How Much Does It Really Cost? A Middle Aged Expat's Budget in Thailand Revealed!

[@brandonpartee8277]

It is good to see someone living with a higher budget. I am tired of seeing the people saying I live on $2 a month while eating a tree leaf and drinking water… 😂

[@raymondnugent535]

great video, as you and everyone else says, a bit more realistic than 'Thailand on $1,000 a month". A few things I would have to add such as for (a) health insurances, (b) furnishing and appliances replacements, (c) memberships and equipment such as for gym, (d) gifts and donations, (e) vehicle maintenance, (f) misc. admin costs such as for agents, tax, visas, etc.

[@eurofitz2607]

Great break down mate.. Finally someone with a budget for people who have a bit behind them.. Not rich by any means, but not looking to scrounge, scrimp and save everywhere. Loved it, of course would swap some cost areas, and reduce/increase others due to being single.. But Ive always thought about 100000 baht plus accom (either own or rent) is about the monthly goal to work to (plus any vacations or trips)

[@RamzeTravels]

Perfect! 👌

[@Kevin-lo1le]

Brilliant, everything there , another Gem 💎 ☘️👌

[@gillmor2386]

You live like a millionaire in Thailand. As a German engineer, I only earn $3,500 a month and could never afford such a luxurious life in expensive Thailand.

[@RingoSG]

Same. Housing + food + transportation already eat up half your salary.

[@thanaang1455]

3,500USD in Germany, how can you buy own home? Is this for new graduate?

[@livingworkingoutsidebox]

For $3500 you can still live very well there and have money left over. How could you live the most luxurious life on your budget you have? Mindset is 90% my friend 😊

[@gillmor2386]

@@thanaang1455 I am 56 years old and have been working as an engineer in Germany for 31 years. After deducting taxes and social benefits, I have around $3,500 left to live on. In Germany, wages have hardly increased in the last 20 years. Prices for houses have doubled in 10 years. If I hadn't bought a house 14 years ago, it would be impossible today. The German middle class is becoming impoverished - just like everywhere else in the world. Soon there will only be super rich people - and poor people who work for the super rich.

[@RingoSG]

@@thanaang1455 in Europe, we are paid way less than our US counterpart

[@traceydemeo9654]

I loved this video- it was extremely informative and to the point. I will be exploring Thailand in Feb for a few weeks and depending on the experience- will absolutely consider it as a part time retirement living destination. Secondly, Any chance that your wife could do a video with you based on where she likes to shop and have her woman treatments done- like spa- hair- nails???

[@RamzeTravels]

She would love to but her English is very limited. Want the video in Spanish? LOL

[@Roof_Pizza]

I recall an interview with Shaquille O'Neal, he was talking about living in his very big (tho smaller than you might think) home in Florida, he commented how even tho he had a huge house he pretty much stayed in either the kitchen or his bedroom and otherwise didn't even go into the rest of the house.

[@jimmyellis7951]

He has a penthouse condo in Mexico City that is one bedroom that he prefers and he's there at least once a month lol.

[@gregoryrobison6052]

Hi, I really enjoy your videos. You are real, transparent, and interesting. I resonate with and respect your pragmatic logic. Was going to mention the health insurance/ medical dental line then saw your response in another comment. Thank you, sending blessings your way.

[@thomaskelly6472]

Good job! Good information!

[@mrbbkk]

I have spent 7000 in Tokyo without matching your lifestyle. Your life is great Love the new house.

[@RamzeTravels]

Thank you

[@pgwarth]

Another great video. Love your delivery - no nonsense approach since it's just your opinion, right? I dived into every comment so far to see what if anyone would say about health insurance costs which you skipped over. I would suggest next time you mention why you don't include it due to the wildly different rates based on age and health. But on a serious note, would you share the real cost for you and your wife. You guys are both so young! Anyway, love the channel. Keep it going.

[@RamzeTravels]

At 40 and 50 years of age respectively, I got a 1.2 million baht Thai policy that was outpatient only for 50K Baht for the year. Totally not worth it for us since we are pretty healthy and I can easily afford to self insure that amount. Cigna global seems to want $250 a month for a worldwide $1 million policy which would be better.

