How Much Money You Need to Live in Thailand?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ก.พ. 2024
- Welcome to another episode where we dive into the nitty-gritty of living in Thailand! Today, we're not here to hit you with the same old budget breakdown - we're spicing things up! Forget the usual blah blah blah about how much money you need; we're all about the lifestyle and routine that truly shapes your budget in the Land of Smiles.
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This video is a follow up from my monthly spend vlog I did. You can watch that here - th-cam.com/video/giGPn2NFVjE/w-d-xo.htmlsi=ng6OdPHtTHFHQyz8
Great info, as always Wayne. I appreciate your perspective.
Thanks for the reply Wayne.I'll have a look at this
This dude is real, no sugarcoating or beating around the bush. Straight shooter, no BS.
Thank you buddy! Just my natural feelings and how I see things.
You're so right. Routine is crucial. Having a purpose is crucial. Good job, Wayne! 🎉😊
For sure guys! 100% Thanks.
Hi Wayne, As you said, the budget depends on what lifestyle you want. Basically It's Up To You!
That's right mate, budget is all up to you.
I did a six month exploratory trip in 2020 and learned a lot. I am entering my second year of living in Chiang Mai and my budget remains at $1200 US per month. I chose the suburbs so that I could have a house without all of the noise of the city. As you said lifestyle determines your budget, mine is simple, and like Wayne I have settled into a nice routine of living in a beautiful part of the world.
Nice one Pat, sounds like you have a great routine going mate.
Wayne...GREAT. Thank you.
My relocation is on 01 March (24 days, not that I am counting). Looking forward to it. My last 1 month stay totaled #1000 USD. Including room rent, food, transport, AND....1 trip to Bangkok for retirement visa. And I had a really fun time.
That's great Jody! 24 days will soon come. Good luck, you'll soon be living the good life again. Thanks
I always say it's not "how much money do I need to live in Thailand", but "how much money do I need to live the life to which I aspire", and you can lead a comfortable simple life on not very much. You do need to have something to do, a focus, to keep you occupied and out of the bars and also (and this is really important) access to an emergency fund in case things go wrong big style in some way.
That's right Tanya, 100%. Routine is just as important as the money is some ways. Thanks.
This is the type of vid I was looking for, you got my sub ❤
Thank you 🙏
Mercedes ?
I thought George & Mildred had a motorbike and sidecar 😂 (old UK sitcom)
I think Mr Fourmile had a decent car next door though 🤣🤣
Wayne, you're my spirit vlogger! 😂 I think that's one of the reasons you are still my favorite TH-camr. Watching your videos is like watching my future self. Having a routine and keeping it simple is what gets me through my days.
Cheers Shain mate! I hope all is well buddy 👌
Love it Wayne. Routine has definitely been part of my time here and even with my recent life changes it'll keep me going here
Nice one Ricky mate, yes, I would be a mess without routine. Hope all is well buddy. I think I seen you move house, so hope that's going well.
Wayne, at one point in my life I took a nose dive and found myself at the bottom of the sea. I was going to have to start over again and the thought was so depressing and overwhelming I had almost lost all hope. My dad, who has sense passed away, kept telling me, "Son, the first thing to do is to have a routine. Just a simple routine." I didn't want to hear it at first, but my dad's words saved me as I emerged from the darkness. Wayne, your vlog rings true and reminds me of my father's words. Thanks, brother. Appreciate you and much love and respect to my dad.
That was so nice to read! Well done buddy and respect to your Dad. Thank you for sharing this 🙏🙏
Thank you Wayne! I will be moving there within the next 2 years and have been trying to get a better idea of a budget and you are the first to bring up the routine aspect, That makes a lot of sense as that is exactly how my budget works now just didn't realize that until now. Thank you
Cheers Luke, yes this is another way to look at it. Routine will determine the budget. Thanks buddy.
I just spent 7 weeks with my GF in Ayutthaya over Xmas as a trail run for retirement this summer I managed to live the 7 weeks on £1500 which included trips to Prachuap kiri khan and bang saen . Everyone's budget is different it's up to the individual to work a budget around what they can afford .
