TRUE Cost of Expat Living in Isan Thailand 2023 (NOT $1000 a Month) 🇹🇭
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.ย. 2023
- Video #19. Welcome to my latest video for my channel @KhonKaenDen. In this video, I give you my personal TRUE Cost of Expat Living in Isan Thailand 2023 and you may be shocked to learn that it is NOT $1000 a Month, whilst walking around MAKRO Supermarket (rather than looking at my ugly mug). You will probably be shocked that it is NOT $1000 a month, though I already own my house (well, my wife does). If you are relocating to Thailand, expat life in Thailand and especially the north-east (Isan) like Khon Kaen, should be relatively cheap whether you are retired or married in Thailand but there are still lots of variables to consider. How much money do I really need to live in Khon Kaen per month. Could you afford NOT to live in Khon Kaen or even Thailand?
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My Cost of Living in Thailand:
02:28 Accommodation Information.
03:21 Accommodation Prices in Khon Kaen.
04:24 My Accommodation COSTS.
04:56 Visa Information.
05:58 Visa COSTS.
06:09 Transport Information.
08:26 Transport COSTS.
08:36 Internet & TV Information.
10:12 Internet & TV COSTS.
10:26 Utilities Information.
11:35 Utilities COSTS.
11:43 Consumables Information.
13:11 Consumables COSTS.
13:17 Entertainment Information.
15:25 Entertainment COSTS.
15:40 My TOTAL BUDGET Per Month.
16:56 YOUR Monthly Budget?
Welcome to the latest video for my channel, Khon Kaen Den. NOTE: I forgot to mention that, at times, you need to pay for things that go wrong (car repairs, air con cleaning etc) or vet bills/hospital visits or whatever. Therefore, I would certainly ADD 2-3k (and have some set aside just in case). Hope you enjoy.
Yep having spent a month there every year for the past 18 years I can vouch for that. Eg, last year needed a new water pump and a new AC unit + a re fit of 1 of the toilets so we ended up speanding around £2k more than we normally would have. Lucky for me apart from the covid years we have been to KSK every year since 2007 when we bought the land to build the house which means we usually
eat at home and also know the decent local places for eating out.
@@mickj88 Great info, Mick! Couldn't agree more. You cannot account for things going wrong. Many months nothing happens... it is oh, so quiet... then loads goes wrong in one month. And that is why I would always advise anyone coming to Thailand to have about a year's budget in the bank (for emergencies)... doing this eliminates getting screwed when the microwave blows up!!! Love that you eat at home a lot... and of course know the local top places!!! Hehe.. Thanks for sharing. Den.
Great video. Lots of details many people don't consider in their budgeting.!
Thanks for your kind words! Even with the detail, I forgot to add about 2-3,000 baht per month for misc stuff... but it still gives everyone an idea of what things CAN cost in Isan. Thanks for sharing!
Super informative video ka Denis, if I have anyone consider moving here, I would share your video to them.
Thank you for your kind words, KruNid... thanks for sharing.
Thank you, that was a great vlog and so helpful Have a great day.
Thanks, Jeff. Of course, it could be a lot more for some people, a lot less for others... but at least it gives people an idea of costs. Thanks for replying. Den.
Cheers Den much appreciated Jeff@@KhonKaenDen
Nicely done! Not many I make it through. I’m nearby and you sir are spot on
Thank you so much for you kind words, Pat! Hope to meet you one day. Den.
Everything is in details these is best video to those plan to convert living in Thailand budget of course the first lane on the pocket well discussed and love the long talked I learned new today always is a must consider the pocket bills #19:21
Thank you for your kind words. Yes, budget is very important if considering moving to a diferent country. I will be updating on budgets and similar on a regular basis. Watch this space. Thanks again for sharing. Den.
Great Content.นะ
Thank youuuu!
Great info. Me and my wife have just finished building our house near prakhonchai, just trying to figure out how much living costs will be, we have 3 kids who will need school but your costs have given me hope its not out of reach. Many thanks
No problem. Kids will obviously add quite a lot more but I think that would could well be OK. I would always advise to have a chunk of money in the bank for emergencies (or if things go wrong). Cheers and thanks for sharing.
good luck
@@stevesiboun Cheers! I think my budget has since gone up a little as the prices of things have gone up a lot recently! I will be making another, more detailed video at the start of next year. Thanks. Den.
