The $1000 Thailand Budget - Fact or Fiction?

In this video, I discuss the different motives that people have for living in Thailand, and why there is no "one-size" fits all answer to the cost of living question.
I discuss my previous journey on a low-cost budget, and I answer the question - how much money do you NEED to live in Thailand in 2024?
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[@BureaucracyWorld]

We live under $300/month for two of us in the south of Thailand. In a farm land of my wife homestead. We build our own house, grow our own vegetables, and catch our own fish. She is a good cook, so we rarely go out. We have hydroponic and vertical farms for vegetables, tilapia, and mud crabs. We go out fishing in the ocean once or twice a month for groupers and lobsters.

[@Roof_Pizza]

Who cares?

[@thebangkokguide]

That sounds awesome! Enjoy the relaxed life with nature. Cheers!

[@Rusty_Hill]

​@Roof_Pizza crap comments come from dark minds. People interested in moving and living in Thailand are interested in all aspects.And I found his comment very interesting

[@VagabondRob555]

Sounds Great.

[@Roof_Pizza]

@@Rusty_Hill Ah yeah. I'm gonna marry and then need to get into a family squabble about whether or not I can buy new shorts this year. LOLZ. Most insurance policies would take up half of what he claims to spend. Outliers and bullshitters need not apply. Not sure really if the local witch doctor is cheaper than antibiotics. Is he gonna run home to Mamma when he needs a hip replacement, are you?

[@Schrear]

I like this video a lot. Instead of shitting on a lower cost of living like other Ytbers, he had class in the way he says things, and goes into first hand examples of the lower cost life style

[@thebangkokguide]

Thanks for the kind words. Always better to stay positive and just enjoy life! Cheers

[@JaredInBangkok]

Finally, a voice of reason on this subject.

[@thebangkokguide]

Thank you 🙏

[@a.lawrence4969]

With respect to Cal. A budget of $1500 to 2000 is more in line with what most Americans might be good with. Thailand is cheaper then the states but those small expenses do add up. Health insurance for older people is a MUST and isn't cheap.

[@thebangkokguide]

Yeah it’s definitely a much more comfortable lifestyle. My current budget is actually closer to $3000 but I have a son. When it comes to following a very low budget, it really comes down to motives… it can be a great move for somebody that just wants an inexpensive break from life, or to focus on productive goals like building an online business. But for a generally comfortable life, at least $1500 is highly recommended. Cheers

[@Tom-bm7mm]

I'm a retiree living in a small northern town. I live on about USD 1500. I don't want for anything and have a comfortable life.

[@mrbbkk]

It is cheaper in Hua Hin or Pattaya. If you own instead of rent, 1000 is easy If your wife contributes 500 or more, also easy.

[@MrArikan]

Great video Cal. Very informative. Keep up the good work 🙏🏻🤙🏻

[@retiredsailor4]

As always Cal you do such a wonderful job explaining all the different nuances of daily life broken down by different statuses whether it be retirement, dtv, study or work and I'm always very impressed by your total professionalism. Keep up the great work my friend and I'll always be your loyal customer. Peace out...

[@thebangkokguide]

Thank you for the kind words! Much appreciated

[@HandsONreviews4u]

VERY DOWN TO EARTH VIDEO FINALLY BRO, i mean other KZbinrs were giving me a headache. I AM FROM NY. I actually subscribed 👍

[@thebangkokguide]

Thanks for the kind words! I find people approach this topic with a very dogmatic view as well. It gave me a headache so I made this video lol. Cheers!

[@theone8173]

AT 35,Imfinaly chasing this dream. I already moved from PA TO LA for 5 years, the biggest leap in the country, now im ready to have the heart for another leap. after 3 years of studying and community readings,im saving at least 2000 and going for 2 months to plant my seeds for long term. The hype is real lol

[@thebangkokguide]

Make sure to budget carefully! So easy to spend here. Good luck with the journey!

[@rikayangu3833]

Brilliant,informative with no fluff.I just booked a vacation to Pattaya and happened to reach your channel while looking for info. Thnks for a well put together video with all important info covered.

[@thebangkokguide]

Thanks for the kind words! Enjoy your trip

[@danpm1990]

Finally, someone who doesn't talk crap about the subject and tells people you can't live for less than 3k a month in one of the cheapest countries on planet Earth. Thanks Cal! PS. Just a random question, what's your RPM on KZbin? Always wondered if Thailand or PH is better for travel vlogging.

[@antonr.7776]

Very balanced and intelligent video. You got my atention and...subscription

[@thebangkokguide]

Thanks for the kind words. Cheers

[@kimwkahler7381]

Very important point. The entrepreneur angle!! No brainer, if you’re doing online business 🎉

[@thebangkokguide]

Definitely! Cheers

[@ialislam]

Excellent and very informative video Cal. Keep them coming! Hoping to visit within next few months with possible future retire stay.. Most importantly reference points and perspectives are critical in these make or break decision. Thanks for those extra views from a single video..

[@thebangkokguide]

Thanks for the kind words. Enjoy your visit!

[@rajyads6582]

LOVE THIS VIDEO. THANKS BROTHER. AT LEAST YOU STATED SOMETHING REAL. KEEP GOING. PEACE

[@thebangkokguide]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@jimmyonthemove]

Thanks, Cal. 🙏 Another informative video. 👊

[@thebangkokguide]

Thanks 🙏

[@magicfire1]

Damn you back pumping videos.

[@thebangkokguide]

Yeah took a little break and back to enjoying the process!

[@txg161]

Great video Cal! 2 keys takeaways are your “preference & motivations” that will dictate your “personal” cost of living. Thank you for also pointing out that “cheap” street food doesn’t always equate to “bad quality” food. You just have to know how to pick and choose what to eat. I hate it when expats make negative comments on KZbin about the quality of Thai street food. Judging by what they eat when they post their videos (of their fancy meals in Thailand) they really have no idea what “healthy foods” are.