That's great! good to know you done all that on £1500 . Yes, it's possible just depends on the person. Thanks
Great chat Wayne😁👍
Thanks 👍
I'm taking the move solely of Wayne's advice, the guys a legend, straight up no BS
The pressure is on me now 🤣. I'm sure you'll be fine mate and thanks for the props buddy.
great video as always Wayne... I think one not only needs a steady income stream out there in order to be able to move there but I think its important to also have a plan of what ya gonna do and allow that into your budget! living somewhere and going on a long term holiday are two entirely different things!!
Exactly!
Future retirees might want to do a 6-month "trial run", if possible. Live like it's real, a true budget, and see how that feels for ya.
Yes mate, best to have the plan ready, for when the holiday finishes. 👍
Totally understand. I am the same way even at home. Nice video.
Thanks buddy!
you are on point Good video
Thanks 👍👍
Well said Wayne it’s all about individual lifestyles and having routine is a great way for our sanity no matter where we live 👍great video as always
Very true 👍. Thank you.
Great Video Wayne, i think a pretty straightforward way to figure out what you need in SE Asia is to take your current spend per month in your home country (assuming that your home country is a developed western nation) and take half to 60% of that to get a good estimate of what you need in SE Asia.
So if you are used to spending 5kUSD a month in the US you will need 2500 to 3000 in SEA, if your used to only spending 2k then 1000 to 1200 will do
2 Big Caveats, you will need way more in first year because you need to set up plus everything will be new and exciting, lots of travel and eating out etc.
Secondly once you are in your 70's and 80's all bets are off because health care costs could wipe you out unless you have a considerable nest egg, ie at least 100K USD....sad but true
That's a great way of looking at it Jeff. I would live great here with my home spend. Like you said, 60% of that would be a good idea of living the same here. Thanks.
Hola Wayne! Holidays are doenj, back in Louisiana for the Mardi Gras…April is closing in! Timely video! Thanks!!!
My plan is to go write and get inspired. I need routine and I am very simple. Looking forward!
That sounds like a green plan buddy! Writing would be a great routine. April will soon come!!
Hey Wayne i would be interested if you could do a vlog on your Room accomadation where you stay, monthly rent, etc, maybe a walk around the local area to you and whats there as i am considering a move to thailand.
I'm just researching the best city to live others i'm looking at are Udon thani, Khonkaen and Nakhon Phanom .
I've done many vlogs of different areas of Chiang Mai buddy. I can't do my place for obvious reasons. Thanks.
Spot on Wayne, routine is so important. I always enjoy those "day in the life" videos some TH-cam vloggers occasionally do, kind of puts things into perspective. Cheers, that was a great video 👍
Cheers mate! Yes, I do like those vlogs too, they give people an idea of cost of living. So many different opinions though. I think this is another way to look at it. Thank you buddy.
A reason to get up in the morning, a purpose for the day & a cute Thai girl in your bed at night, that's a routine👍
I can't argue with that mate. Not a bad ol' life 👍
Well said Wayne, I agree routine is crucial. Take care mate 😊
Thanks buddy. Take it easy 👌🏻
Routines save me from going off the rails; there is comfort in a routine, so long as you can adapt when you need to, e.g., a crisis or change of plans. A critical component of any routine is knowing what you are going to do that, if it does make you happy then at least you are content with it. Morning tea or coffee and a book at a quiet cafe. You are trumps Wayne, candid, forthright, and grounded in how you present and that is truly appreciated. Coffee and Gym in that we are the same, and I lived in Bristol and I loved it.
Nice one Steve, spot on mate. A good routine goes along way . Bristol, my neck of the woods . Cheers mate .
Nice video Paul
Cheers George 🍻
Nice one! I also enjoyed the last vlog with you walking around Chiang mai. The sky and weather looked great! The calm before the smokey storm. Part of my routine at home here in LA is watching you! 15 months until my move ti Hua Hin! Take it easy man, take it easy.™️
Hey Dean, the weather has been great, but the burning has just started to get worse in the last couple days. It looks like it's starting. Thank you for watching the channel and good choice with Hua Hin. You'll soon be living the good life. Take it easy, man.