Good stuff. Thanks for sharing. Building house in Khon Kaen Right now haha. This gives me hope was thinking 1.5k a month live like a king and queen
Thanks for sharing. I will be doing an even more detailed and ongoing budget starting next month... stay tuned. Cheers, Den.
I live in Udon but just like many foreigners here I play golf 3 times a week which makes the budget just for golf at 20000 baht a month. Many many foreigners are doing this so budgets are personal just as you state. I also bought our house at 4 million baht so mortgage 16000 baht a month. My health insurance is 4000 baht a month as I am 62. So you see my budget is 40000 baht not taking account of fuel for car or motorbike and food for the month. All in all, I would say 60000 baht a month.
Yeah, 60k seems to be the most popular budget. Even then, that is cheap compared to the west... and you get to play golf regularly. Not my thing (I like nature and photography) but I understand why so many like it. For me, I would say that 30-35k is perfectly livable in Isan for someone new to the place and doesn't have expensive hobbies (555). I like Udon by the way and will be visiting soon. Thanks for sharing
How does golf cost 20,000 baht per month in Udon Thani?
@@gongagong I didn't realise it was so expensive out here! Thanks for sharing.
@@johntheaccountant5594 Green fees and cart for 18 holes is about 1200 baht at Royal Creek golf and resorts. You tip the caddy about 400 per 18 holes. Then there is food and drinks at the club house. You can go cheaper at 9 hole courses. I play once a week because the wife doesn't consider golf exercise.
I don't have a clue as to how much my wife and I spend per month. Probably on the 50k range because we own everything. I let my wife take care of the money. Btw, she is wealthier than I am. I told her it's the price you pay to marry a younger man. I'm 50 and she is 52. Btw, Do you mostly play at Royal Creek or do rotate other courses. And 4 million bath for a house in Udon is a bit high. You must have a large property.
Thanks for this , me and MrsJ are selling up and moving to khaosuankwang . We have a house (paid for and only 14 years old) we have a pick up (6 years old) that is paid for. Your budget is looking around what I thought we.d be spending once there give or take a couple 1000 baht. This has been really helpfull. I guess athe first year we will spend somewhat more as our motorbike need replacing due to age and condition + maybe a few minor repairs and upgrades around the house. Im thinking 1st year my budget will be 4 times what the 2nd year will be .
Hi, Mick. Cool that you are moving out to KSK!!! Nice little place. Having the house and car paid for makes an enormous difference. Then teh rest is up to you guys. I could spend less than what I stated in my budget but I could spend a lot more. As mentioned, I think because I was a teacher here for so long I have been used to that kind of salary. Even when I rented a house/bike and went out all the time (many moons ago), I would only spend my then-salary of 30K. Also, both the missus and I prefer going to local restaurants or even the markets for food and it can be much cheaper still. The problem is when you want to continue living like a foreigner (i.e. enjoying western goodies). It then mounts up. Yeah, your first year, you will probably spend a lot more... then, once you find your feet, you will find places (restaurants, locations etc) that suit your budget. Anyway, thanks for sharing and let me know when you arrive. Den.
I don’t see too many people mentioning moving to KSK, I’ll be there in a year or so if everything continues on plan. Since we will be starting fresh, i don’t even want to contemplate my first year budget.
@@JohnInKSKA couple of people I knew moved that way as well. Clearly nothing like those moving to the city or anything, but it's a good location (kind of in-between KK and Udon).
@@JohnInKSK Been going up there since 2005, I love Phuket , Samui etc but Isaan for me is so much more peacefull. I know a number of expats in the area who meet up every friday for "ferang friday" so if you feel the need to meet and chat people whos 1st language is English then its there. I usually go once or twice when over for a month and we now have a few of ferang in the village but dont always see them as same as me they are not living there full time so sometimes arent there at the same time.
As we have th house and pickup already my budget for first year is going to be 2 to 3 times what Den was estimating with the hope I will be nearer that budget once settled- need to buy a couple of new bikes (1 each) so will will set us back a good £4 to 5 K before we start and theres a few things in the house like a front perimeter wall and gate so will be hit for a bit there although will employ brother in law and his mates to build the wall . Our place is at Ban Na Ang Thong about 8 klicks from the train station.