[@thebangkokguide]

Thanks for the kind words and that’s a good summary. Cheers!

[@TheDufresnes]

hmmmm wonder who you're referring too? 🤣

[@TheDufresnes]

Thanks for sharing, seems to be a popular topic at the moment, we have already filmed our cost of living in Bangkok video for a family of 4 which will go out next Sunday. It's always good to have numerous points of view to draw a clearer conclusion. Either way its much cheaper than Canada and a much better lifestyle! There are so many healthy options for street food that aren't fried.

[@thebangkokguide]

Definitely a popular topic! Hope to see your cost of living budget as well. Cheers!

[@TheDufresnes]

@@thebangkokguide thanks, next Sunday it will be live. Have an amazing weekend!

[@mikehunt5637]

I know your video was in reference to costs in Bangkok, but the other day I saw a studio apartment in Khon Kaen (on FazWaz) for $90. It wasn't anything you would want to brag about on Instagram, but it looked like a solid studio apartment. I think a lot of it just boils down to what an individual is comfortable with. Some people can get by with a studio and eat like a Thai, and others need a more Western-based lifestyle. But, if I only had $1,000, and I had to try and get by in the USA or Thailand on it, I would deffo choose Thailand.

[@thebangkokguide]

I agree with your perspective. At the end of the day, I’d do fine in a $90 studio if it matched my goals or needs. It’s not even that bad. Anyone who spent time in the military or even backpacking in hostels would find it easy. Not sure why it’s even such a contentious topic! 😂

[@michaeltakayama8415]

Nicely detailed - thanks for updating, and always improving on, your cost of living vlogs! Excellent work! Ofc, since your numbers closely align with my research (for my own retirement planning), I might be a bit biased. We all seem to prefer content which agrees with, or reinforces, our own opinions, don't we? :) With regards to the health insurance, this number is almost certainly going to grow faster than any other, as you enter higher age brackets. For budgeting purposes, particularly for retirees, it might be wise to look at the insurance costs, not just for your current age bracket, but also for higher age brackets, in order to compute an average over your potential life span and use that value in your budget. Essentially, you will be putting aside some money in your budget now, to help cover the higher insurance costs, later down the line.

[@thebangkokguide]

Good tips. I agree. I think that overall Thailand is a very flexible environment when it comes to budget and I really like that aspect of life here! Cheers!

[@maykham1]

Thanks for this video with a very smart point of views :)

[@thebangkokguide]

Thanks for the kind words.

[@momohmart]

Thanks man. You're a fountain of info like that Chris from RTW4U

[@thebangkokguide]

Thank you for the kind words and very high praise. That's a fantastic channel and was one of my main influences in starting my channel. Cheers!

[@maurofarris4700]

Very useful video Thanks from Sardegna ❤

[@thebangkokguide]

Thank you 🙏

[@tubeviewer0128]

Thank you for the info! Great video!

[@thebangkokguide]

Thank you 🙏

[@LifeWithDevanteB]

Thanks for this breakdown. Very informative. You just got a new subscriber!

[@thebangkokguide]

Thanks for the kind words and sub! Cheers

[@nikkinfl]

Excellent video! What really bugs me are the people in the comment sections on some videos that content creators have, where someone is telling someone else, "hey you can get a much cheaper condo. I only pay 8,000 baht for mine, you're being taken advantage of"...lol...I think that it is important for those people who think that way is that first of all, another persons money is not yours to watch. Second, I think that most people are intelligent enough to know about the extremely wide range of prices in Bangkok. But the most important thing is that a lot of people are not in Bangkok pinching pennies. There are a lot of people where paying 100,000 baht per month and much more is comfortable FOR THEM. It's not a dent in their budget to pay that much. There is a much bigger world than your 8000 baht per month. Everyone does not HAVE to live the way that you do. (And when I say you, I don't mean you Cal, the you is for people who think that way....lol) Also, for those that think that people are only driving up the price for others if they pay "way more than they should", whatever that means, if you go back 10, 15 years just on KZbin alone and look at condo tours, you'll see where people have been paying and asking for 50,000/100,000 + baht condos for YEARS. Prices are going up all over the world, some places more so than others. So my rant is over...lol

[@thebangkokguide]

All good. I agree with your point. I generally think that each person has their own motives, budget and interests… and there isn’t any single budget or lifestyle that will apply to everyone. To each their own! Cheers

[@dqrossvideography5134]

Excellent video thank you. Your content is always useful and thought provoking. There is a difference between being on a low budget and being "cheap". One can be on a small budget and still live an "abundant" life and it looks like that's what you did but being "cheap" and always trying to spend as little as possible can have a negative impact on one's well being and mental health. For me, this subject is less about money but more about attitude and balance. It's also important to known oneself and understand and identify one's needs clearly. Even on a small budget, it is wise to set some money aside for the occasional treat. Like you said, the advantage of being in Thailand is you can adjust your budget to your current needs and these needs can change over time. We are very fortunate to be in the first category out of the 3 you describe and we're still relatively young enough to enjoy life lol but we still think about budgeting when we come to Thailand; not because we don't have the money but because we don't see any benefit to us or others in living in extravagantly. Again, it's about living "reasonably" with balance for one's own well being, not about money, You are absolutely right, it is easier and probably more fun to live on a small budget in Thailand than elsewhere. We are currently based in Melbourne, Australia and it is one of the most expensive cities in the world. There is a housing crisis somewhat similar to what is happening in your home city of Toronto (although we don't yet have people pitching tents in parks, how so very sad...) and like in Toronto, you wouldn't be able to rent a bed in a shared house for 300$ either. People love arguing online lol but one has to compare what is comparable. Thanks again for the well researched content; it’s very useful to have up to date and exact figures to look at. All the best 🙂

