Housing in Thailand

Housing in Thailand

Housing in Thailand is generally simple, but include all of the amenities that you would expect to find in a modern apartment.

Renting an Apartment

The cost of renting an apartment can vary a lot depending on what type of apartment you rent and where you are living.

A cheap apartment in a more rural area can cost as little as 4,500 Thai baht ($150USD) per month—but at this price, you will likely find certain amenities lacking.  Security, electricity, plumbing, and location, can often be problems at this price range. A modern, centrally located apartment typically ranges from $300 to $650 per month.

Many foreign teachers in Thailand choose to share an apartment to cut back on costs. A 3-bedroom apartment in the city-center can cost around $1000USD total per month. Sharing an apartment, as well as the cost of utilities, can give you access to a much nicer and larger apartment for an affordable price.

Utilities

Utilities in Thailand are generally fairly cheap compared to what you would pay in a western country. Still, they are an important part of your monthly expenses. Here is a run-down of what you should expect to pay.

Electricity

Typically the biggest expense, electricity costs average around $40 per month. If you run the AC frequently, you can expect the cost of electricity to shoot up to nearly $100 a month.

Water

Most people spend $10 or less on water each month. However, since you can’t drink the tap water in Thailand, be prepared to spend a bit extra, either on a filter, an automatic water boiler, or bottled water.

Phone

If you choose to have a landline, it will cost you $3-$4 per month, plus the cost of any calls that you make. Most teachers use mobile phones as their primary phone. A mobile phone usually costs around $10 to $30 per month, depending on how many calls you make.

Internet

A high-speed connection costs anywhere from $20 to $70 per month, shared among everyone in the apartment. You can also buy dial-up access packages from convenience stores, for around $0.50 to $1.50 per minute.

Miscellaneous

If you live in an apartment complex, you may have to pay security fees, as well as garbage pick-up fees. These typically cost a few hundred Thai baht ($2-$5) per month.