Not bad at all, even with the added health insurance, it still less than the $1000 a month, and this is based on a couple, if you are single, well, it will eventually be less, thanks for the info!
Yep. My budget (20,000 baht) doesn't include rent, finance, or health insurance... but yes, I think you can live a reasonably good life out here for a $1000 a month (with rent of about 5,000 baht). Thanks for sharing.
I don't think so. With rent and health insurance alone, it is going to cost at least $600 USD.
If you rent a motorcycle is there insurance with the rental?
Hi John. To be honest, I am not entirely sure (been a long time since I rented). I would hazard a guess as yes, as the vehicle is usually the thing that is insured (not the person like in the UK). Therefore, it would be in the interests of the owners to insure them. They will most likely have the compulsory insurance which is only cheap. For a small scooter, you might be better off just buying a second hand one for $300-400 US! That's what most longer term foreigners end up doing. You could always sell it on afterwards too. Hope this helps. Den
Hi, I am currently living in Pattaya and thinking about moving to one of the big cities in Isaan. I work remote so reliable strong internet connection is very important to me. Do you recommend Khon Kaen?
Hi. The internet here is great. I rarely, if ever have a problem with fast speeds. 3BB are very good for me and come round quickly should there be any sort of problem (a squirrel once bit through the fibre optic cable haha) and once there was a problem with the router but was fixed the very next morning. Most internet companies are pretty decent. I have lived in Khon Kaen now for 20 years. I love the place but it is very quiet compared to the likes of Pattaya and Bangkok as you can imagine and it isn't for everyone (might be TOO quiet but I love it with the odd break somewhere busier). It has pretty much everything a foreigner would need, really. There are a number of cities in Isan that are all good. Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Korat, Buri Ram... to name a few. I would highly recommend visiting a couple of the places for a quick visit first to see what you think. Hope this helps. Den.
@@KhonKaenDen Thanks for the insightful reply information.
I appreciate the quick response.
@@user-it5lo7sc8m No problem. Let me know if you ever come to Khon Kaen! Cheers.
Thank you for your video! How about food??
Hi, I added the "food" part into "Consumables" which is usually around 6,000 baht per month (however, prices have crept up again a little since making that video). I will be making an update very soon. Thanks.
good informative video!
Thank you so much for your kind words!
did she already have a house? Did you build a house on her land? what was the cost of those things? you spent something on your current accommodation right?
Hi, Mark. We actually bought the house together... it was very run down (not lived in for 17 years) and was owned by the bank. We put a low offer in and they accepted it (700k baht??? something like that). Anyway, they accepted it and we spent another 300k making it livable. Still need to do work on it, but it is fine now. That was about 12 years ago, however. Therefore, prices for housing has gone up quite a bit. Of course, this video was based on not paying rent (which I mention). I will be doing a video on my house at some point. I will also, very shortly, be doing videos on renting property, staying in condos, buying condos/houses and even how much to stay in hotels etc for six months or so... these vids will hopefully help many more people decide whether somewhere like Khon Kaen is right for them and their budget. Stay tuned. Cheers, Den.
Thanks so much for your reply I plan on moving over there part-time in the next couple years until I fully retire and I'm just exploring all of my options I just found your channel I subscribe to many of the expat TH-cam channels still reeling from Ricky in Issan loss. Again thanks 🙏
@@markdam Cheers, Mark. Yeah, hopefully some of my future videos will help you in the near future. You will love it here.
Must admit, I only heard about Ricky's loss this morning. I have been busy making videos. I am devastated. Such a young and lovely family. I am actually a little in shock right now. Take care, Den.
I spend almost double what you do. I averaged just under 37,000 a month last year and am doing a lot worse when I look at first 8 months of this year.I was paying 7,500 in rent which is a part of the difference. I do not keep track of the cost of my beer but would guess it and travel within Thailand are the reasons my spending is so much higher than yours. I also pay for a mail address and skype phone number in my home country as well as get hit with one monthly small account charge from my home country bank.