[@pgwarth]

@@RamzeTravels Thank you for the quick and honest reply. Everyone's situation is different when it comes to health care. Age, citizenship, pre-existing conditions, the list goes on and on. But since I'm over 65 and qualify and pay for US Medicare as well as have access to Australia's so-called "free" healthcare as a dual citizen, I'd be looking for catastrophic emergency coverage in Thailand then if anything serious like cancer showed up, hightail it back to one of my countries for treatments. But your take on cost of living is still very informative. Those $1K a month backpacker YT videos are a waste of time for me.

[@Bill82759]

We spend about $5000-6000 a month in Hua Hin which is only about half my monthly income. Can’t really spend more than that if I try. We actually own 2 pool villas here. My wife of 16 years is Thai-American so I own the actual house and we have a Thai corp which owns the land 51/49%. We live in one and rent the other out for 65k bt per month. We own a few more back in the States we also rent out and keep a second residence on the beach in Florida. So we have no rent and no debt. We live a pretty great lifestyle on that here and travel often. We don’t really want for anything. I don’t own a car as I hate to drive but I hire a full time personal driver which is far safer here. She also serves as our part time nanny for our infant child. It’s nice to see a channel where living on the cheap isn’t the focus. There are actually people retired here with money. I’m a retired attorney who retired at 50 15 years ago. Many retired professionals in our neighborhood which is a very high end area even by US standards. We came here so my wife could be closer to her family after living in the States for many years. Going on 4 years and I like it here. We want to bring our daughter up here who is both a Thai and American citizen because the values seem more in line with ours here than in the U.S. these days.

[@tingtongfarang]

Sounds like you have a great lifestyle and are happy. That seems to me to be the most important thing. Budgets are obviously going to vary for everyone but yours seems perfect for you guys👍👍

[@Keep_Calm_and_Carey_On]

5k ish is my US budget. Due to financial idiocy I will need to trim it down by half ish for retirement. One of the reason's for looking to Thailand.

[@MichaelLowery-u3i]

You have the lifestyle that I desire, but I’m single, I don’t drink, or do a lot of dumb stuff. I think I can do this for under $4000 and enjoy a similar lifestyle. I love your channel. I am asking you for advice on anything you choose to talk about so now you need a new closing statement.🤣👍🏽👑

[@RamzeTravels]

By yourself, $4000 would be a very similar lifestyle. I know a few guys here that live on that amount.

[@digitalmarketer9141]

I ran a pool business, and the pool can get out of control if they come by once a week. Out of control, like chlorine is gone and algae starts to grow. If you a have "floaty" tab dispenser in your pool, take it out now! The tabs are 1/2 chlorine and 1/2 conditioner, and the conditioner lasts a long time, while the chlorine may only last a day to a week. If it's over-conditioned, the chlorine will stop working.

[@ErezBorowsky]

We smile when people call Thailand a "third world country". Their home is "first world", yet they pay more and get less and spend months waiting for health care. The saying "no brain, no headache" or "ignorance is bliss" fits here.

[@all4fitz]

Whoaaa... From your other videos I just didn't imagine you to be one to shovel money out the door so quickly...haha. I spend a little bit more than that monthly in the US but I'm looking forward to cutting that expense at least in half in South Asia. Thanks for all the details!

[@RamzeTravels]

This is me cutting my spending in half :)

[@christopherdillon8777]

First things first, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ video!!!! Love this real numbers for like you’ve said a very unrepresented segment of the expat population - the non backpacker cheap charlie’s 😁 We’re going to be almost identical to you with 4 cats and a serious golf habit. Thanks for sharing I really appreciate your content🙏🍻🍻

[@bills.1737]

Great video like always. Being 64 and single with a 3500 U.S. budget I feel like I could live a very nice life when I move there next year (hopefully)

[@RamzeTravels]

Right on!

[@livingworkingoutsidebox]

$5k to 6k for the way you are living is very good. 💪 Thanks for sharing 👍

[@RamzeTravels]

Thank you 🙏

[@samkeino6810]

I thought you met your wife in Cuba. How did she pick up such an extravagant lifestyle!

[@WAWZDAT]

Thanks for summary. I could easily afford that, but if I did half that, I would still be living twice as well as I am now in the states. I don't need much.