[@thebangkokguide]

Thanks for the comment. I agree with your perspective. I think it all comes down to motives. It can be quite easy to live on a low budget if your focused on work and business because that will actually take up most of your time anyway. That was my approach on the budget, and once I was earning more money and developed good habits I spent more. Actually you’d be amazed how many people move here, develop bad habits, and ultimately go broke. Cheers

[@eeemaster]

I'll cut to the chase. I live in Toronto and am tired of having my money vacuumed out of my pocket here and the overpriced everything they have here. I want to get out and Thailand seems to have what I want (beaches, cheap and easy access to Japan) and my Job will allow me to work from there. I am a great cook so I would likely just make my own food while I am there, play video games, get back in shape and visit Greenhouse "Coffee shop". Push me over the edge. Cal.

[@thebangkokguide]

With remote work, that's an easy move. Just involves taking the leap... but the world is a great big place and you'll find your spot. No point staying somewhere if you aren't feeling it and have choices! Cheers

[@positivevibes2468]

@eeemaster You can do this! I say take the jump! My partner and I are 45 and 41 and tired of living paycheck to paycheck in the 🇺🇸 with 2 incomes (upper middle class) we just put our home up for sale and are selling everything we own. I’m a digital illustrator so we can live quite comfortably on my income alone. Heading to Chiang Mai as soon as our house sells. We only live once. You can do this!

[@swaggod226]

Facts

[@kandziaq]

Hey! I came to Thailand over a month ago, Chiang Mai's been my favorite city so far and I'm planning to stay there for longer. Just wanted to say - thank you A LOT for all of your videos! They're reaaally interesting and inspiring! :) And helped me a lot

[@thebangkokguide]

Thanks for the kind words! I'm glad they are helpful and hope your enjoying the stay!

[@quarsh7076]

Very informative…thanks!

[@thebangkokguide]

Thanks for the kind words! Cheers!

[@Battleneter]

Keep in mind if you are over 50 and do the retirement visa 800,000THB into a Thai back account, you can likely put it into the safest high interest term investment you can find, so it wont likely be sitting there doing nothing.

[@thebangkokguide]

This is true. Thanks for the input!

[@clausnybojensen3155]

Far the best video about the cost. Some KZbin video say 2000/2500 US dollars I think it nuts. If I spend 2500 US dollars in Denmark 🇩🇰 I will have a very good time and Denmark is expensive. How can Thai people live for 500/800 us dollar a month. I think a budget like 1200 US dollar is enough. Thank you bro.

[@thebangkokguide]

Thanks for the kind words. I think it just comes down to lifestyle. $1200 budget is definitely enough to enjoy a nice quality life. Cheers

[@LicLafarga]

Impeccable info, many thanks!!

[@thebangkokguide]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@yogaman4628]

Great video - so much useful information for a range of lifestyles. Taking your advice, I'm in Rama 9, Bangkok as I type. I even walked to the same place in the video, and had a pad Thai at The Best today - a bit too sweet, but never mind. I'd seen condos listed for rent there but the only agent who responded on LINE said they were all gone apart from one but it couldn't be viewed for a week. What a drag. I'm travelling around the country for the next two months. My previous shorter trip was Bangkok and Hua Hin. The latter was kind of eerie for me - full of 70/80-something Europeans keeping the restaurants busy, all the while smoking and drinking like they own the place. As I'm no spring chicken, I was sitting there wondering: is that how I'm going to end up? Scary. Bangkok this time round was a very different experience to the rather underwhelming time I had in serviced apartment in Thonglor; pacing up and down Soi Sukhumvit 55 trying to find vegetarian food and later, succumbing to a massage. Staying in Old Town and Rama 9 are a world apart and yet much more vibey. Tomorrow I'm off to Krungthonburi for four nights - another one of your recommendations. After all, I'm not watching your channel just to keep myself entertained. Musings aside, can you tell me, does the availability of rental property in Bangkok change at different times of the year? For instance, I'm told that during Songkran - the Thai New Year in April - the locals are celebrating with visiting family, so any rentals they have won't come on stream until after Songkran, so it's not a great time to be looking. Is that accurate? Are there any trends that you've noticed? Thanks for a great channel.

[@thebangkokguide]

Great comment! Glad your enjoying the city and exploring. Love Krungthonburi. Very underrated area. It can generally be easiest to look for rentals during the low season… just less over foreign demand, but not a huge difference when it comes to longterm rentals. As you surmised, it would be more difficult during the major holidays as many people will be out of the city. Cheers!

[@Thirstytraveler41]

Great info! Can’t wait👍🏾

[@thebangkokguide]

Thanks 🙏

[@brucedyball7088]

I've been to Thailand 5 times. I usually stay in Ao Nang. This past year, I spent a month in Bangkok, and I found it much more expensive than living in Ao Nang.

[@thebangkokguide]

I find the smaller areas normally cheaper, especially for actual living. I met a Spanish guy a few years back that was living on like $200 a month in Ao Nang 😅

[@MotoZapper]

Great content! I really appreciate your videos. 💪😎

[@thebangkokguide]

Thanks for the kind words! Cheers

[@MotoZapper]

@@thebangkokguide Can you please make a video on how to find a remote Job work from anywhere in the US?

[@thebangkokguide]

I will take a look. There are quite a lot in marketing.

[@leelawadeesrisamad9573]

As a Thai person, I cannot survive 1000 dollars per month in BKK. Everything now is quite expensive

[@thebangkokguide]

It’s definitely pricier than it used to be… but I know many people who survive on $1000 per month, even foreigners! Thanks for your input!

[@Kwan4132]

Thanks for making this video. How long did it take you to adapt to the sweltering heat in Thailand?