Spot on Wayne.Routine and sticking to it is the key mate
Absolutely. Cheers mate 👍
George and Mildred Roper, their from Hampton Wick! My favorite videos of yours are when your out of the Chiang Mai routine and adventuring about!! Gives you a sparkle! Looking forward to your next travels. Take good care mate.
Haha, I loved that TV show. Thanks mate, I really enjoy being out at new places also. More to come very soon.
Gotta love a simple life. My routine is similar to yours so I reckon I'd get on well there as well
Nice one Conor, it doesn't take much to have a good basic life here mate. I'm sure you would be fine.
Thanks Wayne for the sanity check . Each time visiting Thailand on holiday is a crazy time and great fun . But living there must be different for the reasons you mentioned. Can a mundane low budget routine be sustained? Maybe if there is variety of locations , a week here a week there etc . With low cost transport like you have I guess a 100km a day could get around the country and seeing loads of things at low cost . Nomadic rather than settled living But less routine .
If that works for you buddy! That would be a great option. You would probably need a bit bigger budget when moving around, but still cheap. On the move is a great way to keep the mind active . 👍👍
@@WalkAboutWayne would hate to get bored 😐 and exploring the country could be interesting. Yeah I get it , transport costs go up . Being in a big city with entertainment and bars on tap would be a huge temptation . I heard some expats are living in Isan to get away from it and save money.
If you can get by on X amount at home, you will be able to do so in Thailand with a comparable, or likely even slightly better standard of living.
For sure, you would get by great on what you do at home 👍
Hey Wayne, I’d be interested in you maybe doing a vlog on health insurance for expats? I don’t find many videos on a budget for health insurance. Do folks buy insurance or do they self insure? It would be great if you could share a vlog!
Thanks and of course keep up the great videos and looking forward to you traveling some ! Stay safe, Bob
I don't do any thing special with Health insurance mate, I just use online cover. Maybe I'll do a vlog on it at some point. Thanks.
Perfectly put Wayne. Live to your means. Everybody is so very different. And agree totally about routine, you would be the first person I have seen on TH-cam talk about it. 😊
Thank you guys! Routine is key to living here 100%
What's the food routine? Do you cook at home?
I'm not much into the cooking and cleaning.
Never cook at home, go out for all meals. Thai food and local produce
thanks wayne,
👌👌
Have you done a Vlog about Visa's Wayne?
In the past in some old videos mate. I will have something new about Visas, coming soon
Any visa is possible for a price and the right agent. This is Thailand dude. Anything you could ever want is available… for a price
Get down to that Fish and Chip shop at the Thae Phae gate, Chippy at the Gate, most excellent!!!!!
I will have to try it soon. I keep hearing good things about It 👍
Hi wayne so true i think wherever you live you need a routine, and true about a budget
Thanks Julie 🙏
My go to is 500 bath for day for eating. I use around 10k for apartment 4k transport. And then the rest i save / use for fun
Nice, if that budget works for you. Happy days 👍
I would really like to live cheaper to be honest with you, thats why i watch these videos. Can I ask you, how often do you go drinking in Chiang mai if ever?@@WalkAboutWayne
The best vlog on cost of living 🙏🙏🙏
Thanks man 🙏
I agree, when I first went Thailand I was in holiday mode, but I quickly got bored with that, routine keeps you grounded
Very true Leila, that does start to get boring as time goes on.
Spot on yet again. 20+ years ago on hols here I was spending 3000 baht a day (which is probably 6000 baht in today's money).....but that was hols....and the tbh when we moved here in 2006 we were still crazy spending even though I was no longer working.......now I spend a bit over half of what I was spending then.
And yep, all my friends are different...some way less than me, some 100K plus a month.......it's all exactly about what you said, it's how much you spend and your particular routine.
Another great blog
For my fellow YTers, I think “hols” = Holidays
Thanks mate, and thanks for sharing your situation 👍
Such a common sense vlog Wayne. Well done. We’ve finally arrived in Chiang Mai to retire so let me know if you fancy a beer
Thank you! Welcome to Chiang Mai, I'm sure I'll see you around.
Routine is most important thing Wayne and yes I agree with you 100 percent a simple lifestyle is very important Wayne and you don’t go without you have a great lifestyle Wayne
Routine is key for living somewhere. Thanks.