[@mrdoodle8748]

That is around $100k/year Australian which seems a lot for Thailand. A comfortable life for a couple in Australia is deemed to be around $65k/year, albeit without all the trimmings that you have incorporated into your lifestyle.

[@RamzeTravels]

Yeah we could live on this amount in most western countries but not have 10 massages, a full time dog caretaker, and 100% of food eaten out or delivered. It’s the luxuries and extras that make it extra amazing.

[@timjoygray]

Happy 1st birthday Coco!!! Cutie pie!

[@RamzeTravels]

🙏

[@binyam11]

Can u do a video on different Thai foods u like with pics and price

[@MrH2O1984]

I have a passive income of $4k a month but I am hoping I can keep my budget between 2.5-3k. I will also need to budge for cigars too.

[@MrH2O1984]

@ thanks for all that info I really appreciate it

[@b4bmm]

@@ShadyD365 Why do you live on $800 a month if you earn $9k a month?

[@b4bmm]

@@ShadyD365 The numbers just don't stack up. Great you've bought the big ticket items and don't want to have too much clutter, who does in such a tiny condo. Let's say you only spend $20 on electricity and water that leaves you with 10,000 baht for the month. Thats 330 baht a day. If you're eating 2/3 thai meals a day at home or outside that will cover very basic food needs but it leaves nothing else. Whats your visa costs, health/dental costs, phone/internet/tv/books costs, groceries/toiletries, do you ever buy a phone or laptop, have a bike or car, maybe take the BTS or grab to go for a walk in the park, a coffee and a croissant, perhaps a gym membership or a trip to Khao Yai for a few nights, your GF doesn't like a nice meal or go for a few drinks every now and then, maybe a trip to the movies with some popcorn. It doesn't matter what way you cut it The figures dont work. You cant not include medical/travel or dining out with your gf from your budget or coffees etc. Most people would also have those expenses. You're being disingenuous. Your american and your saying you never buy a burger in Thailand? A Prime burger delivered is about 500 baht for one person.

[@tmad1]

I'm moving over in March just me no pets. I have a 3.5k+ a month budget. I want a nice place pool the works. Not quite middle aged anymore but close. Moving to Koh Samui to start and see where I go from there. Can't wait. Not looking for a wife or gf looking to travel. Making Thailand my home base.

[@RamzeTravels]

Sounds like a solid plan!

[@asheb3893]

Useful details again Ramze. Tesla insurance is interesting. How does that compare with USA?

[@RamzeTravels]

Very similar to what I paid in Vegas for my Tesla.

[@b4bmm]

Great breakdown and that budget is very comfortable living in Thailand for sure. It bugs me too all these people "live like a king for $x. Hey bro you aint living here like a king with $10k let alone $2k. You will spend 200k on a property to be in the realm of living like a king here, at least in Phuket anyway. Put a nice BM or Merc on the drive and you can add another 100k a month to your budget. There's you $10k gone before you do anything. After doing some searching online recently I can say That house really is a good deal. You don't get much in Phuket for 55k these days. Whats your plan for when that lease expires no doubt you have been seeing how the market is currently?

[@RamzeTravels]

In debating whether we stay in it or not. I have a great relationship with the owner so I guess it’s up to us if we want to stay or try another part of Thailand.

[@b4bmm]

@@RamzeTravels That financial and location Freedom is what it's all about!! Ideal

[@t.q.6639]

You said you and your wife don’t cook, so how many times a day do you go out to eat or bring food back home? Also how often do you have food deliver? Curious because we also don’t want to cook, and more options with homes away from town. Do you feel it’s a chore to leave your house, and drive to eat often?

[@RamzeTravels]

We usually eat 1-2 meals a day. In the beginning we would have food delivered 80% of the time and go out for the other 20%. These days it’s the reverse. We enjoy going out and finding new restaurants and killing a few hours doing it. That said, I have a car and we live in an area without a lot of traffic.

[@stevejones4010]

Enjoy your money and life. Wish you all the best 👍

[@apoloestrada2908]

Thanks for the video, if I have to retire in Thailand in my early 50's now, I need to have at least $3K or B100K of monthly pension plus $100K of extra savings for emergency. That won't happen until late 2025 or early 2026 to be living in Thailand for good.