[@thebangkokguide]

I found it was fairly quick. To be fair, I'm from Canada and I think the cold is much harsher.. we get -40 winters over there, so the heat seemed easy in comparison!

[@dlg5485]

I plan to retire from USA to Thailand (Bangkok or Pattaya) in about 5 years and I expect to have a total budget of about $4500 USD, limiting housing cost to about 25% of that, which I hope will get me a nice modern relatively spacious 2 bed, 2 bath condo. I suspect prices will continue to rise, but $4500 should still allow for a very comfortable lifestyle, far better quality of life than in the USA, although still not quite luxury living and that's fine with me. I also want to be able to visit another cities in the region maybe once per month, as well as travel back to the US maybe once per year.

[@thebangkokguide]

Definitely doable. You can find nice 2 bedroom condos in the $1100-1200 range. Pattaya is significantly cheaper as well, so your budget would definitely stretch further there. Cheers!

[@mandobaron]

Great video, very comprehensive and well paced! Do you have a sense of how much a nice 2BR with a decent kitchen space in your general neighborhood costs if you are doing a 90 day trial run? What's the best way to go that route, airbnb or hotel stays? We did a month in Thailand and Vietnam back in February and loved it!

[@thebangkokguide]

Thanks for the kind words. For 90 days your likely stuck with Airbnb or you can rent a serviced apartment. But if you go for 6 months, you can easily negotiate that lease, and it can be almost half the price of Airbnb… prices range from 20k all the way up to 50 or 60k. It really depend on your preferences (building age, location, amenities etc)

[@veenela296]

Great Video. Where is some good areas that offer cheap rent for short term rentals up to 3 minths ?

[@thebangkokguide]

I recommend you watch my video on short-term rentals. I cover everything in it!

[@thebangkokguide]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJDPq6SfobOWgqM

[@Rusty_Hill]

Great video!

[@thebangkokguide]

Thanks 🙏

[@kronoszombieguidesapp]

im looking at right around $1000 for my first month in koh samui. but if i drop the gym membership($50) and the muay thai membership($180), nomad insurance($80) and optional scooter rental($90) i could get quite a bit lower. depending where you live you could go without a scooter, but for me i want to explore the island.

[@thebangkokguide]

I think it comes down to your motives. If you're coming to Thailand and want to do muay thai and explore with a scooter, it makes sense to increase your budget for those... as that will be worth it when it comes to the experience your looking for. Cheers!

[@AlaskaGuy71]

I plan on retiring to Thailand in 2 years with a budget of around 4,200 dollars a month . I Need to do more research to find out what percentage of that I should spend on rent .

[@thebangkokguide]

It really depends on your plans and preferences, but you can definitely find some nice places for $1000 to $1500… or save some money and spend on travel and going out more! Very flexible here. Cheers

[@ms1362]

OMG, $1000/month rent with $4200 overall and you’ll live like a king.

[@สุทธิศักดิ์มธุรพงศากุล]

There are also best residences in the areas of Ekkamai, Thonglor, Bangna, Phahonyothin, Lat Phrao, Bang Kapi, Bang Wa, Wongwian Yai, Sathorn, Minburi, Ari.

[@ewadyb885]

Great job!!!

[@thebangkokguide]

Thank you 🙏

[@petercooke3671]

Good sound advice

[@thebangkokguide]

Thank you!

[@ricke6854]

Hello, nice to see a fellow Canadian. Good video, made me subscribe. I have been to Thailand several times. Hua Hin last year for a month. Am now considering a 5 year stint there, I am retired, my estimate for living there was 2,000 $cad per month, so fairly close to your higher estimate, but I would go a bit higher on rent to 15 k baht, I think. Trying to make a decision as to live in TL 5 yrs, with my house rented out here in YYC, or just spend 3 months/ year during the winters. My only reservation is, can I take the heat year round ??

[@thebangkokguide]

Renting out a house in Canada and living abroad is a pretty good move these days. Can live very well. It definitely gets hot here though… especially March to June. Just need the pool and aircon 😅

[@KB3TLE]

Nice to get this from someone whos - "been there & done that" ! --- Thailand is a "pain in the ass" for any visa (!) - especially - if your over 55 & retired - and compare it to Cambodia for example ? I'm on SS from the US & looking for a low cost 'ideal' destination (?) to relax enjoy the vibe eat well and travel a bit ! > Siem Reap really stands out for a fantastic expat community - much less expense and no BS from the Govt. with ridiculous visa requirements !!! A great 'home base' it seems to me - simply - '''visit''' Bangkok as often as desired ?!? A 1 hour flight away. - - - Several US expats report living there on about $800 / mo. SS (USD) - "quite comfortably" -- and -- "not wanting for anything" ?

[@thebangkokguide]

Yeah I think neighboring countries can definitely have easier visa setups. Lot of longterm expats move over there! Cheers

[@Desacreder]

Love your vid, Cal! Your videos are very detailed and helpful, as I'm about to use them as my guide to travelling there at the end of this year. As a fellow Canadian, do you know if you could manage to get your hand on Thai's citizenship somehow, would holding dual citizenship of both Canadian and Thai be valid for both parties? Also, you should do a video about flight tickets purchasing next, maybe a few pro tips here and there, I originally was going to just buy a one way ticket from Toronto to Bangkok, just going with the 60 days exemption as a tourist, but apparently for that I need proof of return, so buying a round trip ticket is a must in this case, a little bit inflexible, but it's fine.

