Stuart, you don't need a car in Chiang Mai. If you're single, you can rent a condo in the center for $350 per month and walk most places. If you can't walk somewhere, you can take a Grab for a nominal amount of money. If you want to spend a weekend in the countryside, rent a car. I've never tried to park a car in Chiang Mai, but there generally doesn't appear to be any parking. If you have watched Jon's videos, you'll recall that when he lived out in the countryside, he was unhappy despite having a car. Where is Jon happy? In the center of Chiang Mai. Do you ever see his car in the center of Chiang Mai? Nope.
One thing I’d find useful in these ‘budget’ vids is to get an idea of what different levels of lifestyle would cost in Baht. That way exchange fluctuations can be taken into account better. It’d be good to know what to budget all the way from a ‘live like a local’ lifestyle, all the way up to a ‘party every night’ lifestyle
Great videos, Jon. Your channel is easy to recommend. And funny, I still remember a time where I'd spend no more 4-500 dollars month in Thailand. Granted, that's quite some time ago now, and I wasn't living in luxury, but I did have everything I needed, and life was very, very good. Times have sure changed. The difference between Thailand and most countries in Europe really isn't THAT big anymore if you actually look closely at what you're getting (as I think you pointed out in another video, Jon). Friends of mine who holiday in Thailand these days seem to quite surprised at how much they end up spending.
I clear 6k a month, live in Northern Thailand, able to save 3.5 to 4k per month depending how much farang food we eat (don't pay rent, got a house in my boys name)
I have lived in Bangkok with a gf (she works) and I was pretty fine with $1,700 or so. It really depends on the person, but with $2,000 you are flying my friend.
Greetings Jon. No way I have USD 2,000 a month. Your mate has done well. I will enjoy my last few months there going out with a blast. No expense spared.
My wife and I live very well on 45,000 in Jomtien. We are both from Australia! What’s your thoughts mate on that budget of 45k? We don’t smoke or drink alcohol.
The kicker is always the entertainment costs. You can live for a very reasonable amount in CM, but once the entertainment part of the budget comes into play things can double.
If you don't have savings, I don't see how you can make a life off 2K USD, one setback will wipe you out. I spend about 25K THB as a couple (more in summer) and have house, car, bike. Not including travel and larger purchases. Never mind save, insurance (as foreigner) or budget for your border crossings visas etc. I really wouldn't recommend not having a property or vehicle if you want a normal life. If you want to come for a year or two then yes that's fine, not for making a life here - never mind the silly low figures like 500 USD. So I feel similar to Jon on this. I'd say you need to be set up, have money in the bank to be OK or you will feel the pinch (sooner or later) at 2K USD.
Great Video. My Chiang Mai dream is $900 on housing (including all utilities and phone) for a 1 bed condo, $200 on insurance, $600 on food and some fun like a gym or sport. No plans on a car. If the "Budget" is $24,000 a year, that leaves $3,000 a year to travel around SEA that year. Passive Income with a large bank account just in case. I am 53m single and dont want to live in a shoe box apartment.
Hi Jon. I am 56 as well and live in Canada. Can you please describe the currency your talking about? The exchange rates make a huge difference. We are getting a shit kicking here against the US dollar right now. lol. Thanks. Great job getting through all the stress you have dealt with lately.
Yeah, Aussie dollar is awful too. That’s why I suggested budget vids should more concentrate on the Baht, so guys can then convert back to their own currency
The first thing to consider with budget videos is its only a general guide to show housing, food, transportation ect ect, you need to compare it with how you want live and adjust accordingly. I'm assuming you're retiring here for the rest of your life. You don't know how long you'll live for, if you rely on the pension its inflation adjusted until you die, but if you need additional funds you have to cover yourself if you live into your 90s. Health insurance is dependant on your health I believe. My insurance was $2400 so I stopped it after having a clean medical check up, I'm 66 on no medication and are healthy, so I self insure saving my $2400 hoping I have at least $25,000 before I have a health issue. This is a calculated gamble but I do have funds to fall back on. Not only that there are deductibles to take into account generally you pay the first 100,000 baht. Another thing is with health insurance they pay for first class hospitals, but you can get middle of the road with great treatment for way less, you just don't get 5 star accomodation, but better than basic Thai. Other things is you can cook western style food at home if you want it, you don't need to eat at Dukes. You also must factor in extras. After retiring here my teeth played up and I spent 15,000 baht on the dentist, and also consider the doctor because you need to go for general things and most insurance companies don't cover that. Then what about replacing your laptop and phone, if it's Apple $1500- 2500 USD for both.