Wow... yep you do spend more than me now! However, as I mention, I don't have any rent or finance on my car. That would add at least another 10-15k closing nearer to 35k... but I decided to buy a really run down house in KK about 11 years ago and renovated it. The rent I have saved over the years has pretty much paid for it now I think! Likewise, I used to drink a lot of beer (not too much now other than Saturday nights and football)... and that eats massively into anyone's budget! Travel can be expensive too as you are well aware! Thanks for sharing! Den
Don't mess with the beer budget, it's VIP 😮
Just found your channel and this is the first of your videos I've watched. I live not far from Khon Kaen on the road from Maha Sarakham and I live fairly rural away from the local village. We built our own home and farm so we don't have any rent to pay but we spent a few million baht initially obviously on that. Our electric is average 4,000 baht per month now (was 3,000 average last year) and water around 900 baht. Mobiles, internet and TV are about 3,000, shopping for eating at home and other stuff we use at home we spend about 25,000 per month. We eat out quite a lot but much less than we used to... we spend about 8,000 per month eating out. Car, truck, scooter and motorbike taxes, services, tyres, fuel etc we spend average 7,000 per month (we drive and travel alot). We have a baby and he costs us about 8,000 baht per month in nappies, milk formula, clothes and other bits. We spend probably 10,000 baht per month on miscellaneous, entertainment etc... but that varies wildly month to month. So give or take at the moment we spend about 65,000 baht a month which I know is high and we could certainly cut that down to maybe half if we really needed to. Also we have other costs which are unique to us. We have a full-time live-in nanny who also cleans and cooks for us and we pay her 12,000 per month and we have a full-time farm worker and a couple of part-time and they cost us 18,000 baht per month. So we are really spending around 100k a month but the farm is also generating an income on top of my income from overseas and my wifes income as a school teacher so our costs are only about 50% of our overall income and we live a life here far better than we could in the west on that expenditure.
Wow, yeah. You are just down the road! And your budget is much higher than mine. For me, I was on a teacher's salary for 17 years and I have just got used to living on 20-30k per month. As I mention in the video, it all comes down to personal needs... even if I had the money, I am not sure that I would spend more than, say, another 10k a month on a few nicer western produce. Sounds like you are living a wonderful life and I agree that living in Thailand (especially Isan) you can live better than back home... even though I think of Khon Kaen as home now. Thanks for sharing and stay in touch!
well like I say we could certainly live on much less and our added costs of baby and providing food for our live-in nanny as well as our business and other employees just ramps up the costs. I'm in KK quite often so maybe meet up for a coffee sometime @@KhonKaenDen
@@skyfarmorganics I agree that we could all live on a little less, but I think we need a level that makes us happy. I would like to spend a little more but being a teacher for so long I have got used to it, it appears! Anyway, yeah would be great to meet up sometime! Cheers, Den.
Your doing it the right way. Your generating income from your property. I have a housekeeper too. Not so good. The prior on was better, but she retired on us and moved south to by a house. Apparently, we overpaid her.
Hi I am new in your channel. Do you watch American football and how much for that if you watching?
Hi. Hmmm... I don't actually watch American football but you definitely can watch it in Thailand for cheap, if not free (there are a number of streams that allow you to watch it cheaply/free)... I will try to find out for you! Thanks.
Thank you
WOW. What do you eat with just 6000 Baht per Month. We are a Family of 3 and just a Noodle Soup for 3 is 150 Baht (4500Baht) a Month. We rent a House at Bueng Nong Khot for 12000 Baht and don´t pay for a Car or Motorbike. But we still need about 60000 Baht per Month include Private School for our Daughter at 3000 Baht per Month.
Yeah, I basically spend about 1500 baht a week for the missus and myself, plus two very greedy cats. I do spoil myself sometimes with a bit of western food (sausages, bacon, pies etc. for the weekend) but not that much now I suppose as it is getting more expensive. I mostly keep it local. We eat out at the markets and local restaurants quite often and it is cheaper... and often more delicious (plus no washing up) and that went on the "entertainment" section. Wow... I forgot about private school fees! I don't have any kids yet, but maybe one day and my budget will go through the room haha. I like Bueng Nong Khot... lovely area with some nice restaurants that I would like to try one day! Thanks for sharing. Den.