[@thebangkokguide]

Thanks for the kinds words. You can hold dual citizenship but getting Thai citizenship is a fairly lengthy and difficult process. For flights, requiring a return ticket depends on the airline as they are responsible for you if you are rejected. I’ve flown here on one-way tickets multiple times and never had a problem. The hack there is to book a one-way and just tell the airline that you plan to travel by land into Malaysia as your onward travel option. I only ever had to explain that once though and it was flying on a low cost Chinese airline. The manager came and said… oh the westerners do this a lot 😅

[@Desacreder]

@@thebangkokguide lol ah I see, I might borrow this trick when I buy a one-way ticket, so usually they don't even ask eh? I haven't travel that much at all, so I got kind of paranoid and emailed the Thai Visa place initially because I thought I might need a visa, but then the 60 days exemption + the 30 more days extension thing seems easier to do, so I asked them in the email if it is okay If I do that with one-way ticket, and they were like "You need a proof of return for this" lol

[@ricke6854]

Hey, are 1 way tickets from bkk back to Canada any cheaper to book while you are in Thailand ?

[@markholland6657]

it all depends on how much you go out and 'party'!!! personally I've grown out of that bar scene and all that partying bs so I suspect its highly possible.. I just want nice weather, nice people and nice food!! the rest is gravy!!!

[@thebangkokguide]

I’m similar… I focus my time productively and then it’s quite easy to avoid spending. Cheers

[@traceylankford8579]

I have to know, Cal, what was that boat ride with the restaurant on top?? I'm adding this to my bucket list.

[@thebangkokguide]

Just one of the many dinner cruises… easy to buy a ticket around Asiatique!

[@hubbakook]

Wait...one could simply repeat the process of 60 day visa free entry + 30 day extension with flying out & in for multiple times in a year? That would make renting a condo for the necessary minimum 3 months way easier indeed!

[@thebangkokguide]

Yeah immigration has relaxed lately. My guess is that it’s fairly safe to take that approach for up to a year in the current situation.

[@hubbakook]

@@thebangkokguide See you there!

[@AlPastor249]

Hi Cal, when you say you need to fly out of Thailand after 90 days and then fly back in, how long do you need to be out of Thailand for? If I get a tourist visa with an extension to stay for 90 days and then go to Vietnam can I stay in Vietnam for only one day and then fly back to Thailand for another 90 days and keep doing that over and over? Or after my 90 days in Thailand do I have to stay out of Thailand for a specific number of days or months?

[@thebangkokguide]

There isn't a hard and fast rule. You can leave for a day and fly back in, but if you do it too many times the immigration officers may question what you're doing in Thailand. Generally you should be fine for at least a year though.

[@melee75]

Another great video, honest and informative as always! If I make the move to Bangkok I'd definitely want to live near a large and affordable co-working space like True Digital Park. Are there any other co-working spaces that are similar to True Digital Park or something in development that you've seen?

[@thebangkokguide]

Thanks for the kind words! True Digital is definitely a popular spot these days. There are a lot of modern buildings with great common spaces, but I think True might have the largest… that being said, it’s a bit far from the center! All about the various tradeoffs here with condos.

[@TristanThompsonCompilationBros]

7:46 hey man, I've really been considering moving to Thailand for a couple years now, and I'm getting more serious about it now. I would so greatly appreciate it if you could link the website or let me know what it is so I may see what's available. This would help me out tremendously in creating my budget. Thanks

[@thebangkokguide]

Ah sorry didn’t realize that I hadn’t. That is propertyhub. I recommend watching this video that I made about finding condos: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4G3qqyOqcapbtksi=T71yz44va-raZ6Fx

[@TristanThompsonCompilationBros]

@@thebangkokguide thanks a ton!

[@tonyrobinson1636]

Do you golf? If so, how much for 18 and how are the courses? Thanks for your excellent content!

[@thebangkokguide]

Alas I don’t golf. I probably should. I’m not familiar with exact prices but I’ve heard that it’s actually more expensive here than in most western locations.

[@tonyrobinson1636]

@thebangkokguide Thank you! New sub..

[@JamesVincex]

Just to be clear, there are no $200 a month condos in central Bangkok. Certainly not short term. 20,000 is the minimum you should expect to pay for a property in Bangkok that consists of more than just a room and a shower. They will ALL require 2 (possibly 3) months deposit and you will have to commit to a year long contract for anything less than 20k. If you want month to month or 3 month contract then you’re looking closer to 20k in Huai Kwang which is 40 minutes to central in rush hour. The minimum you can get a (non hotel room) condo in walking distance to a Sukhumvit line or Siloam line station that is less than 5 stops either side of Siam is about 15k with a 1 year contract and $1000+ down payment.

[@thebangkokguide]

Where do you get your information from? I currently rent a condo at Rama 9 for $300. Nothing fancy but it’s a modern 38sqm 1 bedroom condo with pool, gym etc. You can find similar 1 bedroom units in the areas that I mentioned in the video. Can literally do a search right now on the main websites and find dozens of condos. It’s an over saturated market in the 10-15k range. A year long contract and 2 month deposit is definitely standard, although it’s easy to negotiate a 6 month lease.

[@ricke6854]

​@thebangkokguide HEY, if I am on a 60+30day visa exemption, plus repeat with air trip , will condos give you a 6 month lease ? Or do you need some kind of residency card or long-term visa that covers the lease period ?

[@JamesVincex]

@@ricke6854 There are some condo places that will check things like that but 100% you can find people that don't I've done it. Many will. Apartments (places where all the units are owned by the company will almost never check that kind of thing.

[@sbkpilot1]

This is for long term lease so you need residency which requires investment etc etc and Airbnb is triple the costs

[@thebangkokguide]

Yeah a cheaper condo is normally a minimum 6 month lease. Airbnb is closer to double. But you can rent at serviced apartments much cheaper.. just keep in mind those electric bills.