I'm 49 diabetic with blood pressure controlled through meds...own a condo in Thailand... But no insurance because denied from all I tried... I got the DTV for 5 years, ok'd work remotely but can't long term because my Thai partner needs to work... When travelling there I budget around 1000 per day but usually less except from purchases for the home... Living there long term and cooking at home more would work out to maybe half... Not thinking about phone/internet/electric/maintenence fees, etc
As you mentioned yourself, Thailand is not as cheap as it used to be. Prices are increasing yearly and with the upcoming minimum wage increase it will only get worse. 7Eleven, Lotus, BigC etc. will of course pass on the additional labor costs, and so will every industry, being it the farmers, the taxi operators, the trains, the zoos, construction, fabrication etc., etc. So 2,000 USD today might be good to live comfortable, but what about in 10 years? You need to make sure that your income will increase in line with the Thai inflation. We bought a house in Chiang Mai last year and as repeat buyers were invited to the developer's grant opening of their new project. During the event they had the brochures of the old projects lying around with updated pricing for remaining stock. Our direct neighbor (actually next door) who bought 3 or 4 months ago is now paying about 17% more for the same type of house and a bit smaller size of land. Our other property in Chiang Mai has gained about 3 million in value within 1 year for the land itself and the property in Pattaya has gained similarly and will even more, if they really build the monorail in our neighborhood. We tell our friends back home, that if they want to retire in Thailand in 15 to 20 years from now, buy a house and land today already. Put the house up for rental for the next 15 to 20 years to pay for the loan and when it is time to retire, knock down the house and build something which suits your requirements. Otherwise, by the time they retire, the land prices will have increased that much, that they will barely be able to afford buying something. And if you really think of retiring here and staying in Thailand long term (15 years up), buying is the way to go. Average time for ROI is about 15 to 17 years (at the moment and from own experience) and you will leave something behind for your kids when your are gone. BTW, our budget is 140,000 THB per month with 2 kids (kindergarten and primary school age) and income is passive through rental properties in Pattaya and Chiang Mai. Houses and cars are paid off, so no loans or rentals to pay.
Terrible advice. Never buy anything in Thailand, especially girls (sounds like you did) and property (you did). You can easily lose it all in a moment's notice. As well, money invested into a stock index is likely to return 10% annually.
@ron1sd8n023uwuhg what a pile of BS. I came to Thailand 17 years ago to work, make money, and then retire early. I didn't come for the bars and hookers. I met my wife the traditional way and didn't have to buy a girl. We are the same age and share the same interests. Happily married since 14 years with 2 kids. Also, gold diggers can be found all over the world, and this is not limited to Thailand only. Even in the US, UK, or wherever you are from, you can lose all your shit on divorce if you have not secured it via a contract before marriage. You also don't know the situation of my friends back home, so don't tell me I give bad advice. Based on their situation and their plans, my advice is good. Only because you had some bad luck and maybe made mistakes in the past, don't tell the people to not buy anything in Thailand. However, I agree with the 'Don't buy women', but should be anywhere and not only Thailand.
@@sebastianheinzerling6264 Sorry but you paid for your wife whether you realize it or not. And everyone knows Thailand is the world's largest whore house. Finally, buying property in Thailand is a fool's move for a foreigner. Maybe if you understood the basics about the stock market you could have retired 17 years ago instead of working some low wage job in the land of scams. Boom! Owned.
I'll be living like ROYALTY as a widow in Chiang Mai on two thousand bucks a month. Absolutely off the charts living. Just cuz' you've got the funds does not necessarily mean you are required to spend it all. I'll be setting aside half of that for old age in a fancy retirement home fifteen or twenty years later!
Wow you'd be living like a king USD 2000 on a Retirment visa. I spend about 20,000 baht a month living in Chaing Mai not including insurance, gym membership motorbike upkeep etc. and I've never been happier.
