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Cost of living in Bangkok
Rent, everyday prices and the gross salary you may need to cover living costs in Bangkok.
One person, a month
THB 23,936
Living costs excluding rent
Family of four, a month
THB 85,400
Living costs excluding rent
One-bedroom rent, centre
THB 22,496
A month
Gross salary, one person
THB 455,000
to cover living costs in Bangkok
Bangkok's cost of living at a glance
Bangkok is one of the most expensive cities in both Thailand and Asia. The estimated monthly costs for a single person in Bangkok are THB 23,936, excluding rent. Living costs for a family of four are THB 85,400 a month, excluding rent.
A single person in Bangkok may need a gross salary of at least THB 455,000 a year to cover estimated living costs, renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre and saving nothing.
One person's monthly costs
Numbeo household estimate in THB, with the rent of a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre
Source: Numbeo, 1 June 2026.
How Bangkok compares
One person's monthly costs in Bangkok, excluding rent, are 16.2% higher than in the typical city in Thailand and 21.0% lower than in the typical city worldwide.
Where Bangkok ranks
In Thailand
3rd of 10
One person's monthly costs including rent, most expensive first.
In Asia
79th of 407
Cities in Asia with a Numbeo estimate, most expensive first.
Worldwide
39th percentile
Costs the same as or more than 39% of 1,942 cities: a relatively affordable city.
One-bedroom rent, centre
3rd of 10
Cities in Thailand, most expensive first.
Monthly costs against the typical city
- Bangkok
- Typical national city
- Typical city worldwide
Tap a line or a table row to read its three amounts.
| Monthly cost | Bangkok | Typical national city | Typical city worldwide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | THB 22,496 | THB 16,817 +33.8% | THB 24,952 −9.8% |
| Groceries | THB 8,513 | THB 7,589 +12.2% | THB 9,441 −9.8% |
| Eating out | THB 3,181 | THB 2,510 +26.8% | THB 5,316 −40.2% |
| Transport | THB 1,192 | THB 786 +51.7% | THB 1,344 −11.3% |
| Utilities | THB 3,568 | THB 3,069 +16.3% | THB 5,869 −39.2% |
| Leisure | THB 2,642 | THB 2,272 +16.3% | THB 2,083 +26.9% |
| Total excluding rent | THB 23,936 | THB 20,594 +16.2% | THB 30,297 −21.0% |
| Total including rent | THB 46,432 | THB 37,994 +22.2% | THB 56,227 −17.4% |
Typical = the median of 10 cities in Thailand and 1,942 cities worldwide.
Find another city
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Explore prices in Bangkok
The average price for each item, and the range from the lowest to the highest price people have reported.
Renting in Bangkok
Bangkok is the 3rd most expensive city in Thailand for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre. The closest-priced city in Thailand is Phuket.
A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs THB 22,496 a month.
Outside the centre, a one-bedroom apartment typically costs THB 11,304 a month.
A one-bedroom apartment in the centre is around 99% more expensive to rent than one outside the centre.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment in the city centre Monthly rent | THB 22,496 | THB 15,487– |
| 1-bed apartment outside the centre Monthly rent | THB 11,304 | THB 8,260– |
| 3-bed apartment in the city centre Monthly rent | THB 71,902 | THB 51,622– |
| 3-bed apartment outside the centre Monthly rent | THB 26,905 | THB 20,649– |
| Price per m² in the city centre | THB 203,573 | THB 154,866– |
| Price per m² outside the centre | THB 105,180 | THB 82,595– |
Cost of everyday items in Bangkok
Groceries in Bangkok are around 9% more expensive than the average for Thailand, while eating out is around 25% more expensive than the country average.
A litre of milk typically costs THB 63.18.
A 500g loaf of fresh white bread typically costs THB 59.48.
