How Much Does it Cost Living with a Girlfriend in Pattaya, Thailand? 🇹🇭

[@justincruz8352]

Haven’t been watching KZbin much lately. Haven’t seen you in a few months. Damn dude you’re looking good. You definitely lost weight also the mustache looks good. You look about 6 years younger. Keep up the good work man. Thanks for the videos!!!!

[@peteonretreat2023]

Thank you so much for the comment and compliment. There probably a few fun videos you’ve missed.

[@DROIDZ_YouTube]

Thanks for the cost breakdown Pete! It is always nice to watch videos like this one with realistic expectations on what someone might spend as opposed to the generic "live here for less than 1k a month" videos that flood KZbin to get more views. I hope your 2024 is even better than your 2023, finish strong.

[@peteonretreat2023]

Thank you 🙏🏼 I just have to keep it real on here. Many people spend a lot less on rent but more on food or entertainment. I feel like $2k can provide a very cushy and comfortable life here.

[@roygoad2870]

Great vlog, your expenses are very similar to mine, especially as I also live in Pratanmak and have a Thai girlfriend. Been here for nearly 5 years. My rent is a lot cheaper than yours as I live in an older building, which I like, it’s a big 50sgm condo with a large balcony. It’s comfortable and quiet. My girlfriend is a masseur, which is a godsend. You never got a motorbike, I find it essential, also have a small car. Now renovating my girlfriend’s house out in Chonburi about one hour away. It’s a very Thai area, no foreigners. I could live there for zero rent and cheaper lifestyle, but I would miss my fun social/sports life in Pattaya. It could happen in the future when I’am 80 years old lol.

[@PloyandJayinThailand]

Kieng Talay condo?

[@peteonretreat2023]

I think most expats have cheaper rent than me lol. I think many spend more on entertainment and a lot of my friends spend a lot more on food… even the single ones. It’s why I feel 70k-80k baht is a good realistic number for most people. Yup, moving out of the city when I get older is definitely a consideration. It’s not the life I’m looking for now though.

[@eddiejohnson4434]

I retired in 2020, I’m living in Bangkok now. You can spend considerably less than $2k monthly and live much better than in the states. But it’s good you included categories most of us don’t consider as necessities to show that even with frivolous spending it can be done for around $2k.

[@peteonretreat2023]

The quality of life for the price comparison is undeniable. I know many people that spend about the same overall budget same but with big differences in the individual categories.

[@MichaelRichard-o9r]

14 years in Tokyo spent about 6000 usd I paid 4000 wife paid 2000 so I saved about 1/3. Many women in America Europe Japan Singapore S Korea and other countries make significant amounts of money and pay 20 to 40% of the bills. My wife also checks my spending as I tend to be more extravagant than her. When we go on vacation Often she buys the plane tickets and I pay for everything else. I give no money to members of her family. They dont need it. They are 10x as rich as us. Wives are not all financial liabilities.

[@PaulMartin-ut9lj]

Love your vlogs Pete. Keep on living your best life and be happy 😁.

[@peteonretreat2023]

Thank you very much 🙏🏼

[@AmericanPieInThailand]

Hey Pete! Looking good! I fall somewhere in that budget too. My budget is around 90K a month, (which just went down due to the Interest rate cut in my savings account back in the States), but it still leaves me enough to live comfortably here in Wongamat Beach. It definitely cost more to have a GF but the benefits are nice too. I loved the single life the first year but it got to be too lonely. Been with Oil for 9 months now. She works a regular job as well. I dont support her family as they seem to be doing pretty good already. Guess I am lucky! I have bought gold rings a couple times as Thais love their gold! And I bought her a Samsung 24 and a smartwatch. She was over the moon as she never had a new phone. It makes me happy to help her out and she has helped me alot too, especially with knowing English so well. Seems you and you have had similar paths, but I think most of us ex-pats eventually settle in with someone! I haven't done much with my YT channel! I follow some streamers here on Kick. Enjoyed the video!

[@peteonretreat2023]

Good to hear you’re doing well on the north side! I do help with Koi’s family but luckily she doesn’t like gold 😂 I knew I’d settle down but I didn’t think it would be this soon.

[@AmericanPieInThailand]

@@peteonretreat2023 all Thai like gold! lol I dont give her family any money. I appreciate Oil's company and help she gives me in many ways so buying her a gold ring, an iPhone, getting her nails done I enjoy. But she knows my limits and doesnt abuse me too much! I didnt expect to settle either but playing the ST game got old fast!

[@gilbertlloyd8691]

Wow! Thats what I want. Unfortunately I'm in pattaya and most these women only want money.

[@hog561]

Great information 👍👍

[@peteonretreat2023]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@TheKnowledgeispower2]

Love it bro! Hope your living your best life. I am strongly considering moving over there as well and these video's help me alot. Thank you for the content!