[@mathewhunt81]

Hey brother, great video. May I ask, how much did you pay for your Tesla there? Thanks !

[@RamzeTravels]

2 million baht

[@mathewhunt81]

@@RamzeTravels Thanks, brother.

[@robertnutt7861]

Thanks for the video. After seeing your videos, being a single man, I think I will probably be able to live comfortably off of half your monthly, probably add another $500 just because. Looks like I will still be able to save a lot. Look forward to meeting you and your wife in May’ish.

[@RamzeTravels]

You can do it!

[@robertnutt7861]

@ no, I will do it.

[@artwha0]

Great video. Where in Thailand do you live? Sorry if this is answered elsewhere

[@RamzeTravels]

Half hour out of Pattaya.

[@JohnMarkwick-t3v]

Own condo then long term bills fall … it’s not what you spend it’s what you earn passive…. Live off investment and keep money going up , if you earn more then you spend the dream goes forever

[@johnmellyn2700]

You can’t put a price on how friendly the local people are here in Thailand , I come to Thailand every year for three months and when I get back to the states it doesn’t take but half a day until I run into grumpy arrogant unhappy people ….lol . I’m here now and when I get home the end of February all I do is watch KZbin videos and think about returning to Thailand for the next 9 months

[@thanaang1455]

Tesla is pricey here 1.8 million THB with high insurance price as well.

[@RamzeTravels]

It’s similar to the price in the states although no tax credit here. Insurance is the same as well. Gas costs more here than the states so it may be cheaper long term.

[@MosheMasha]

I thought u were leaving thailand....its ok..everyone says they are leaving but they never do haha..lovely video..thanks

[@RamzeTravels]

I did leave for a month to see family and vacation 😜

[@doidoi5762]

Thank you. What brand of Cigar from U.S ?would be good to see a video of outside of your house, neieghbourhood,what is a fancymassage to you?nice restaurant?, Without a visual its not possible to get a frame of reference.

[@RamzeTravels]

I smoke 99% Cuban cigars so they don't come from the States. Look back at previous videos. I did a house tour that shows whole house and outside, I did a Lake Maprachan video that shows neighborhood and I have done a few restaurant videos.

[@johnrencher442]

Excellent information, for what you cost out it would be doubled in Miami, New York, LA…. Thanks

[@willieshoemaker8680]

I like the video thanks… I live in Pattaya with my girl between $3500 and $4000… with not a lot of extras like Lazada or Amazon delivery… lol.. if I go crazy online add $500-$1000

[@RamzeTravels]

I like honest budgets like yours! Welcome aboard 🫡

[@mancello]

How do you actually pay these expenses out to the recipients? Do you have some kind of automated bill pay service from your Thai bank account or do you have to pay some of them in cash on a monthly basis?

[@mancello]

@ShadyD365 I'm aware of the QR code payment system. I prefer an automated payment system where once I set it up I don't need to remember to do anything.

[@mancello]

@@ShadyD365 Thanks .

[@louis20122]

For me as a single person, probably around $2,000 USD a month is plenty to live comfortably. I don't need a house (condo is okay), no maid service, no cigar, no dogs, no pool.

[@RamzeTravels]

That would be minimum I would recommend. Sometimes single guys have many expenses I don’t have. 😉

[@colinshurey976]

​@@RamzeTravels and that cost can run away from you pretty Coming from some one who enjoys company now and again And worth every $$

[@lancemided3251]

@louis 20122 If you are over 50 or have any health issues you will need about 50% more than your 2 k USD budget as a reserve to self insure.

[@roberth7894]

What about medical/dental expenses? As you said, you don't really need a 6br/6bath house, I'm sure that number could be reduced.

[@RamzeTravels]

I’ve stopped mentioning medical insurance because it varies wildly person to person based on age, coverage and if they can even get it here with preexisting conditions. It’s like guessing how long a piece of string is.

[@s.trajanoski7101]

Based on what you spend, i believe $3500 is my number. But you guys are living very good lives. I am also leaving the USA, but not for Thailand. The cost would be similar, so i get good info from you.