[@veenela296]

Do you have any recommendations for service apartments that offer affordable short term rentals, website like Airbnb and Agoda seem to be double the price of the long term lease places ​@@thebangkokguide

[@ianwhittaker3041]

Hi Cal, great video thank you. Do you always talk about US or Canadian $ when you give cost & income estimates? Thanks

[@thebangkokguide]

I usually use USD for the estimates... but the graphic for Canadian real estate prices was in CAD.

[@obzen901]

Nice video! Just a question. Have to spent time in Chiang Mai during your time in Thailand? If so, how much do you think you would have to spend monthly for the same lifestyle as you live in Bangkok? Thanks in advance👍

[@thebangkokguide]

Chiang Mai is generally cheaper… haven’t been there in a while but as I recall it was around 25 or 30% lower for accommodation or eating out.

[@patrickglennon7058]

Basic hotel room for £ 150, food at Thai place£ 1.50, Scotter rent monthly £100, a grand is easily doable. Buy a alectric grill £10 and cook food from the market if you wish.

[@thedave5748]

What web site were you scrolling through with all the condo rentals?

[@thebangkokguide]

That was propertyhub. I highly recommend watching this video where I cover how to rent condos: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4G3qqyOqcapbtk

[@Tra980]

Maybe I missed something, but in the video you posted that your current budget is around $3000, but your rent is 10,000 baht. What do you spend your budget on and why is your budget 10x your rent?

[@thebangkokguide]

I have a son and a pay another 2 bedroom condo plus all his expenses. The condo I show is my office, but still a great place and quite similar to my old condo on my low budget. I added it as a caption but I think that could be easily missed.

[@Jbghkkjkkyyf]

Hey Cal, as for stays between 30-90 days it best to just air BNB, or is getting a short term lease an option? I understand the monthly price will be higher the shorter the lease, just wondering what’s the most cost effective. Thanks.

[@thebangkokguide]

For 30 to 90 days you normally can’t get a proper lease with a condo (usually 6 month minimum)… Airbnb or serviced apartments are generally the main options.

[@Jbghkkjkkyyf]

@@thebangkokguide thanks man

[@michaeltakayama8415]

How would you compare Thonburi to Rama 9, with regards to lifestyle for an expat? Would you expect to pay the same rent, for a similar condo unit, in both areas?

[@thebangkokguide]

Yeah they are fairly similar. I’d put them together for costs, though Thonburi can get cheaper the further out you go.

[@michaeltakayama8415]

What would you guess is the lower bound on rental cost, on condo units (not Thai-style apartments), as you move further away, to the outer areas of Bangkok? There was a KZbin vlog, last year, by SideTripLife, called "$195 Month Condo Bangkok Home Base? +Street Food Shops Cafes Costs & More!", where he was looking at some new units, ranging from 4,500 THB/mo to 6,700 THB/mo, depending on whether or not you wanted a TV/refrigerator and/or pool/gym access. I think these are among the lowest prices I've seen on a KZbin vlog, for a condo unit rental, in Bangkok. Can it actually get any lower? :)

[@thebangkokguide]

I am not familiar with the video, but you can get pretty cheap in the older condos especially as you get further out and those numbers sound about right. Just make sure that you will be paying electricity to the Metropolitan Electric Authority as some buildings at the lower end will charge their own rates that are much higher.

[@TheHoffsCheeseburger]

Nice vid Cal. I don’t think I’d want to be a Thai tax resident so if I stayed there 5 1/2 months each year coming from Canada .. doing the tourist 60+ 30 then a week in Da Nang and then back for another 75.. think I could get away with something like that every year or would they give me a hard time/deny me at the airport?

[@thebangkokguide]

You should be okay. Immigration has softened quite a bit lately.

[@TheHoffsCheeseburger]

@@thebangkokguide Oh that’s good. If I started with a 3 month trip and went back to Canada for another couple months before another 3 months.. I’ll look over your past vids to see if you have accommodation recommendations for stays that don’t make the 6+ month condo an option. Probably a lot of tourists doing just the 90.

[@thebangkokguide]

Short term rentals are normally better with the apartments. I’ll do a video on that topic soon as I get a lot of questions about it. But overall that’s a good plan. Escape the winter 😅

[@TheHoffsCheeseburger]

@@thebangkokguide Yeah an apartment still cheaper than a hotel. Hoping for 1000-1500CAD a month. That’d be great if you did a vid. Looking forward to it. Thanks

[@peeptbgod7047]

Visa, food, rides, and healthcare alone put you around 1k

[@thebangkokguide]

It depends on how much you spend on each of those costs as they are all variable.

[@calvinfreeman2112]

Oh and hey Cal, I’m Cal….haha

[@thebangkokguide]

Hello 👋

[@_Alfa.Bravo_]

Smokey season by burning all the rice fields brings so much smog from Jan-May each year. That's really horrible !!!!!

[@thebangkokguide]

It is.

[@ThaoNguyen-jv4up]

500-1000 ( you can live but not well) 1500-2000 a month you are good

[@thebangkokguide]

I agree. Cheers

[@MrEye4get]

The answer boils down to what you mean by "live." Homeless people live in cardboard boxes or tents, can eat out of garbage cans and spend very little money!

[@thebangkokguide]

This is true. In Toronto my low cost budget here would have been the low cost homeless budget. But it worked very well here for focusing on work and investing while still living comfortably! Cheers

[@OPGAMING00784]

Bro u r damn genius

[@OPGAMING00784]

Focus to be homeless I m sure u can achieve your goal , a road to be homeless. CONGRESS 🎉

[@zzdlover2005zz]

Minimum is $1500 per month if not more.

[@thebangkokguide]

I agree when it comes to a more comfortable life… for an entrepreneur with a work focus, I disagree 😅

[@PacksMozart]

Cooles Video 👍 👍

[@thebangkokguide]

Thanks!

[@kailanilove5457]

Which site is best way to find apartments? Need agent?