[@peteonretreat2023]

I have met a lot of people who said they moved here partly because of my videos. It’s not for everyone but it’s definitely for me.

[@youngrounder7967]

Excellent breakdown Pete, thank you for sharing so much of your amazing life with us. I'm sure someone is watching/going to watch this video and be like I'm moving to Thailand a little over 2K a month with the lifestyle compared to people paying damn near 2K in rent. No brainer people, Thailand is where You want to be.

[@peteonretreat2023]

Right? It’s a little weird being so open about my personal life and money on here but I want to be real about everything so people can make informed decisions about moving to Thailand or not.

[@kevinp8108]

Providing financial support for your Thai girlfriend's family is something foreigners must consider when dating a Thai. Unlike dating in the West, your Thai girlfriend's financial issues become your issue when you're in a committed relationship.

[@peteonretreat2023]

Yup and I wanted to be transparent about that. Some people can’t fathom that or refuse to do it which is fine too. I have no issue with it because I trust Koi and it’s not a lot.

[@MagaMonkeysMovetoRussia]

That’s why she must work part time to fill her needs.

[@robertroll726]

Yes, the way it should be. It’s not a lot to us and it is a lot for them. They do appreciate it. It does show real commitment to the relationship.

[@nomadinthemaking]

I don’t understand why the guy feels he should give the family something. If he wants to that’s fine but he doesn’t owe them anything. My wife is Filipino she doesn’t expect it. I buy her daughter who is at university the odd gift her mum a birthday present. My wife’s even told me off for spoiling her daughter!

[@peteonretreat2023]

@@nomadinthemaking because I asked her not to work. I took over the aid she gave her family.

[@peterandretta8328]

Great breakdown of monthly expenses. I just purchased a plane ticket today for a return trip to Thailand for next March so keep a lookout. I’ll be contacting you in 2025 and trying for a second attempt to meet you in person to buy you that beer.

[@peteonretreat2023]

Sounds good! We definitely got to hook up this time 😆

[@mangostickyrice555]

Thumbs up 👍 Pete

[@peteonretreat2023]

Thank you 🙏🏼 MSR

[@pauljacobs4302]

Like the video- very informative.

[@peteonretreat2023]

Thank you. I’m happy if anyone finds it helpful.

[@WalkingmanPattaya]

Your photos together with Koy are priceless. Memories together are priceless. Those are the things remembered, not the money you spend. Great breakdown. You obviously are a smart investor or whatever as I am living on a pittance from Social security of around 50k a month depending on exchange rate. BTW, Looking good, mustached you remind me of some famous artist/performer, cant think of who, but not David Crosby 555 Peace and Love Y'all

[@peteonretreat2023]

During the pandemic, my father didn’t get his hair cut for over a year. Now he he has long hair and when he shaves he looks just like David Crosby lol I wish we took more pictures or at least more pictures of us. We take a lot of pics of what we see around us. One of the reasons I keep doing this channel is that it’s going to serve as a great video scrapbook for me later in life. I worked hard and I got lucky. My house tripled in value and that’s what I’m living off of now. At 60 I’ll get my retirement (after 25 years at Trader Joe’s, it’s looking pretty good) and then my SS added at 62. I’m very fortunate.

[@scottw7098]

Excellent Pete 👍

[@peteonretreat2023]

Than you Scott 🙏🏼

[@PloyandJayinThailand]

Interesting video. Thanks for sharing. I’m too lazy to calculate my numbers 😂 - Jay

[@peteonretreat2023]

Haha you’re welcome krab 🙏🏼 I started tracking it out of curiosity and to make sure I stay within budget. Not I track it all meticulously for those reasons but also for making content.

[@ronaldelm4852]

Hello Pete. Just watched your video a lot of great info. I have two questions if you have the time. First what kind of work does your girlfriend do ? Second if your girlfriend owned a condo why not live there then no rent expense? Thanks

[@peteonretreat2023]

Great questions and welcome to the channel. I hope you’ll look at some of my other videos while you’re here. Now, let’s get to those questions. Koi worked most of her life in factory and clerical jobs for big corporations like Mattel and Toyota but she left Bangkok and a bad relationship there about a year ago. She moved to Pattaya and started working in a local restaurant/bar. That’s where I met her. Now, she has started a private taxi business and drives for Bolt. There’s a few reasons why we didn’t move into her condo. Firstly, it’s in Bangkok and I do not want to live there. It’s just too big a city for my peace and happiness. Secondly, it was in both her and her ex’s names. Lastly, It wasn’t fully paid off (or even close to it) so it wouldn’t have been a free place to live. We could’ve possibly bought her ex out but we are keeping most of our money separate at this point in our relationship. She also just wanted out of it and preferred having the money for her new car and to have some liquid savings in the bank for family emergencies.