@@KhonKaenDen The Restaurants are really nice but a dinner for two will be more than a weekly budget. Prices like Phuket and even more. If i compare Phuket to Khon Kaen i can see not much differnce for the price of foreign Food. Khon Kaen is even more expensive i feel.
@@KhonKaenDenWhat about maintenance & replacement on the house, Fridges, A/C’s, Shower Heaters, Fans etc don’t last for ever. What about getting your AC’’s cleaned & septic tanks sucked out etc. For the car what about services & repairs & again they don’t last forever & you forgot about the tax. House cleaning products, toiletries, cleaning the car, your wife buying girl stuff, buying a few clothes etc, you got 2 cats do you buy stuff for them to give every month for tics & fleas & prevent Heartworm, yearly vaccinations, how about miscellaneous stuff like going the dentist. I live in Udon Thani City in a modest bungalow. It’s just me & the wife a small dog & 2 cats. I got an old ford ranger & a Honda PCX. I do my main shop at Makro I eat mostly at home cooking western meals but mostly from local produce. I kept a record of what I spend. If I don’t include entertainment & my meds my average is 45,000/month & that is around 32,000 for the stuff I pay every month & 13,000 for things like car insurance & tax, car service, buying a new fridge freezer, a/c cleaning, buying a new mobile, dentist, medical check up I get once a year, vet bills, bits & bobs etc.
@@okrim-thailand Actually, for foreign food, you are quite correct... many foreign-orientated restaurants in KK will cost you around 2k for two (though you will be full haha). All the ingredients must be shipped up here somehow which adds to the costs. plus the fact that there are far fewer foreigners in KK and not much competition and the prices seem to be inflated... still, it is worth it from time to time (which is why I have some savings for a nice treat). Cheers.
@@isaanman5399 Hey, Issanman... you are not wrong. Most of the pet stuff comes out of the consumables but I didn't include things like repairs etc. which I should have! I was just trying to show my average monthly budget. I often don't spend anything extra but sometimes things crop up as you say like the air con needs cleaning or a repair to the car. I should have added about 2-3k for "misc" stuff, I suppose. I will add that to any future budget video I do... I will also mention that if coming to Thailand, it is best to have about a year's average salary in your bank account already... just in case. Thanks for this very useful info! Cheers, Den.
I know a young couple with 3 small kids that live in Udon Thani. They are new to town. Both work for my father in law in a small family business employing about 6 people. Both there salaries together is about 30,000 baht. They live in their uncle's house. They recently bought an older car for 100,000 baht. Two of their kids go to school in town and one is too young. They are completely broke before the end of the month. Should I feel bad for them and ask my father in law to pay them more or are they just not living within their means? I heard the business has been gradually slowing down for the past 10+ years, but countinue to give annual raises. My wife's family is relatively wealthy. I think they keep the store open for the sake of the employees.
Hi, Many thanks for sharing this interesting story of a young couple. To be honest, 2 people living for free (the uncle's house) and earning a combined salary of 30k is higher than what most couples earn in the area. It is tough of course having three kids (can be expensive). I think the average daily wage is around 320 baht... so that is somewhere around 10k a month. Many couple get by on this (i.e. 20k per couple). Now, adding the 3 kids will ensure that they are broke at the end of the month. It is quite normal. Should you ask your father in law to pay more? Hmmm.... I wouldn't give then actual money (if they drink or whatever, they will just spend it). Maybe giving them a 'gift' package each month with groceries, toiletries and things for the kids as well as a few niceties for the parents. That would be a nice thing to do and would ease their financial situation. Hope this helps. Den.
@@KhonKaenDen Thanks for the reply. I think part of the couple's problem is they are trying to give their young kids short-term gratification. Instead of a local school, their kids attend a private school that's more expensive. Instead of buying a cheaper car that they can afford, they borrowed my in-law's money to put a down payment. Now they have to make two loan payments instead of one. I told them to sacrifice now so they can invest in the future. I told them my parents relocated from Laos to USA with nothing and they managed to raise 4 kids. We shared clothes, toys, and a bed. We were able to buy a car and a home. I was embarrassed to wear off brand shoes to school when I was about 12. Altogether, I had a lot of good memories that more than made up for it. Now that I'm rich on paper, I can honestly say I would give it all away to redo my childhood.