Rubbish. Please define "live like a king." Last time I checked, kings live in huge mansions if not palaces and have a staff of people waiting in them not to mention at least one luxury auto. Stop the nonsense. I live in CM and I spend $3,000/month but I certainly don't live like a king. I just don't live in a shoe box studio, don't live off street food and enjoy myself.
If I were that fellow, I would want at least 50k usd savings as a minimum, in addition to his $2k/ mo income. Live off of $1500 usd/mo, save $500/mo. Also have $10k allocated to moving and start-up costs. If that guy is from the US, then by age 62 or later, he may be getting addnl SS income.
$2000 A Month for a single Man in Thailand is more than sufficient, Forget buying a Car its pointless, you can live well on $2000 A Month unless your the type who's missing Harrod's.
Haven’t you already exhausted this subject? I thought you were expanding the channel into an earn a living format or something. Yet here you are going over the same old ground. You didn’t ask permission to make a whole video out of my cost-of-living expenses! As I told you and your followers before you can live in Thailand for as little of 400 USD a month and in my opinion without budgeting or merely scrapping by. However, people who want swimming pools, membership to health clubs, overpriced rents, new cars/pickups and a luxury lifestyle will of course spend a lot more. If you just want to maintain a good standard of living (as you enjoyed back home) it can be obtained easily for less than $1,000 per month. 🤷♂
Thumbs up 👍 Jon
Thanks mate
As a Thai person, 2,000 dollars is very comfortable to live in Chiang Mai, both eating and traveling.
Most Thais earn half that (if they are lucky) a month!
if it's 1person who will live in a house with 2 dogs? is 2k usd a month still good? i don't drink and will try to cook more often then not.
Stuart, you don't need a car in Chiang Mai. If you're single, you can rent a condo in the center for $350 per month and walk most places. If you can't walk somewhere, you can take a Grab for a nominal amount of money. If you want to spend a weekend in the countryside, rent a car. I've never tried to park a car in Chiang Mai, but there generally doesn't appear to be any parking. If you have watched Jon's videos, you'll recall that when he lived out in the countryside, he was unhappy despite having a car. Where is Jon happy? In the center of Chiang Mai. Do you ever see his car in the center of Chiang Mai? Nope.
One thing I’d find useful in these ‘budget’ vids is to get an idea of what different levels of lifestyle would cost in Baht. That way exchange fluctuations can be taken into account better.
It’d be good to know what to budget all the way from a ‘live like a local’ lifestyle, all the way up to a ‘party every night’ lifestyle
Great videos, Jon. Your channel is easy to recommend. And funny, I still remember a time where I'd spend no more 4-500 dollars month in Thailand. Granted, that's quite some time ago now, and I wasn't living in luxury, but I did have everything I needed, and life was very, very good. Times have sure changed. The difference between Thailand and most countries in Europe really isn't THAT big anymore if you actually look closely at what you're getting (as I think you pointed out in another video, Jon). Friends of mine who holiday in Thailand these days seem to quite surprised at how much they end up spending.
No savings could pose a challenge with different types of visas. 😅
I clear 6k a month, live in Northern Thailand, able to save 3.5 to 4k per month depending how much farang food we eat (don't pay rent, got a house in my boys name)
I have lived in Bangkok with a gf (she works) and I was pretty fine with $1,700 or so. It really depends on the person, but with $2,000 you are flying my friend.
3-4k USD (couple) a month for an enjoyable retirement with travel. Keep in mind, 10-15 years + time, prices will be much different - +++
Lol what? 4k a month for a couple? Where are you living? With the king?
Greetings Jon. No way I have USD 2,000 a month. Your mate has done well. I will enjoy my last few months there going out with a blast. No expense spared.
My wife and I live very well on 45,000 in Jomtien. We are both from Australia! What’s your thoughts mate on that budget of 45k? We don’t smoke or drink alcohol.
We r a family of 4 in CM. We dont have a car. We use driver apps all the time and save a FORTUNE!!
Pointless topic, everyone has different lifestyles, you can live here on 12k a month or 112k a month, all depends.
The kicker is always the entertainment costs. You can live for a very reasonable amount in CM, but once the entertainment part of the budget comes into play things can double.