A pack of 20 cigarettes typically costs THB 155.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Milk, 1 litre | THB 63.18 | THB 49.40– |
| Fresh white bread, 500g | THB 59.48 | THB 41.34– |
| Eggs, 12 large | THB 88.05 | THB 49.40– |
| Local cheese, 1kg | THB 580 | THB 310– |
| Chicken fillets, 1kg | THB 109 | THB 71.24– |
| Beef round, 1kg | THB 363 | THB 107– |
| Apples, 1kg | THB 115 | THB 61.84– |
| Oranges, 1kg | THB 78.64 | THB 46.38– |
| Potatoes, 1kg | THB 55.11 | THB 30.92– |
| Lettuce, 1 head | THB 44.36 | THB 20.50– |
| White rice, 1kg | THB 47.38 | THB 30.92– |
| Tomatoes, 1kg | THB 70.91 | THB 41.34– |
| Bananas, 1kg | THB 61.50 | THB 41.34– |
| Onions, 1kg | THB 49.06 | THB 30.92– |
| Water, 1.5 litre bottle | THB 20.50 | THB 14.45– |
| Mid-range bottle of wine | THB 568 | THB 361– |
| Domestic beer, 0.5 litre bottle | THB 60.49 | THB 46.38– |
| Imported beer, 0.33 litre bottle | THB 109 | THB 67.21– |
| Cigarettes, 20 pack | THB 155 | THB 103– |
Eating out in Bangkok
A 0.5-litre draught beer typically costs THB 103, making Bangkok the most expensive place in Thailand to buy a beer.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | THB 124 | THB 67.21– |
| Three-course meal for two | THB 1,239 | THB 723– |
| Fast food combo meal | THB 238 | THB 191– |
| Domestic beer, 0.5 litre draught | THB 103 | THB 51.75– |
| Imported beer, 0.33 litre bottle | THB 155 | THB 103– |
| Soft drink, 0.33 litre bottle | THB 24.87 | THB 15.46– |
| Water, 0.33 litre bottle | THB 14.79 | THB 10.42– |
| Cappuccino | THB 101 | THB 61.84– |
Transport in Bangkok
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| One-way public transport ticket | THB 41.34 | THB 25.88– |
| Monthly public transport pass | THB 1,192 | THB 697– |
| Gasoline, 1 litre | THB 44.70 | THB 33.94– |
| Taxi start | THB 36.29 | THB 36.29– |
| Taxi, per km | THB 41.34 | THB 36.29– |
| Taxi waiting, 1 hour | THB 206 | THB 186– |
| Volkswagen Golf, new | THB 1,109,875 | THB 928,166– |
| Toyota Corolla sedan, new | THB 926,373 | THB 923,004– |
Utilities in Bangkok
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment Monthly | THB 3,465 | THB 2,194– |
| Broadband internet Monthly | THB 645 | THB 516– |
| Mobile phone plan Monthly | THB 488 | THB 258– |
How is Bangkok for families?
A family of four with two adults and two children may need a gross household income of THB 1,495,000 a year in Bangkok, excluding childcare costs.
Private preschool or kindergarten typically costs THB 16,612 a month.
A three-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs THB 71,902 a month.
Bangkok scores 62/100 on Numbeo's safety index.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Family of four, excluding rent Monthly, Numbeo household estimate | THB 85,400 | Not applicable |
| Family of four, including rent Monthly, Numbeo household estimate | THB 157,302 | Not applicable |
| Private preschool or kindergarten Monthly | THB 16,612 | THB 8,260– |
| International primary school Annual | THB 513,856 | THB 299,408– |
Leisure and clothing in Bangkok
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Gym membership Monthly | THB 2,123 | THB 929– |
| Tennis court rental, 1 hour | THB 519 | THB 310– |
| Cinema ticket | THB 263 | THB 206– |
| Jeans | THB 2,284 | THB 1,032– |
| Summer dress from a chain store | THB 1,293 | THB 722– |
| Nike running shoes | THB 3,310 | THB 2,065– |
| Men's leather business shoes | THB 3,074 | THB 1,239– |
Source: Numbeo, 1 June 2026.
What salary do I need to live in Bangkok?