@@stevesiboun Hi, Steve. Ahhh... OK. Then, in that case, no. Attending private schools is just for the rich. IF they cannot afford it, then THEY have to change things; not accept handouts from others. They earn EASILY enough as a couple in Udon to support their children. I, too, come from a relatively poor background from the north-west of England. Very working class heritage/background. My father worked in engineering but my mother didn't work and they had four children. There were times (many times) when I ended up wearing the clothes of my older brothers who had outgrown their clothes... it is the way of the world. My parents only spent what they could afford... nothing more. If we couldn't afford it, we didn't have it... but there was ALWAYS food on the table. We had a very cheap car and I walked to school every day from the age of 8 (about 2 kms). That was the norm back then in the late 70s, early 80s. As for you mentioning off brand shoes, it was exactly the same for me. Any "brand name" was specifically bought for my birthday or Christmas (IF I was lucky). So happy that you have made it (at least on paper). I am still relatively poor financially but extremely rich in so many other ways (health, happiness, love living the life I want in Thailand etc.)
By the way, I love Laos too and considered living there a while ago... been many times and will make a video on it soon (most likely Vientianne). Where are your parents from?
Thanks for sharing, Den.
@@KhonKaenDen My dad was born in Savannakhet, southern Laos. I don't know much about it. I've never been. I'm very Americanized and really only came to Thailand for my wife's sake. Although, we have a privileged life here and I can't really complain. I can see you made the right choice by living here.
Sounds like your richer than most people. I never felt like money to a certain point made me any happier. I just worried less about bills and needing to work. The secret for me is trying to make the most of what we were given. I don't have kids and my parents live in the States. So, I try to cherish the opportunities to visit home.
509,34€ by month 👍🏻 Merci pour ce budget détaillé !
Oui, c'est bon marché mais n'inclut pas le loyer (car j'ai acheté ma maison). Merci beaucoup! Den
Hi there
Budgets really are people specific, and area governed , I’m 35 km from korat and probably spend a little more than you but don’t have a budget , I’m of the mind set that if I say my budget will be 25k for instance I’d start to think oh no I’m at 25k and there’s still 10 days till the end of the month and just out of shear doggedness I’d try to make it to the end of the month spending another 1k baht , I spend between £500 and £750 per month like this month I spent £250 (10000 baht) on a couple of items for the house , I think the biggest cost for many foreigners is alcohol, cigarettes and eating foreign foods most days and they don’t want to really count up what they spend on those 3 items as it would probably shock them , I see TH-camrs spending 390 baht on a burger for lunch , I buy Thai food and for lunch I pay 55 baht for phad krapow with a fried egg on top and it comes with a small bowl of broth with it and a water, last nights dinner was phad Thai 50 baht not a Aussie steak or any other farang type food , if people want to drink , smoke and eat western food all the time I can see the $2000 budgets getting used every month , you’ve been honest in your lifestyle, thanks for that
regards Davy 🏴🇹🇭
Cheers, Davy. Very informative stuff. You seem to live a similar lifestyle to me... I was a teacher in Khon Kaen for 17 years and got used to living on 35k a month (and even saving a few 1000 here and there for a little holiday or whatever at the end of each term). This included about 5k rent in the early years and included a hell of a lot more going out and doing what you do when you are younger. I understand that many people cannot live the lifestyle that I lead and must have more in their life but I love the simple lifestyle nowadays and only have my Saturday night beer night watching while football plus the odd modestly-priced restaurant (like 4-500 baht a meal for two sort of thing). Thanks for sharing. Den.
I consider myself a frugal person but $2,000 usd a month seems more realistic for a single person in Jomtien or Bangkok.
I agree Louis, living in places like Bangkok is a whole new ball game... it can be far, far more expensive to live there. Rent alone could squash my entire budget. That is why my budget was for Khon Kaen and Isan (much cheaper area to live - though not the ideal place for some). Thanks, Den.
