✦ Cost of living
Thailand
National taxes, visas and economy — plus every city we track in Thailand.
The cost of living in Thailand averages 56 on our index (a typical US city = 100) — about 44% cheaper. Among the cities we track, Chiang Mai is the most affordable and Bangkok the priciest. A one-bedroom rent runs roughly $525/mo and the top income-tax rate is 35%. The average net salary is about $800/mo.
- Currency
- Thai baht (฿ THB)
- Languages
- Thai
- Capital
- Bangkok
- Driving
- Left-hand side
- Power
- A/B/C · 230V
▤ Taxes
35%
Income tax
progressive
7%
VAT / sales
20%
Corporate
$800
Avg net salary
per month
$300
Minimum wage
per month
76.6 yr
Life expectancy
World Bank 2024
✈ Visas & residency
Long-Term Resident visa, Elite visa, and the new DTV for nomads.
✈ Visa-exempt short stays for many passports.
Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)digital-nomad
5-year, remote workers.
Long-Term Resident (LTR)residence
Wealthy/skilled professionals.
❖ Cities in Thailand
⚖ Compare Thailand with other countries
Thailand vs United StatesThailand vs United KingdomThailand vs FranceThailand vs GermanyThailand vs NetherlandsThailand vs IrelandThailand vs SpainThailand vs PortugalThailand vs ItalyThailand vs SwitzerlandThailand vs CanadaThailand vs United Arab EmiratesThailand vs SingaporeThailand vs JapanThailand vs AustraliaThailand vs MexicoThailand vs ArgentinaThailand vs IndiaThailand vs TurkeyThailand vs IndonesiaThailand vs ColombiaThailand vs BrazilThailand vs AustriaThailand vs South Korea