By combining Numbeo's living-cost estimates with the tax rates in Thailand, we can estimate the gross salary you would need to live in Bangkok. Use the calculator below to see how much you would need to live in Bangkok, and where your money goes.
Recommended gross salary
THB 455,375
Needed to support 1 adult and no children in Bangkok, living in a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre.
- Take-home pay
- THB 422,887
- Living costs
- THB 422,887
- Tax and contributions
- THB 32,487
Where your salary goes
- Living costsTHB 422,88792.9%
- Income tax and contributionsTHB 32,4877.1%
| Operator | Item | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Gross salary | THB 455,375 | |
| − | Income tax and contributions | THB 32,487 |
| = | Take-home pay | THB 422,887 |
| − | Rent | THB 135,653 |
| − | Groceries | THB 102,161 |
| − | Eating out | THB 38,174 |
| − | Transport | THB 14,308 |
| − | Utilities | THB 42,811 |
| − | Leisure | THB 31,701 |
| − | Other estimated costs | THB 58,079 |
| = | Left over: savings target | THB 0 |
THB 455,375 gross salary modelled as one employment income gives a 7.1% effective tax rate and THB 32,487 estimated deductions a year. Use our salary tax calculator for a more detailed estimate.
What the estimate includes
- Rent for your housing choice and Numbeo's household living costs for your household size
- National income tax for 2026
- Employee social contributions
What it doesn't include
- Regional, state or local income tax
- Joint filing, partner income and household allowances
- Age, pension, expat-regime or special-residency rules
- Bonuses, benefits and other income
- Child care or school unless you choose it
Don't agree with our estimates? Help us improve our cost-of-living model.
How each cost is worked out
Rent. The selected one-bedroom apartment outside the centre in Bangkok costs an estimated THB 11,304 per month. THB 11,304 per month × 12 months = THB 135,653 a year.
Groceries. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Bangkok spends an estimated THB 8,513 on groceries per month. THB 8,513 per month × 12 months = THB 102,161 a year.
Eating out. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Bangkok spends an estimated THB 3,181 on eating out per month. THB 3,181 per month × 12 months = THB 38,174 a year.
Transport. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Bangkok spends an estimated THB 1,192 on transport per month. THB 1,192 per month × 12 months = THB 14,308 a year.
Utilities. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Bangkok spends an estimated THB 3,568 on utilities per month. THB 3,568 per month × 12 months = THB 42,811 a year.
Leisure. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Bangkok spends an estimated THB 2,642 on leisure per month. THB 2,642 per month × 12 months = THB 31,701 a year.
Other estimated costs. Numbeo's household estimate for miscellaneous costs: this may include things like clothing, shoes and entertainment costs. THB 4,840 per month × 12 months = THB 58,079 a year.
See the prices behind each category · How living costs and salaries are calculated
Tax estimate assumptions
Tax year 2026. One resident employee and one employment income are assumed. Rates stable since 2013. Does not apply the employment income deduction (50% of income, max THB 100,000) or personal allowance (THB 60,000). Social security cap increased to THB 17,500/month from January 2026 (max contribution THB 875/month). Social security contributions are deductible from taxable income.
Important
This calculator gives an estimate of the income needed to cover living costs. It is not tax, legal or financial advice. It uses Numbeo prices as of 1 June 2026, Thailand's tax rules for 2026 and Wise exchange rates of 21 October 2026, and models one employment income. Check your figures with the salary tax calculator or the official rules in PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries / Thai Revenue Department.
Figures for 1 adult, outside the centre, no savings target.
Cost of living in Bangkok: common questions
Is Bangkok expensive to live in?
Bangkok is one of the most expensive cities in both Thailand and Asia.
A single person spends about THB 23,936 a month excluding rent, against THB 20,594 in the typical city in Thailand (the median of 10 cities, Numbeo, as of 1 June 2026).
Worldwide, Bangkok costs the same as or more than 39% of the 1,942 cities with a Numbeo household estimate, which makes it a relatively affordable city.
What salary do you need to live in Bangkok?