Wayne how do I get out to Thailand any jobs etc? And visas I need
That depends on a lot of things buddy. I don't know your skills or situation.
@@WalkAboutWayne work as a planner in the uk
Hi Wayne you are remensine on your uk past. 1970 gess we all relate to are good memories
👍👍
Good point Wayne. I had my Chiang Mai routine when I lived there, and my Pai routine is much less expensive. I still go back to CM on occasion and get right back into my more costly routine. If I go south for smokey season that's a whole other level too.
Pai has less distractions
Maybe less distractions, but Pai has a much a greater % of distractions. Pai is set up for young people to come and get... "distracted". Without a big infrastructure set up for being productive. Like Wayne says, it's about your routine @@patrickglennon7058
Nice one Kreg. Yes, I would say Pai would be less expensive. I reckon it would be easy to go on the razzle a lot in Pai though. Pai always seems like a casual night out though, just sitting with a beer. Thanks mate.
Routine is key. Absolutely correct 😃👍🏼
Nice one Kashif mate.
George & Mildred - The Ropers 😂😂😂 - good reality check about routine ✔️👌 - Nice work
WW 😎👋🙏
Great program 🤣. Cheers mate .
Again. Your are speaking the truth bro. From cold NZ
Thanks mate. Hope all is well in NZ
Can you give a monthly number? We can see your life style, I'm curious what the monthly total supports that. Thanks
Just look on my channel buddy, or the pinned comment to this video.
I plan on keeping a fairly minimalist lifestyle (scooter, room with a/c, eating mostly Thai food with western food maybe once or twice a week, a beer or two at night some nights, etc.) Figuring 2500 USD a month which will leave me some money to save to take a trip now and again without dipping into the savings (I have more than enough emergency fund in my 401k). My retirement income is a bit more than what I hope to budget. We shall see, though...
Sounds like a great plan Brian. You'll do great with that 👍
I agree with Wayne about having a routine in life. I have a routine and follow it every single day. I am like a robot. As for living costs, I know what my expenses are and do not need to calculate them every single day.
Thanks! It's a great way to live, when you don'y need to calculate. 👍
Graet video Wayne. At the end of the day, if you want to live ANYWHERE foreign to you that is cheap, unless you are loaded with cash and income, you need to quickly change from holiday party to living, as if you were at home. And if your income is reduced because you left your job, you gotta figure that stuff out.
IT's like retiring early. You quickly realize you need a routine and stuff to do. Life needs purpose beyond going to the bar and sleeping.
100% !! Thanks guys.
moving there in two weeks brother!
Happy Days John 👌👌
Yes routine and a little self control.
100%
Nice one Wayne 👍 thats it exactly once the holiday mode eases, you just need a routine and preferably one that doesn't include turning into a barfly 😂.
Normal routine is key 👍
Absolute Bobby Dazzler of a vlog Wayne.
You've raised great points that will get people contemplating expat life thinking deeper.
I've heard about that Mildred mate... I heard she likes to chase English vlogger arsh on the side. Be careful. 😉
Cheers Jefe mate! Bobby Dazzler! 🤣 Mildred likes the Arsh buddy.
For me, the numbers work and I can retire nicely in Chiang Mai as soon as I get rid of my stuff. I'm just looking for a nice apartment nestled in the woods to solidify the deal.
Sounds like a good plan. Good luck! You'll soon be living the Chiang Mai good life.
I think for many people it is not only a matter of need. I had no problem living on the cheap as a younger man and probably could do it again as an older man... But, if your ship comes in of course, you will be upgrading your standard of living and if you can afford it, offer a helping hand to others who have not been as fortunate.
For sure, I would upgrade a bit if I had more (I'd still be a scrooge though) Thanks
Would 40000 baht per month cover everything for a simple living lad?
That would be great for me. I can't say for anyone else. It can be done easily though buddy 👍
Wayne is as down to Earth and honest as you will find on these "living in Thailand" videos 👍
Another vlogger I have been following is "Les...from Retired & living the Dream"
Thank you mate! I've seen some of Les' vlogs, seems a great guy.
