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Cost of living in Pattaya
Rent, everyday prices and the gross salary you may need to cover living costs in Pattaya.
One person, a month
THB 20,925
Living costs excluding rent
Family of four, a month
THB 74,003
Living costs excluding rent
One-bedroom rent, centre
THB 18,147
A month
Gross salary, one person
THB 432,000
to cover living costs in Pattaya
Pattaya's cost of living at a glance
Pattaya is among the more expensive cities in both Thailand and Asia. The estimated monthly costs for a single person in Pattaya are THB 20,925, excluding rent. Living costs for a family of four are THB 74,003 a month, excluding rent.
A single person in Pattaya may need a gross salary of at least THB 432,000 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 Pattaya compares
One person's monthly costs in Pattaya, excluding rent, are 1.6% higher than in the typical city in Thailand and 30.9% lower than in the typical city worldwide.
Where Pattaya ranks
In Thailand
5th of 10
One person's monthly costs including rent, most expensive first.
In Asia
113th of 407
Cities in Asia with a Numbeo estimate, most expensive first.
Worldwide
31st percentile
Costs the same as or more than 31% of 1,942 cities: a relatively affordable city.
One-bedroom rent, centre
5th of 10
Cities in Thailand, most expensive first.
Monthly costs against the typical city
- Pattaya
- Typical national city
- Typical city worldwide
Tap a line or a table row to read its three amounts.
| Monthly cost | Pattaya | Typical national city | Typical city worldwide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | THB 18,147 | THB 16,817 +7.9% | THB 24,952 −27.3% |
| Groceries | THB 7,517 | THB 7,589 −0.9% | THB 9,441 −20.4% |
| Eating out | THB 2,669 | THB 2,510 +6.3% | THB 5,316 −49.8% |
| Transport | THB 682 | THB 786 −13.3% | THB 1,344 −49.3% |
| Utilities | THB 3,349 | THB 3,069 +9.1% | THB 5,869 −42.9% |
| Leisure | THB 2,316 | THB 2,272 +1.9% | THB 2,083 +11.2% |
| Total excluding rent | THB 20,925 | THB 20,594 +1.6% | THB 30,297 −30.9% |
| Total including rent | THB 39,072 | THB 37,994 +2.8% | THB 56,227 −30.5% |
Typical = the median of 10 cities in Thailand and 1,942 cities worldwide.
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Explore prices in Pattaya
The average price for each item, and the range from the lowest to the highest price people have reported.
Renting in Pattaya
Pattaya is the 5th most expensive city in Thailand for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre. The closest-priced city in Thailand is Hua Hin.
A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs THB 18,147 a month.
Outside the centre, a one-bedroom apartment typically costs THB 12,563 a month.
A one-bedroom apartment in the centre is around 44% more expensive to rent than one outside the centre.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment in the city centre Monthly rent | THB 18,147 | THB 12,389– |
| 1-bed apartment outside the centre Monthly rent | THB 12,563 | THB 10,324– |
| 3-bed apartment in the city centre Monthly rent | THB 51,338 | THB 36,136– |
| 3-bed apartment outside the centre Monthly rent | THB 26,250 | THB 20,649– |
| Price per m² in the city centre | THB 84,454 | THB 66,076– |
| Price per m² outside the centre | THB 47,051 | THB 33,340– |
Cost of everyday items in Pattaya
Groceries in Pattaya are around 3% cheaper than the average for Thailand, while eating out is around 5% more expensive than the country average.
A litre of milk typically costs THB 62.51.
A 500g loaf of fresh white bread typically costs THB 49.06.
A pack of 20 cigarettes typically costs THB 150.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Milk, 1 litre | THB 62.51 | THB 48.39– |
| Fresh white bread, 500g | THB 49.06 | THB 36.29– |
| Eggs, 12 large | THB 71.24 | THB 53.77– |
| Local cheese, 1kg | THB 528 | THB 361– |
| Chicken fillets, 1kg | THB 96.11 | THB 41.34– |
| Beef round, 1kg | THB 322 | THB 258– |
| Apples, 1kg | THB 119 | THB 41.34– |
| Oranges, 1kg | THB 59.15 | THB 20.50– |
| Potatoes, 1kg | THB 42.34 | THB 25.88– |
| Lettuce, 1 head | THB 40.33 | THB 25.88– |
| White rice, 1kg | THB 46.71 | THB 44.36– |
| Tomatoes, 1kg | THB 64.52 | THB 20.50– |
| Bananas, 1kg | THB 46.04 | THB 30.92– |
| Onions, 1kg | THB 31.93 | THB 25.88– |
| Water, 1.5 litre bottle | THB 16.80 | THB 10.42– |
| Mid-range bottle of wine | THB 516 | THB 309– |
| Domestic beer, 0.5 litre bottle | THB 59.82 | THB 46.38– |
| Imported beer, 0.33 litre bottle | THB 97.79 | THB 46.38– |
| Cigarettes, 20 pack | THB 150 | THB 77.29– |
Eating out in Pattaya
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | THB 124 | THB 61.84– |
| Three-course meal for two | THB 1,008 | THB 619– |
| Fast food combo meal | THB 310 | THB 258– |
| Domestic beer, 0.5 litre draught | THB 77.29 | THB 51.75– |
| Imported beer, 0.33 litre bottle | THB 92.75 | THB 61.84– |
| Soft drink, 0.33 litre bottle | THB 25.88 | THB 19.49– |
| Water, 0.33 litre bottle | THB 11.09 | THB 7.39– |
| Cappuccino | THB 70.91 | THB 50.41– |
Transport in Pattaya
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| One-way public transport ticket | THB 10.42 | THB 10.42– |
| Monthly public transport pass | THB 682 | THB 682–THB 682 |
| Gasoline, 1 litre | THB 46.71 | THB 36.29– |
| Taxi start | THB 46.38 | THB 36.29– |
| Taxi, per km | THB 38.31 | THB 22.85– |
| Taxi waiting, 1 hour | THB 124 | Not available |
| Volkswagen Golf, new | THB 1,585,832 | THB 1,585,832–THB 1,585,832 |
| Toyota Corolla sedan, new | THB 923,004 | THB 923,004–THB 923,004 |
Utilities in Pattaya
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment Monthly | THB 3,273 | THB 2,065– |
| Broadband internet Monthly | THB 623 | THB 516– |
| Mobile phone plan Monthly | THB 447 | THB 310– |
How is Pattaya for families?