There you go! It doesn`t need to cost you too much to live outside the tourist areas. You are pretty much spot on with the budget we had when we were staying put in Korat. But we travelled a lot, and spent 30-40.000 baht a year on that alone. That was balm for our soul. Phuket is very expensive, compared to other places. I enjoyed your tour around, grocery shopping while you were doing your budget. Lots of yummy stuff there, once again you made me hungry 😋😋
Thanks again, Sarlina. Yeah, Isan is pretty cheap (though some have said they spend more like 60-100k a month - I wouldn't know how to haha). It all comes down to personal preferences/needs. But even with rent and cheap motorbike, it is perfectly livable in Isan on about 30-35k (unless the bars are your thing). I love travelling too but living in Khon Kaen, it still feels like a holiday... but home at the same time. Phuket is a nice place but seriously expensive (for me). You can fly there directly from Khon Kaen and so have been a few times. Thought it was a better idea to show prices of goods at the supermarket, rather than show my ugly face walking around haha). Anyway, off for my anniversary dinner tonight, so you should see that video very soon. Take care and have a great weekend.
@@KhonKaenDen Wish you the best with your anniversary dinner tonight. Sounds like something you both are looking much forward to. And I am sure you will have many more anniversaries to come. Good luck 😊
@@sarlina1 Thanks so much. We like to have two anniversaries per year... one for the very first date we went on (tonight) and the day we got married (I have forgotten how many years.... Ooops, I'd better find out). Thanks again and speak soon. Den.
Sarlinaa,i was reading your comment.i agreed with you.i live in korat city. I like this city,i hope you like as well. Living in Thailand.❤️🙏🇹🇭
@@ThailandInLove Thank you, Sir! I do like Korat, I suppose you mean Nakhon Ratchasima city especially. Yes, but personally I prefer the outskirts, or the more quiet places outside the city, and the cities in general. I have family 30 min south of the Nakhon Ratchasima. I am glad you like living in Thailand, I hope all Thais are treating you well, giving you the smiles we are known for 😊👍🙏
ok, first I gotta say the video portion being a good slow and with close ups tour of the supermarket featuring prices one can read is GENIUS! I really don't need to see some guys face while he's yammering away about whatever. So here we get two streams of info. SECOND...its the FIRST REALISTIC video I've seen on budget. 90% of these jokers say you need at least $1000, but more like 1500 monthly as a single guy. Including dudes living in bamboo huts in the boonies or know it alls living in the middle of nowhere planting a naked patch of ground and thinking they'll live off what they grow (in the second case the guy "needs" Aircon haha). One trip I stayed in student housing in Cambodia ($50 a month for my room) for less than $250 a month. In KK I stay at a Thai family home and contribute what they let me. I gotta get sneaky and do stuff in the yard minor repairs on the house and sneak in things like coffeemakers and Starbucks coffee in my luggage. Kudos for truth.
Many thanks for your kind words! Yeah, I try to create videos that I would watch myself. Nothing wrong with having your face in the camera, but NOT all the time. It just becomes boring. I started out that way but quickly changed. People also like to see the surroundings of the presenter (they may have never seen them before).
As for the budget, yeah, I spend around 20k per month. Sometimes a little more, sometimes less. I live a rather simple life to be honest. My house is bought and paid for but you can rent very cheaply outside the cities if you want to. You can obviously stay with the family, which is great.
I will actually be making another video (or a short series of videos) on my budget in more detail at the start of next year as things have crept up a little in price. I will be keeping a more detailed account of everything and showing the prices of things (in situ like being at the supermarket etc.) just to show people how cheaply (or expensively) you can live for in Thailand. Anyway, thanks so much for sharing. Cheers, Den.
I rent in Sukhumvit Bangkok in small 2 bed condo and incl utilities it is 50k baht/monthly. I play golf 4 times a month, goes out for dinner /drinks/entertainment 5-6 times per month (in BKK that is minimum 10k baht) and have full wifi/phone/TV package. I generally never splurge, but I spend minimum 100K bath every month living a normal life in BKK including everything (also insurance ,visa and trips). If you really include everything it is a myth that you can live in BKK for 1000 USD per month. Not possible, even if you have a tiny room.
Couldn't agree with you more. I know people who live in and around Bangkok and need more like 60-100k for sure. It is not really possibly to live so cheaply there any more. However, in Isan (like Khon Kaen where I live), it is possible... I do it. Even if I added house rent (I own my house... well, my wife does) and had finances on a budget car/bike, it is certainly still possible to live a fairly comfortable life on $1,000 in the area. To be honest, the starting salary for most teachers here is STILL 30k start as it was 20 years ago! The down side of living in Isan is that it most certainly isn't for everyone! But I love it! Thanks for sharing!