If you don't have savings, I don't see how you can make a life off 2K USD, one setback will wipe you out. I spend about 25K THB as a couple (more in summer) and have house, car, bike. Not including travel and larger purchases. Never mind save, insurance (as foreigner) or budget for your border crossings visas etc. I really wouldn't recommend not having a property or vehicle if you want a normal life. If you want to come for a year or two then yes that's fine, not for making a life here - never mind the silly low figures like 500 USD. So I feel similar to Jon on this. I'd say you need to be set up, have money in the bank to be OK or you will feel the pinch (sooner or later) at 2K USD.
Great Video. My Chiang Mai dream is $900 on housing (including all utilities and phone) for a 1 bed condo, $200 on insurance, $600 on food and some fun like a gym or sport. No plans on a car. If the "Budget" is $24,000 a year, that leaves $3,000 a year to travel around SEA that year. Passive Income with a large bank account just in case. I am 53m single and dont want to live in a shoe box apartment.
Should be good on $2k for comfortable life but not fantastic!
Hi Jon. I am 56 as well and live in Canada. Can you please describe the currency your talking about? The exchange rates make a huge difference. We are getting a shit kicking here against the US dollar right now. lol. Thanks. Great job getting through all the stress you have dealt with lately.
He is talking USD.
Yeah, Aussie dollar is awful too. That’s why I suggested budget vids should more concentrate on the Baht, so guys can then convert back to their own currency
2,000 usd today will be 4,000 usd in 15 to 20 years due to inflation.
Income needs to account for inflation .
The first thing to consider with budget videos is its only a general guide to show housing, food, transportation ect ect, you need to compare it with how you want live and adjust accordingly. I'm assuming you're retiring here for the rest of your life. You don't know how long you'll live for, if you rely on the pension its inflation adjusted until you die, but if you need additional funds you have to cover yourself if you live into your 90s. Health insurance is dependant on your health I believe. My insurance was $2400 so I stopped it after having a clean medical check up, I'm 66 on no medication and are healthy, so I self insure saving my $2400 hoping I have at least $25,000 before I have a health issue. This is a calculated gamble but I do have funds to fall back on. Not only that there are deductibles to take into account generally you pay the first 100,000 baht. Another thing is with health insurance they pay for first class hospitals, but you can get middle of the road with great treatment for way less, you just don't get 5 star accomodation, but better than basic Thai. Other things is you can cook western style food at home if you want it, you don't need to eat at Dukes. You also must factor in extras. After retiring here my teeth played up and I spent 15,000 baht on the dentist, and also consider the doctor because you need to go for general things and most insurance companies don't cover that. Then what about replacing your laptop and phone, if it's Apple $1500- 2500 USD for both.
I'm 49 diabetic with blood pressure controlled through meds...own a condo in Thailand... But no insurance because denied from all I tried... I got the DTV for 5 years, ok'd work remotely but can't long term because my Thai partner needs to work... When travelling there I budget around 1000 per day but usually less except from purchases for the home... Living there long term and cooking at home more would work out to maybe half... Not thinking about phone/internet/electric/maintenence fees, etc
Another cost of living video in Thailand. 😂 Number 9999999. Note to all. Budget in Thailand or anywhere depend on the individual.
Health insurance for 50+ is 3k+ USD a year
An absolute bargain. I would pay that per month in the US
Even if his income isn’t passive, won’t he be saving more by living in Chiangmai? Not many countries are cheaper with the same quality of life.
As you mentioned yourself, Thailand is not as cheap as it used to be. Prices are increasing yearly and with the upcoming minimum wage increase it will only get worse. 7Eleven, Lotus, BigC etc. will of course pass on the additional labor costs, and so will every industry, being it the farmers, the taxi operators, the trains, the zoos, construction, fabrication etc., etc. So 2,000 USD today might be good to live comfortable, but what about in 10 years? You need to make sure that your income will increase in line with the Thai inflation. We bought a house in Chiang Mai last year and as repeat buyers were invited to the developer's grant opening of their new project. During the event they had the brochures of the old projects lying around with updated pricing for remaining stock. Our direct neighbor (actually next door) who bought 3 or 4 months ago is now paying about 17% more for the same type of house and a bit smaller size of land. Our other property in Chiang Mai has gained about 3 million in value within 1 year for the land itself and the property in Pattaya has gained similarly and will even more, if they really build the monorail in our neighborhood. We tell our friends back home, that if they want to retire in Thailand in 15 to 20 years from now, buy a house and land today already. Put the house up for rental for the next 15 to 20 years to pay for the loan and when it is time to retire, knock down the house and build something which suits your requirements. Otherwise, by the time they retire, the land prices will have increased that much, that they will barely be able to afford buying something. And if you really think of retiring here and staying in Thailand long term (15 years up), buying is the way to go. Average time for ROI is about 15 to 17 years (at the moment and from own experience) and you will leave something behind for your kids when your are gone. BTW, our budget is 140,000 THB per month with 2 kids (kindergarten and primary school age) and income is passive through rental properties in Pattaya and Chiang Mai. Houses and cars are paid off, so no loans or rentals to pay.