People believe as well they can just quit work forever and be happy just doing nothing, when eventually that will get old as well without something to get up for everyday.
Very true!! I mentioned this on previous vlogs. People don't think of this (including me, when I came over). Routine and something to do.
i know i'm late to the party here but this man speaking the truth. i have a pocket full of change, but i know what living at my means is and i always live below my means because one will never knows what life will throw at ya. as mr w.a.w. says it is different for everyone, so be true to yourself and not try to be someone your not.
Thank you 👌👌
Very true mate it depends what lifestyle you want I have a condo in a locals area simple everything I want 7000bht a month happy as Larry
Sounds good Dave mate. Happy Days!
Show some good classic houses and areas 20/30 mins out of Chiang Mai. No condos or golf courses.
Loads of areas outside the city on my channel mate. Some houses also, but hope to do more in the future 👌
You nailed it again Wayne! I personally think if you have a nice place with gym and pool you are saving a lot. I spend 20k on my apartment (2 bedroom next to pool and gym) you save a lot, cause you dont have go out. Unless you want. I play for 3 bars a night pool weekly in competition and everything is paid for (food and drinks). I would say a 60k a month in Samui is ok. Again, I like my nights at home watching some netflix or whatever. That's my routine really, but everyone is different offcourse. Cheers Wayne!
Sounds like you have a great structure mate. Hope life in Samui is good. Thanks buddy.
I have been in Jomtien for 1 year and I live in a great condo with all the amenities I need in the complex. I easily make it on 1000 baht, this does not include bar life.
I guess you meant 1000 pounds not baht 😊
Nice! Yes that would be fine for me here, without the bar life. Thanks.
@@andrewoakley4957 US dollars per month , my condo is 215
All i need is a nice place with a view, access to western sports on tv, a fishing rod, a sack of marijuana, a bike, easy access to the market and I'd be good
Sounds good man 👍
You're totally right, Wayne. Rutine is important for most people for the everyday life. It does not matter where you live. Even retired people need rutine and some structure for their days and a hobby. Otherwise they will be dead within a year or two.
Very true mate. When you think of it, routine is what keeps life ticking over. Everyone needs a routine for a happy stable life IMO. Thanks
Well put together this Wayne and spot on. It would be much easier to live to a budget over there than being cashed up and living it up then finding you have overdone it and then need to change and suddenly ' live off the smell of an oily rag'. I'm like you mate and would also live a regimented lifestyle and be all too happy doing just that. Your mate will never be an expat, he'll be an annual visitor that plays Santa for a month then goes back home. Anyone that thinks they can party 365 days a year living in Thailand or any of the other SE Asian countries for that matter are kidding themselves. Cheers buddy 🤩
Cheers mate, yes I need routine. My mate never returned , I'm sure he will at some point. As you mentioned, I think Thailand is just a holiday place for him. Thanks man.
Routine is king
100%
But haven’t they got the bike with side cart? Can’t be George and Mildred dude they not from the states either - I’m sure they was from Essex
I'm sure there's more than 1 George and Mildred buddy. 🤣
Good video, I hate all the videos saying this is what you need to live here
Routine is the way as you say back home you have a routine so why should it be any different living here
100% Thanks.
You have the whole park to yourself. Imagine how much that park would cost if you had to rent the whole thing just for yourself. My brother was rich, and he would invite me to his 4 star hotel, but I never received any more pleasure there than I would at a budget economy. When all we can afford is the superfluous, we should hardly believe ourselves to be well endowed. Our greater need is for something profoundly deep, and meaningful.
It's a great park David, always empty and so well maintained. I agree, I'm just as happy in a nice budget hotel or eating at the cheaper places. Thanks mate.
George from Colorado would be happy spending less but unfortunately he has Mildred attached to him. Poor George. We all know a George
Hahaha that's very true 🤣
This guy is the only reason I came to Thailand 3 years ago
That's awesome John! Comments like this make doing the vlogs, worth while. I hope Thailand life is good mate. Thanks.
Hey Wayne, I never like the cost of living videos either. If people don’t realise that it’s dependent on individual needs then I don’t know what they’ve been doing all their lives.
