok, Thailand has certainly risen in recent years. Once famous being one of the cheapest cities in the world, it’s now one of the most luxurious spots in Asia,where the rich come to splash their cash. But what’s it actually like like living in the Big Mango?

Our Thailand coordinator, Josh, has lived in Thailand for almost three years now. He’s used his knowledge of hundreds of visits to Bangkok, info from our teachers in the city, and Numbeo to piece together this blog.

It’s the second in a series where we explore how much it actually costs to live in the places where our teaching placements are. Our goal is to show you how affordable the rest of the world can be, because £7 pints and £150 energy bills aren’t normal.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the list!

Food and Drinks

  • Thai meal at local restaurant – £1.60
  • Meal for two at mid-range restaurant (no drinks) – £18.40
  • Big bottle of Thai beer at bar – £2.75
  • Iced coffee – £1.80
  • Bottle of water – 20p
  • 10 eggs (market) – £1.40
  • 1kg oranges (market) – £1.20

Transport

  • Bus journey – 18p
  • Metro journey – £1.15

Sports and Leisure

  • Monthly gym membership – £34.50
  • Cinema ticket – £5.70
  • 1-hour massage – £8.00
  • Haircut (men) – £3.45
  • Haircut (women) – £9.20

Rent and Bills

  • Monthly rent (half of a 2-bedroom apartment) – £172.80
  • Monthly energy bill – £23.00
  • Monthly water bill – £4.70
  • Monthly Wi-Fi – £9.20
  • Monthly mobile data – £11.50

Of course, we can’t guarantee that these prices are completely accurate. Exchange rates fluctuate and there’s a wide range of options when buying everything from fruit to phone contracts. But our estimates are as close to reality as possible.

As a teacher in Bangkok, you would earn more than £1,000 a month. So without keeping an eagle eye on budgeting, you’ll be able to enjoy a great quality of life that involves eating out and plenty of activities.

You’ll be more than comfortable, but maybe not rich. Yet teaching in Thailand isn’t all about the money. It’s about the experience, the connections, and the memories. It gives you time to breathe and plan what’s next. Or you might just fall in love and stay forever.

Whatever you choose, Impact Teaching is here to help. And if you’re someone who’s drawn to Thailand, but are pulled towards the beauty of the countryside, why not check out our Chiang Rai program?