A family of four with two adults and two children may need a gross household income of THB 1,325,000 a year in Pattaya, excluding childcare costs.
Private preschool or kindergarten typically costs THB 21,575 a month.
A three-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs THB 51,338 a month.
Pattaya scores 55/100 on Numbeo's safety index.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Family of four, excluding rent Monthly, Numbeo household estimate | THB 74,003 | Not applicable |
| Family of four, including rent Monthly, Numbeo household estimate | THB 125,341 | Not applicable |
| Private preschool or kindergarten Monthly | THB 21,575 | THB 10,324– |
| International primary school Annual | THB 540,721 | THB 450,196– |
Leisure and clothing in Pattaya
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Gym membership Monthly | THB 1,594 | THB 1,032– |
| Tennis court rental, 1 hour | THB 723 | THB 361– |
| Cinema ticket | THB 269 | THB 206– |
| Jeans | THB 1,473 | THB 464– |
| Summer dress from a chain store | THB 998 | THB 361– |
| Nike running shoes | THB 3,271 | THB 2,581– |
| Men's leather business shoes | THB 2,643 | THB 1,549– |
Source: Numbeo, 1 June 2026.
What salary do I need to live in Pattaya?
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 Pattaya. Use the calculator below to see how much you would need to live in Pattaya, and where your money goes.
Recommended gross salary
THB 432,012
Needed to support 1 adult and no children in Pattaya, living in a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre.
- Take-home pay
- THB 401,861
- Living costs
- THB 401,861
- Tax and contributions
- THB 30,151
Where your salary goes
- Living costsTHB 401,86193.0%
- Income tax and contributionsTHB 30,1517.0%
| Operator | Item | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Gross salary | THB 432,012 | |
| − | Income tax and contributions | THB 30,151 |
| = | Take-home pay | THB 401,861 |
| − | Rent | THB 150,759 |
| − | Groceries | THB 90,204 |
| − | Eating out | THB 32,028 |
| − | Transport | THB 8,178 |
| − | Utilities | THB 40,190 |
| − | Leisure | THB 27,798 |
| − | Other estimated costs | THB 52,704 |
| = | Left over: savings target | THB 0 |
THB 432,012 gross salary modelled as one employment income gives a 7.0% effective tax rate and THB 30,151 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 Pattaya costs an estimated THB 12,563 per month. THB 12,563 per month × 12 months = THB 150,759 a year.
Groceries. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Pattaya spends an estimated THB 7,517 on groceries per month. THB 7,517 per month × 12 months = THB 90,204 a year.
Eating out. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Pattaya spends an estimated THB 2,669 on eating out per month. THB 2,669 per month × 12 months = THB 32,028 a year.
Transport. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Pattaya spends an estimated THB 682 on transport per month. THB 682 per month × 12 months = THB 8,178 a year.
Utilities. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Pattaya spends an estimated THB 3,349 on utilities per month. THB 3,349 per month × 12 months = THB 40,190 a year.
Leisure. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Pattaya spends an estimated THB 2,316 on leisure per month. THB 2,316 per month × 12 months = THB 27,798 a year.
Other estimated costs. Numbeo's household estimate for miscellaneous costs: this may include things like clothing, shoes and entertainment costs. THB 4,392 per month × 12 months = THB 52,704 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 Pattaya: common questions
Is Pattaya expensive to live in?
Pattaya is among the more expensive cities in both Thailand and Asia.
A single person spends about THB 20,925 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, Pattaya costs the same as or more than 31% 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 Pattaya?
A single person may need a gross salary of at least THB 432,000 a year to cover estimated living costs in Pattaya, 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 Pattaya?
A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs THB 18,147 a month, and THB 12,563 outside the centre, according to Numbeo averages as of 1 June 2026.
A three-bedroom apartment costs about THB 51,338 a month in the centre and THB 26,250 outside it.
Pattaya is the 5th most expensive city in Thailand for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre.
How much does a family spend in Pattaya?
A family of four spends about THB 74,003 a month on living costs excluding rent, or THB 125,341 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 1,325,000 a year, excluding childcare costs.
Private preschool or kindergarten typically costs THB 21,575 a month per child.
How does Pattaya compare with Thailand's other cities?
Pattaya ranks 5th 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 1.6% 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 Pattaya'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.