A single person may need a gross salary of at least THB 455,000 a year to cover estimated living costs in Bangkok, renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre and saving nothing.
This is an estimate from Numbeo prices as of 1 June 2026 and Thailand's tax rules for 2026. Use the salary calculator to add your household, housing and a savings target.
How much is rent in Bangkok?
A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs THB 22,496 a month, and THB 11,304 outside the centre, according to Numbeo averages as of 1 June 2026.
A three-bedroom apartment costs about THB 71,902 a month in the centre and THB 26,905 outside it.
Bangkok is the 3rd most expensive city in Thailand for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre.
How much does a family spend in Bangkok?
A family of four spends about THB 85,400 a month on living costs excluding rent, or THB 157,302 including rent, according to Numbeo's household estimate as of 1 June 2026.
With two adults earning and a three-bedroom home outside the centre, the household may need a gross income of THB 1,495,000 a year, excluding childcare costs.
Private preschool or kindergarten typically costs THB 16,612 a month per child.
How does Bangkok compare with Thailand's other cities?
Bangkok ranks 3rd of 10 cities in Thailand for one person's monthly costs including rent, where 1st is the most expensive.
Excluding rent, one person's costs are 16.2% more than in the typical city in Thailand.
Where this data comes from
- Living costs and prices
- Numbeo, snapshot of 1 June 2026
- Exchange rates
- Wise mid-market rates, 21 October 2026
- Tax rules
- Expatica salary tax calculator, Thailand 2026
- Locations and population
- GeoNames (CC BY 4.0), retrieved 1 October 2026
- Regions for continent ranks
- UN M49 regions
Important
All amounts are indicative estimates, not quotes or financial advice. Numbeo's prices are reported by users, so coverage and recency vary by city: check rents and prices locally before you commit to a move.
Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you click and make a purchase.
How living costs and salaries are calculated
- Your household size (adults and children, one to six people) picks Numbeo's household estimate for groceries, eating out, transport, utilities, leisure and rent.
- Rent is replaced by the price of a one-bedroom apartment (one or two people) or a three-bedroom apartment (three or more), in or outside the centre. A flatshare, for one adult without children, is a third of a three-bedroom home.
- "Other estimated costs" is Numbeo's household total less the named categories, not a separately reported price. Where a total is below its own categories, we use the categories, and a larger household's costs other than rent are never lower than a smaller household's.
- Child care and school are optional: preschool uses the city's monthly price for each child, international primary school its annual fee spread over 12 months. Children's ages, eligibility and public provision are not modelled.
- The salary is the gross income that leaves these costs, plus your savings target, after tax under Expatica's rules for Thailand (2026). One adult has one employment income; two adults are two earners splitting it evenly, with no joint filing or household allowances. What the tax model covers is listed with the result.
- Numbeo's figures are in US dollars, converted with one set of Wise mid-market rates. Without them, amounts stay in US dollars and no salary is estimated.
How cities are compared and matched
- A typical city is the median of one person's monthly costs across the 10 cities in Thailand in this guide and across the 1,942 cities worldwide with a Numbeo household estimate. Each row is its own median, so the rows do not add up.
- Ranks put the most expensive city first, and equal estimates share a rank. The worldwide percentile is the share of those 1,942 cities whose one-person monthly total, rent included, is the same or lower than Bangkok's.
- Nearby cities are places in this guide, possibly across a border, by straight-line distance between GeoNames location points.
- Comparable cities are in the same GeoNames population band (under 100,000, 100,000–499,999, 500,000–999,999, or 1 million and above; a neighbouring band, labelled, when a band has too few countries), one per country, outside Thailand and not already listed as nearby. Population years and boundaries vary, so the bands are rough size guides.
- The match score compares a single person's costs excluding rent and the rent of a central one-bedroom apartment. For each, we divide the lower city's price by the higher; the score is the square root of the two ratios multiplied together, × 100. If both prices are 80% of the other city's, the match is 80%; if both are twice as high, 50%. It measures how close the costs are, not which city is cheaper or how alike they are to live in.