Terrible advice. Never buy anything in Thailand, especially girls (sounds like you did) and property (you did). You can easily lose it all in a moment's notice. As well, money invested into a stock index is likely to return 10% annually.
@ron1sd8n023uwuhg what a pile of BS. I came to Thailand 17 years ago to work, make money, and then retire early. I didn't come for the bars and hookers. I met my wife the traditional way and didn't have to buy a girl. We are the same age and share the same interests. Happily married since 14 years with 2 kids. Also, gold diggers can be found all over the world, and this is not limited to Thailand only. Even in the US, UK, or wherever you are from, you can lose all your shit on divorce if you have not secured it via a contract before marriage. You also don't know the situation of my friends back home, so don't tell me I give bad advice. Based on their situation and their plans, my advice is good. Only because you had some bad luck and maybe made mistakes in the past, don't tell the people to not buy anything in Thailand. However, I agree with the 'Don't buy women', but should be anywhere and not only Thailand.
@@sebastianheinzerling6264 Sorry but you paid for your wife whether you realize it or not. And everyone knows Thailand is the world's largest whore house. Finally, buying property in Thailand is a fool's move for a foreigner. Maybe if you understood the basics about the stock market you could have retired 17 years ago instead of working some low wage job in the land of scams. Boom! Owned.
I'll be living like ROYALTY as a widow in Chiang Mai on two thousand bucks a month. Absolutely off the charts living. Just cuz' you've got the funds does not necessarily mean you are required to spend it all. I'll be setting aside half of that for old age in a fancy retirement home fifteen or twenty years later!
Same here Beverly, I earn less than this and have a very comfortable life living in central Pattaya
Wow you'd be living like a king USD 2000 on a Retirment visa. I spend about 20,000 baht a month living in Chaing Mai not including insurance, gym membership motorbike upkeep etc. and I've never been happier.
Rubbish. Please define "live like a king." Last time I checked, kings live in huge mansions if not palaces and have a staff of people waiting in them not to mention at least one luxury auto. Stop the nonsense. I live in CM and I spend $3,000/month but I certainly don't live like a king. I just don't live in a shoe box studio, don't live off street food and enjoy myself.
If I were that fellow, I would want at least 50k usd savings as a minimum, in addition to his $2k/ mo income. Live off of $1500 usd/mo, save $500/mo. Also have $10k allocated to moving and start-up costs. If that guy is from the US, then by age 62 or later, he may be getting addnl SS income.
$2000 A Month for a single Man in Thailand is more than sufficient, Forget buying a Car its pointless, you can live well on $2000 A Month unless your the type who's missing Harrod's.
why do commentators always drink when talking some eat and drink during video
2000 dollar is spending a lot and enjoy a lot 😂😂😂😂😂. If no debt or loans. Can live relax in Thailand for about 750/1000 dollar.
There is no sweet spot, the more money the better, period.
Do you have a throw away email mate, want to contact you
Haven’t you already exhausted this subject? I thought you were expanding the channel into an earn a living format or something. Yet here you are going over the same old ground.
You didn’t ask permission to make a whole video out of my cost-of-living expenses!
As I told you and your followers before you can live in Thailand for as little of 400 USD a month and in my opinion without budgeting or merely scrapping by. However, people who want swimming pools, membership to health clubs, overpriced rents, new cars/pickups and a luxury lifestyle will of course spend a lot more. If you just want to maintain a good standard of living (as you enjoyed back home) it can be obtained easily for less than $1,000 per month. 🤷♂