The question from me is; what does your daily routine look like and do you ever feel bored or needing more? I get the feeling youre a guy who enjoys the simple life.
Been to Thailand a few times now and feel I’d need £2k per month to live the life I’d want out there.
Hi Owen, I just think after watching so many cost of living vlogs, you end up being more confused. Every video is different. They are good video to get an idea of cost though. This is another way to look at it, routine is the key.
My daily routine is a normal one, just the same as most people. I get bored days just like anywhere else. Living here is no different from back home, in that sense. This is where I'm happiest though. Simple life is a great life to live mate.
2k is great budget Owen, you can have a great normal life with that.
Thanks mate.
Clubbing, ladies and expensive hobbies are what bring your Thai cost of living up.
100%
Did you just say "a little bit of the humpty dumpty?" LOL
I sure did 👍
I'd rather be Paul than George, imagine taking a western woman to Thailand, it would be torture 😅
Haha yeah, we don't need mildred in Thailand 🤣
Ok but my question is….. HOW DO I GET A JOB IN THAILAND?!! I’m in the UK, I don’t have a uni degree, I have a standard 9-5 office job, I rent. WHAT jobs are available for someone like me? How do all these ex pats just ‘go to Thailand’ and live?! I just don’t get it?! 😩😩
I don't know what your job skills are, but Learn a skill online, become a teacher. These are some of the main things people do here.
Some people teach English, but it isn't the greatest pay. The people who enjoy Thailand most financially speaking either have a pension or work online generally.
After the bar girls? Not too much.
🤣🤣🤣
Forgot to add; I think you could have mentioned some numbers.
At least some number that covers basic food and shelter. Some will say it depends, but I know there must be a number that covers a basic westerners lifestyle in Chiang Mai.
You could have shared your own numbers, for example.
This was a lazy video that provided no information.
🤣🤣 This video is an add on from my cost of living vlog buddy. Takes 1 minute to have a look on the channel 👍
i think YOU could watch one of his last video before posting that hmmm....
George and Mildred.... bahahahaha !... :) :) ;0
I don't know why George and Mildred come into my head 🤣. I loved the TV show though.
Well, it's different strokes for different folks.
For me, when I find myself falling in a routine, I know I need a change, and soon.
For me, Thailand has much more to offer than bars and girls.
Rent a motorbike, get out of the city. Go hiking.
I was out in the countryside a few days ago. Found a nice bar/restaurant (no bar girls), met some really nice people, and had a jolly good time.
BTW: I am here alone in Chiang Mai. The wife does not like to travel, too busy with grandkids.
I can't stand the sex trade in Thailand either. We/they have turned it into an industry.
What bothers me the most is, what do the Thai men think of a farang when they see me walking down the street?
What does a normal woman/girl who is trying to make an honest living think of a farang when she sees me coming down the street?
Look in their eyes and you will realize something subhuman has happened.
Good for you buddy, as long as you're happy 👍
Overall Chiang Mai turned out to be a huge disappointment as a long term option. Worst place I’ve ever been for meeting women. Just terrible
Sorry to hear that Scott. I can't say I've ever had that problem here. Hope you found a place you like 👍
@@WalkAboutWayne Thanks Wayne. Sure everyone has different experiences and outlooks. Most people I spoke to seriously about the issue agreed with me. Very difficult to find decent women. All the best anyway 👍
Omg, do more = spend more? I despair of the stupidity that doesn't realise this.
Use your noddle mate, doing more doesn't mean spending more. Come on now, think before you blink 👍
I do not know and neither do I care but I know that many will fall into your trap and be caught by your clickbait question.
Have a day off buddy.
Yes two thousand pounds a month is reasonable and enjoyable...i know because this is my own budget
alcohol and too much shity things i presume :)
Nice! If that's what works for you 👍.
Mildred from the United States 🤣🤣🤣 his parents are cruel giving him that posh name 😂👍
Hahaha, I think I watched to much George & Mildred on the TV. God knows why I said George & Mildred from Colorado 🤣. Or Paul from Scotland haha.
Live like a Thai local = long term here
That would deffo go a long way to staying here. I guess I'm similar to that also.