[@thebangkokguide]

It depends what your looking for (lease length, budget and area)… the big sites are propertyhub, hipflat and ddproperty for condos and renthub for apartments.

[@garryincome7520]

Live very cheap in asia under $150 include everything but i have house and motorcycle so help reduce cost living fyi not everything is cheap in asia so prefer local products or foods

[@thebangkokguide]

Yeah you can definitely get by very cheaply! Cheers

[@wendyscoggins]

What’s the rent like in smaller cities like Pai?

[@thebangkokguide]

I'm not familiar with rent prices in Pai specifically but the north is generally significantly cheaper.

[@picadosinferno]

Great video, for me the sweet spot is $1.500 when you have a gf, keep in mind you'll be paying most of the things, even if she works, but a single dude on $1k can definitely make it.

[@thebangkokguide]

True. Definitely better to go higher. I actually dated a lot even on crazy low budgets before though.. the fitness angle seems to be its own hack there 😂

[@JamesVincex]

I’ve lived in Thailand now for over 10 years and I can 100% that Thailand has defiantly gotten more expensive since I got here back in 2014. When I first came here I chose to live on a very low budget of $600 a month to save money. In 2014 this got a pretty good lifestyle. since then the cost of living has gone up massively. It’s still possible to live on $600 today but would you want to? In my option 100% no. If you’re living on $600 a month in Thailand that probably means you’re paying $200 or less per month on rent. Most westerners would not want this kind of place to live. One small room with one small bathroom, if you’re lucky there will be a balcony where you can cook. If you don’t want to eat ramen noodles free every meal too then I suggest not doing $600 per month. $1000 per month is a bit more manageable. You can get a decent place to live for $500-600 per month with a functional kitchen, a pool and a gym. But then transportation will cost you at least $200 a month (more if public transport) which leaves you with only $300 a month for food. If you want to eat like a local then sure you can do it on this budget but it will be very unhealthy (I hope you like the taste of deep fried chicken tendons!). Nomad nest recommends a minimum of $1,495 per month in Bangkok and I would tend to agree with this. You’re gonna have a much more reasonable quality of life, eating healthy and living in a decent condo if you up your budget to $1500. If you are trying to live on $1000 or less in Bangkok you will not have the best quality of life 6 months-1year in. So many depressed and lonely foreigners in Bangkok. Almost every foreigner I know who has lived here 5 years or more on an extreme low budget is an alcoholic drinking sangsom (rum for breakfast). Don’t do it!

[@thebangkokguide]

There are plenty of condos for $300 or less with kitchens, gyms, pools etc… Being an alcoholic will definitely cause anyone to overspend a $600 budget… and likely even a $1000 one. Alcohol is one of the single biggest unnecessary expenses, and I’d argue that there are a lot more people on higher budgets in the alcoholic camp. On my $600 budget, I completely quit drinking and focused on productive work and goals. For an entrepreneur, eliminating alcohol and distractions is addition by subtraction. Motives matter.

[@JamesVincex]

@@thebangkokguide Your alcohol is probably a little different to the alcoholics I se Erin Bkk. They typically buy 100thb bottles of cheap local rum. You’re spending a lot of money on fancy buckets in bar. $300 a month for an “apartment” is defiantly possible but a condo not at all. Especially short term. If you come to Thailand on 60 day visa with a 30 day extension then for you there are zero $300 a month condos. You can stay in grand HiTech tower for 10k per month but most people wouldn’t want to stay there. A fancy condo, month to month at $300 a month. Ain’t happening!

[@thebangkokguide]

In terms of alcohol, like I said... I quit drinking entirely on this budget and focused on productive goals. Are there alcoholics in the expat community in Bangkok? Sure.. lots of them, and they follow many different budgets. Whether it's a guy drinking buckets or 100 baht booze.... I'm not sure how that even relates to what I'm talking about. In terms of condos, I literally rent a $300 condo and I showed it in this video... it's not an apartment, it's a condo with a pool and gym. It's called Lumpini Place Rama 9 - Ratchada and you can search it right now. I can also find dozens more just like it, and cheaper. But like I said, I'm not talking about a month to month condo. Month to month condos will definitely be a lot more expensive.

[@practice2025x]

14:33 you forgot to mention the alternative to depositing ฿800,000… monthly income of ฿65,000

[@thebangkokguide]

Good catch! Should have added that. Cheers

[@nickphang2293]

I don’t think he knows! Glad u told him tho!

[@practice2025x]

@@nickphang2293 he does know because he said it in an older video, he just forgot

[@thebangkokguide]

Yeah I cover this whole topic in another video… it was just a random aside at the end here and it slipped my mind.

[@ricke6854]

I have also heard that if you apply or the O-a retirement visa from your own country, the 800 k baht deposit can be in your home bank. Can anybody verify that ?

[@stronzer59]

A $1000 US per week in Thai is like $15,000 back home, you do the sums. Even funerals are dirt cheap

[@streaminncreamin6987]

Hey, can I please get the name of your apartment complex? I am paying 11000 baht a month in On Nut with no pool. I would really love a pool.

[@thebangkokguide]

Lumpini Place Rama 9 - Ratchada. Nice spot! Cheers

[@streaminncreamin6987]

@@thebangkokguide thank you sir!

[@streaminncreamin6987]

They want 15000 now

[@thebangkokguide]

@@streaminncreamin6987 Check multiple agents and sites. Some do bait and switch stuff. I cover this in my condo rental video. There are units currently listed at 12, which means you should be able to negotiate from there. I actually walked into the management office and asked.

[@parialdosky113]

This is CDN or USD?

[@thebangkokguide]

This is USD... been abroad for too long and USD is more universal!

[@apoloestrada2908]

At least $3K or B100K a month is more doable living in Thailand.

[@thebangkokguide]

That’s about my budget now… definitely more doable.