Bro i am agree with you,its very difficult to stay in $1000 per month special in Bangkok. Living in Thailand.🇹🇭🙏❤️
@@ThailandInLove Yep. Love Bangkok... but expensive!!!! Haha.
@@KhonKaenDen bro i am living in isaan,i don't like busy and crowded place.i am happy to be isaan guy.❤️🙏🇹🇭
Yeah BKK is very busy, and I will also get tired of it at some point for sure. Just waiting to meet the right Isan girl to bring me up country and live the quiet life. I don’t need bars and fancy restaurants, as long as there is a good golf course and some expats to play with.
Informative video, I think your budget is spot on. I visited Khon Kaen late last year, scoping it out as a possible place to retire to. I have to say it wasn't really my cup of tea!
Thanks for your kind words. I agree about Khon Kaen... it certainly isn't for everyone. A few people have asked me about the place and whether it is right for them... my response can only be to visit yourself and stay for a while. Some people love it (kind of normal Thailand, which is what I like) others want to go somewhere busier. I understand both points of view as I like to travel sometimes and get away from KK but happy to return. Thanks for sharing. Den.
Bro,some of the place in isaan,if you don't know,you can't stay there, better to visit first and you decide. living in thialnd,🇹🇭🙏❤️
@@ThailandInLove Yeah! Agree 100%. I love Khon Kaen and other Isan cities, but it's not for everyone. In the same way, I'm not sure I could live out in the small villages 50 kms from a city, but many people love the solitary life. I love to visit small places but prefer living in/near the city. And there is loads to do in Isan... and I think we both love the place!!!
How do you find a nice furnished condo for $5,000 baht or less in pattaya or jomtien?
Which part of costs for living in isaan didn't you see? He keeps saying it will be more in cities. You are asking about an international tourist centre. 😊
Hi. As mentioned by Andrew, I am talking specifically about Isan (Khon Kaen). It is, on the whole, cheaper than other parts of Thailand. Even then, for 5,000 baht (unfurnished/part furnished) you are looking at staying just outside the city (though there are condos centrally). For example, I live in a two-bedroomed house (tiny garden) like a terraced house in the UK and one of the houses two doors away is rented (part furnished) for 5k a month but I live a few kilometres out of the city. For a decent small house/oldish condo (furnished) you are looking at 6-10k... more for the modern condos. Hope this helps. Den.
you dont ,, unless you are very lucky i would say 8000 plus
why did you waste almost 2 minutes at the start?
I wouldn't say it was a waste, Dean. It's just my style, I suppose. If you don't like the intros I do, I always add chapters so that you can simply skip them. Cheers.
I'm glad you did, I had no idea I actually wanted to know the length of that string 😅 born curious is a cursed thing sometimes 😂
@@isanBen Hahaha... yep.
Please it's your(innovative) style. Don't change it😊
@@foszen Many thanks for your kind words! Den.
So cheap, Thanks.
Thank you!!!
30 BHAT TO DOLLAR???
Hmmm.... just checked and right now it's 36 baht to the dollar. Thanks for sharing. Den.
nah
Thanks for your kind words.
You forgot to mention health insurance per month genius.
Yes, I do. 04:47 minutes - I mention it. I have also made a video on the topic. I currently (and stupidly) DO NOT HAVE health insurance. Hence, they lack of it in my budget. I will be making an updated version shortly (as prices are still creeping up and hopefully I will have insurance sorted by then). Thanks. Den.
@@KhonKaenDen I get reqular full check ups. I don't drink or smoker. The only vise I hide from my wife is chocolates. At the moment, I am very healthy. Other and accident insurance, I don't see the need for health insurance. Maybe, I will buy it in a few years. Pay attention to your mood swing, stress levels, and weight.
@@stevesiboun I agree with everything you say... I am a little overweight again and will start to lose it soon. Never smoked but really do like beer. However, I try to restrict it to just once a week now when I watch the football/soccer. Never smoked and eat quite healthily. And since I stopped teaching, my stress levels have normalized. My only sorry is a sudden heart attack or cancer. I may get insurance just to cover bit things like that. Not sure. Many thanks for sharing. Den.