[@stinkypennies]

Do you mind if i ask how much you paid for your Tes;a?

[@RamzeTravels]

2 million baht

[@chrishammond7079]

For me, I prefer value for money and to work to a senable budget and to integrate and embrace true realistic thai culture and live like a normal thai on average income this way you truly appreciate the realites of life here, so a Western budget here in Thailand ,is a,privilege life style nothing, wrong with that if that is what you want, Personally, I chose not to waste money on an extravagant way of life here We are all different

[@RamzeTravels]

One man’s waste is another man’s comfort. This is why we are all unique and special.

[@andrewfrechtman6536]

What would you recommend as the minimum budget to launch a move from the US to either Thailand or Cambodia? ( Not so much the living budget monthly budget, but more start-up and getting settled in costs)

[@RamzeTravels]

It’s impossible to estimate the cost of transportation, healthcare, and furnishing without knowing the number of people, their ages, and your budget. My advice is to add up the costs of all three categories, plus initial travel expenses and one year’s worth of your budget as an emergency fund.

[@NigelPalmer-cv2fv]

I wish I had about 2/3 of your budget, unfortunately I got to wait about 2 years for that with my pensions coming up! When I do I will be right there! See you then!

[@hondainsight421]

What do you think insurance would be in a $4000 car ? As much as I like a Tesla I think I can get by wit a used Mazda

[@RamzeTravels]

It would probably be a third of my cost and possible less if you didn’t want full coverage.

[@martin3399]

Why 6 bedrooms though? I wouldn`t know what to do with the space.

[@RamzeTravels]

We currently have every one full 😂 We have a lot of out of country guests we love to host.

[@martin3399]

@@RamzeTravels Ah, I see. Makes sense.

[@JosephStransky-qw7zv]

Cost of living is so much based on your lifestyle....

[@nealsmith1083]

Thailand vs Columbia?? Pros and cons??

[@RamzeTravels]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3O7oaBoi916mJY

[@p.c.h.6721]

What's the name of that neighborhood?

[@RamzeTravels]

Lake Maprachan

[@mattlawrence7130]

You are living a very suburban lifestyle which is exactly what I am trying to get away from. You are also young and married which strongly influences your choices. One thing I want to find that you didn't mention is a gym and trainer, I'm looking for one that meets my preferences. It's a good video that helps me define my priorities.

[@RamzeTravels]

That’s for the young comment 🙏 Gyms average $20-$100 a month in Thailand and trainers can be had for $10-$20 an hour.

[@mattlawrence7130]

@@RamzeTravels I know, I went to a few when I was there over the summer. I'm just grouchy because I can't find one that is a good match for what I am looking for. Thais seem to be in love with machines and don't really like free weights.

[@Walk-retirement-travel]

Taking a foreign country trip and trying to fill it with going everywhere honestly is a big mistake. For trips under 30 days Just pick one place and enjoy that city. If you pick Bangkok you won’t even see it all. If you pick Pattaya you will see a great deal of it. Both might cost you the same. Trying to see it all just isn’t realistic and in my opinion your trip is going to be extremely tiring

[@RamzeTravels]

Agreed

[@noklekpui]

I don't spend 70000 baht to live a nice lifestyle in an expensive Western country, I have a nice 2024 car,good health insurance and go on multiple vacations. I have stayed in Thailand multiple times for more than a month and I know that 70k baht is more than enough. 99% of people move to Thailand to save money and not completely overspend

[@RamzeTravels]

I respect and appreciate other people’s choices and lifestyles but it isn’t mine. My home and its related expenses costs me 70K a month. I would only live half way around the world from my native country if I could live way better.

[@dimplypaprika7693]

But wait -- i thought i could live like a king for $1000/mo in Thailand????😢

[@lannyjr1042]

$1k is more than enough if you live modest life. And no girls😂

[@dimplypaprika7693]

​@@lannyjr1042 I don't necessarily want a 'modest' life. I want a life similar to what i have now in San Francisco. It can be a bit more modest, but i didn't work my whole life too live in poverty. I want it to be rewarding.

[@colinshurey976]

You can live for $1000 a month But if you can afford more you will enjoy more