[@billybobfalang]

9k is low , and fair. Helping someone’s family that you love or care about is always good . In one way or another we always need to financially support one another . Your budget $2300 is frugal to me I hope I can stay that low . Moving 2025 as soon as my surgeries are done .

[@peteonretreat2023]

Yes, 9k is low. Koi is the youngest of 4 sisters so she doesn’t have to help her parents as much as many others do. I think her oldest sister takes care of the big stuff on her own. She bought the parents a new tractor a couple years ago. We haven’t talked about what happens after her son graduates from university either. Maybe we’ll just put that money into a savings account for the family. Have money set aside for emergencies or just big life upgrades. I have to say my budget is much higher than $2.3k. I have a 10 year budget from selling my house (after that my retirement becomes available and then social security kicks in). I’m about to start my 3rd year here and by living under budget, I have a decent little cushion now. I’m starting to be less frugal because of it but I’m also saving up to visit the states next year and to start taking trips to Europe. Speaking of being less frugal… I’ve invested 50k baht into moving into our new condo and I’m getting ready to spend more. Buying a washing machine and a 65” tv next 😂

[@peterandretta8328]

When’s the new apartment tour? You mentioned it in the earlier video where you were looking at the nine different condos that you were going to do a new apartment tour within a week. Am I missing it?

[@peteonretreat2023]

It’s on my list but maybe 2-3 weeks out. I’m waiting to get everything settled in. Just got out washing machine last week and Buddha shrine this week. My next video will be my old condo and then I have some ideas to follow that one up with.

[@Rexx1356]

Hey Pete- Did you ever make the video on your current place that you’re leaving? I’m a 66 yo fitness instructor from the US, moving to Pattaya, prefer Pratumnak area and budget around 15-18k/mo. Any specific agent you recommend. I also have made a relationship with a Thai lady so she will probably live with me, looking for 1BR. Anything you can direct me to would be appreciated. Thanks!

[@peteonretreat2023]

I’m working on the condo tour for my last place and think it’ll be out next weekend (about a month late lol) The thing with agents is they all have different rooms from each other. My agent (Pui at myPattayaCondos) was great for us and not a bad place to start. If one agent doesn’t have anything for you, then just try the next. I think the agents that have actual offices are better though. You should have no problem finding a 1 bedroom in that range in Pattaya, Jomtien, or Naklua.

[@jeffnichols5841]

Well done. Keep living the dream.

[@peteonretreat2023]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@Heathrow75]

Love the mo 👍

[@peteonretreat2023]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@Clintmel8899]

Pete is it me or are you looking younger these days? Thanks for the info bro

[@peteonretreat2023]

That’s funny because I feel like the mustache makes me look older 😂

[@JeffTnSD]

No doubt about it, your girlfriend is a lucky woman.

[@peteonretreat2023]

We both feel lucky 😊 but yeah, she’s got it pretty good now 😆

[@MickeSuspicious]

So cooking at home didn't bring up the electric bill?

[@peteonretreat2023]

It’s been pretty consistent before and after. It became less a year ago when I moved to north side of a building causing my air con to be used a lot less. A year ago, it was ranging 2k-3.2k a month but the last year it’s ranged more like 1.6k-2.8k. I just have it in my bills listed at 2.5k and don’t track it as meticulously as everything else. All of my other bills are pretty much set so I leave the category as a set cost.

[@regnorse]

no phone bills??

[@peteonretreat2023]

It’s included in “bills.” Health insurance, storage space back home, my phone, streaming services, internet, water and electricity.

[@louis20122]

Compared to the U.S. , how much do you think you will spend?

[@peteonretreat2023]

My mortgage in the states is the same as my entire month’s budget out here 😂 I was bringing home over $5k usd a month in the states and spending most of it so I’m living off less than half my US budget here.

[@peteonretreat2023]

My mortgage in the states is the same as my entire month’s budget out here 😂 I was bringing home over $5k usd a month in the states and spending most of it so I’m living off less than half my US budget here.

[@betweendrinks8885]

I am ten years in married her family are on 6000 baht but her brother also gives 5000 so it’s about right

[@peteonretreat2023]

I know a few women that get “salary” from their boyfriends. Anywhere from 5000-30000 and I know of one that was getting 70000 from a boyfriend who wasn’t even in the country 😳

[@sverre371]

What about your taxes?

[@peteonretreat2023]

I haven’t had to pay any and I’m not expecting to for at least the next 9 years. My money has already been taxed and the US has a double taxation treaty with Thailand.

[@sverre371]

@@peteonretreat2023 Ok, I guess tax treaties are different from country to country.

[@kevo8498]

What type of Visa did you choose to stay there long term?