[@malarkey102]

Hi mate my partner is in Chonburi I want to visit her for a week do you thing $1000 aud will be enough

[@thebangkokguide]

It definitely can be.. you could spend less but also a lot more if you want!

[@izzy2900]

You can "Thai" up the money? 👀

[@thebangkokguide]

Thai down the money 😂

[@izzy2900]

@@thebangkokguide

[@anthonycarney7849]

Reteir in 4years time I own my house in my country I could sell up an I would have 900pounds uk a month I would not be into having the latest things r fancy restaurants I loved the street food as much as hotel food&i wont be partying most bites😊

[@thebangkokguide]

Free time is very valuable. Cheers

[@rahuljaiswal1779]

my biggest money drainer..alcohol..more than food & accommodation..Here bar & night clubs are everywhere.. how can someone avoid that

[@thebangkokguide]

Quit drinking 😂 But I agree. The nightlife is great and it’s very easy to spend lots of money enjoying it! Cheers

[@wesgraham2262]

No one, and I mean NO ONE can tell another how much they can live on. It is extremely personal as to what one can tolerate budget-wise.

[@thebangkokguide]

Yes, I strongly agree. There is an absolute base cost of living… and then everything becomes optional! Cheers

[@wesgraham2262]

@@thebangkokguide Yes. Exactly right.

[@calvinfreeman2112]

You are going to deposit 65k USD, in a foreign bank that is not FDIC insured, and hope when you get to Thailand, your money is there safe…😂 How foreigners does anyone personally know that did that? Retirement visas…I believe USA Social security and gov pensions and insured though.

[@thebangkokguide]

Where did you get $65,000 USD from? The retirement visa only requires $25,000… normally this is done once somebody is already living in Thailand, but it’s also possible to show proof of income of about $2000. But overall I wouldn’t be too worried about leaving money in the bank here. Retirees have been doing it for decades without any problems… the main annoyance is that it doesn’t collect much interest.

[@calvinfreeman2112]

@@thebangkokguide it is 800,000 baht, and 65,000 a month income for retirement visa? I got the 65k mixed up USD to Baht….my bad. Glad to know the banks there are trustworthy

[@thebangkokguide]

@@calvinfreeman2112 all good! Very easy to mix it all up. Cheers

[@MSWcryptoworker]

I’m 71 female and looking to get cosmetic surgeries, massages, having a domestic helper.

[@adamwest5625]

My Thai girlfriend rents a condo near Nine Center Rama 9 for £120 per month which is a steal - so when I do stay in BBK with her, including food and transportation, under £1k is easily achievable so your current $3,000 you must be burning money at an alarming rate! I split my time between the UK, Thailand and Hong Kong as I am dual national so Thailand is a perfect 3rd base. I do prefer to go back to Europe for work when it's raining season in Thailand. I also have the option to work in Hong Kong at certain times of the year so I continue to make a Western salary and arbitrage in the East.

[@thebangkokguide]

I have a son. That’s what pushed my costs up by quite a lot. It’s all good though as my incomes are fairly decent these days. Your strategy sounds quite good as well! Cheers!

[@_Alfa.Bravo_]

To be prepared please get: Rabies, hepatitis A+B, Japanese Encephalitis, Monococcolges, typhoid deseases , Dengue vaccination before entring Thailand (Polio, tetanus, diphteria, pertusis are the general basics). Be aware of liver fluke

[@thebangkokguide]

I found most are fairly rare in the cities… but good to keep up to date on the vaccines.

[@soidog154]

The thing you tubers forget to mention is been on your own ok having this budget what about finding a girlfriend and living together on a budget be difficult to socialise on a 1000 dollers a month and to travel to many negatives on that budget unless your a loner

[@thebangkokguide]

I actually had a girlfriend on the low budget, and friends with similar interests... although at the end of the day, my main focus was work and building online earning sources and I actually enjoyed spending time working alone. It really comes down to your motives and making your own reality.

[@soidog154]

@@thebangkokguide that's my point you work there some one retired doesn't

[@thebangkokguide]

@@soidog154 yeah to be fair this video wasn’t necessarily aimed at full retirees. I’ve met retirees living on very low budgets but they often move to more rural settings and live a slower more relaxed life. I think it would be very difficult to retire in Bangkok on this kindof budget. This is more of a hustle and work budget for entrepreneurs.

[@Jinke888]

I'd say 5 to 6k a month. Expats aren't meant to come here to grift

[@thebangkokguide]

$5 to 6k is great, but I would strongly disagree that anything less is grifting. Cheers

[@Jinke888]

@thebangkokguide agreed. But you know what I mean. There's a lot people in Thailand who shouldn't have come

[@bobanbobanovic2986]

what is the name of your condominium? 🤫🤭

[@thebangkokguide]

Lumpini place Rama 9 - Ratchada. Nice spot!

[@bobanbobanovic2986]

@@thebangkokguide thank you :-

[@Tony-eb5kh]

You keep saying you have a son hence why you’re paying 3k pm but not say his age. Sounds like maybe university age as we have two at university atm and can be expensive.

[@thebangkokguide]

He's 4.. still a long way to go from university. He's in another video.

[@maguilla]

The problem is you get in and you start to have to much fun and next thing you know you’re broke 😂

[@thebangkokguide]

Yep. Happened to me once upon a time too… that was how the $600 budget was born 😂

[@BO-mb8rr]

Is your son Thai I assume?

[@thebangkokguide]

Correct!

[@BO-mb8rr]

@@thebangkokguide When will we see him doing park workouts with you? :)

[@JamesWilliamson-w8y]

You might exist on $1000 a month but your existence does not meet what I call living.

[@thebangkokguide]

I think it depends. I used the budget to build up my finances and businesses. I suspect that I enjoyed the process much more than I would have in the west.