[@peteonretreat2023]

@@kevo8498 I got a retirement visa and now I’ve renewed it for a second year. If the DTV was available last year I might’ve gone with that but it wasn’t an option yet.

[@kevo8498]

@@peteonretreat2023 Just renewed my O visa myself....If all the taxing scheme starts that DTV may be a good alternative..

[@gene1178]

I am planning to spend between 50,000 - 65,000 bhat per month and will be receiving 90,000 bhat per month in social security.

[@peteonretreat2023]

Plenty of people live happily on that budget or less.

[@PATThaiA]

Likedนะ

[@peteonretreat2023]

Thank you krab 🙏🏼

[@mattbryan8535]

Be careful telling this story!!All tne Cheap Charlie's will be going out to find a gf to save money😂😅

[@peteonretreat2023]

Hahaha… I did try to make it clear that’s it’s really because of the lack of international traveling.

[@El1bladeball]

Pete has been living in thailand for 5min but please share how much it costs seen as your a subject matter expert now

[@peteonretreat2023]

People have different opinions and experiences. That’s ok. 🙏🏼

[@El1bladeball]

@@peteonretreat2023 always good to put a price on the women especially in Thailand. Good content keep it up.

[@timwalker2458]

Why are your visa costs so high ? You have the 800 thousand in the bank I assume. Why pay an agent. It's not hard and doesnt take much time to sort out. My other question is why are you renting a storage room in the USA ? At the start of your video's you start by saying you sold everything in America.

[@peteonretreat2023]

Good questions. I used an agent because it gives me peace of mind and I can afford it. I planned on using an agent for the first two years and then doing it myself afterwards. I sold nearly everything. I sold my house, car and most of my belongings including a large musical instrument collection, toy collections, the furnishings for a 5 bed room house and more. I kept a 5’x5’ storage unit that has some clothes, a box of kitchen stuff, some sentimental items, a guitar, a bunch of gaming stuff and a few collectables that I didn’t sell before running out of time. I’m leaning towards selling or giving away more of it when I visit next year and possibly shipping the rest out here. Part of the reason I kept some stuff was just in case I ever move back.

[@Chef_Boy_RD]

Man it pays to have a Thai girlfriend! Look out Thai ladies… here comes the Chef!

[@peteonretreat2023]

Bring the ravioli Boy RD!

[@Chef_Boy_RD]

@@peteonretreat2023 😆😆😆

[@silverarrow2558]

great video but lets face you did this as its the best way to increase views and income nothing wrong in that but it always amuses that people never say that lol

[@peteonretreat2023]

Views yes, income… hardly. I make about $40 a month from this channel 😆 True, I did do this because I thought it would get views. It follows the format of my most popular video. I also did it though because I honestly enjoy helping people figure out if moving here is a good idea for them. I’ve had over a dozen people who have moved here, meet me for a coffee, beer or a meal to thank me for helping them make the decision. That’s one of the big things that keeps me making videos. Also, these budget videos are incredibly easy for me to make. I have all the numbers already and filming in my condo makes editing easier because of the lack of noise.

[@williambartlett1054]

Don't travel internationally with your girlfriend whatsoever. You don't want to spoil her.

[@peteonretreat2023]

I want to spoil me. Ill be happier sharing these adventures with her.

[@MagaMonkeysMovetoRussia]

So some info. for everyone here. In the last month the US dollar has dropped in value against the Baht so For my rent of 23,000 Baht was $638 US per month at a rate of 36 Baht per Dollar it now is 33 meaning $697 per month So it is now $60.00 more and pass this on to everything you buy..

[@peteonretreat2023]

I have only bought baht when it’s up. I use a conversion rate of 35/1 for tracking but I have only bought between 36 and 38. I have enough to cover me well into next year.

[@MagaMonkeysMovetoRussia]

Your visa cost of $46 USD monthly is incorrect because your forgetting the $22,000 USD you had to put into a Thai bank account for your retirement visa and this is a loss of $100,00 USD very month from any bank high interest savings account in the USA So your Visa is actually costing you $143 to 149 every month….

[@peteonretreat2023]

You can see it that way but counting money that I’m or making isn’t a cost in my view. Then there’s the chance, considering I use an agent, I don’t have the money in the bank. There’s many ways to look at life and even more ways to live it.

[@michaelthegreat44]

Having lived and worked here in Bangkok for 13 years, I agree with most of your points, except the supporting her family. if you guys really want to see whether she likes you for you or you are wallet with a penis, say no.. if she doesn't care she is a good one, if she pouts and complains you are just a John

[@peteonretreat2023]

I have a choice. Let her work a full time job so she can provide for her family or help her not work by giving them 9k a month. When her son is done with university, it will drop to 3k a month just for her parents. She won't pout and complain if I say no money, she will just return to working fulltime and then we won't be able to travel like we do.