How much does it cost to live in Thailand as a digital nomad
Do you dream of working remotely while enjoying paradisiacal beaches and fascinating culture? Thailand stands out as one of the most sought after destinations for digital nomads, combining low cost of living with high quality. With the DTV Visa in Thailand for Digital Nomad, you can make that dream a reality.
Housing: finding your ideal space
The Thai real estate market offers excellent options for all budgets, especially when compared to large Brazilian urban centers. In Bangkok, a modern one-bedroom apartment in a central area costs between 15,000 and 25,000 baht (R$ 2,000 to R$ 3,300) per month, while in cities like Chiang Mai or Phuket, prices can drop to 8,000 to 15,000 baht (R$ 1,060 to R$ 2,000). Condos generally include a gym, pool, and 24-hour security.
Food and daily expenses
Thai cuisine is recognized worldwide not only for its unique flavors but also for its affordable prices. Check out the average monthly costs:
- Meal at local restaurant: 50-100 baht (R$ 7-13)
- Meal at a tourist restaurant: 150-300 baht (R$ 20-40)
- Supermarket (basic monthly purchases): 3,000-5,000 baht (R$ 400-660)
- Mineral water (1.5L bottle): 15 baht (R$ 2)
- Local beer: 60-80 baht (R$ 8-11)
Transportation and mobility
The Thai transportation system offers several economic and efficient options. Transportation costs are significantly lower than in large Brazilian cities. In Bangkok, the BTS (air subway) and MRT (underground subway) cost between 15-60 baht (R$ 2-8) per trip, depending on the distance. The popular tuk-tuks and motorbike taxis are even more economical for short trips, starting at 30 baht (R$ 4).
Monthly essential costs
To plan your budget accurately, consider these key expenses:
- Fiber optic Internet (100Mbps): 600-800 baht (R$ 80-106)
- Cellular plan with data: 300-500 baht (R$ 40-66)
- Electricity: 1,000-2,000 baht (R$ 132-264)
- Academy: 1,000-2,500 baht (R$ 132-330)
- International health insurance: 2,000-4,000 baht (R$ 264-528)
Leisure and entertainment
Social life in Thailand is vibrant and surprisingly accessible. A movie ticket costs around 200 baht (R$ 26), while a traditional Thai massage ranges between 250-500 baht (R$ 33-66) per hour. For beach lovers, renting a seashore chair costs approximately 100 baht (R$ 13) per day. Sightseeing and excursions to nearby islands vary between 1,000-3,000 baht (R$ 132-396) per person.
Coworking and workspaces
Thailand has a robust infrastructure for digital nomads, the coworking spaces are modern and well equipped, with prices that vary depending on the location and amenities offered. In Bangkok, a monthly plan costs between 3,000—5,000 baht (R$ 396-660), while in Chiang Mai the prices are between 2,000-4,000 baht (R$ 264-528).
Recommended monthly budget
To live comfortably in Thailand as a digital nomad, consider this financial planning:
Economical lifestyle: 30,000-40,000 baht (R$ 3,960-5,280)
- Apartment in a residential area
- Public transport
- Food at local restaurants
- Moderate leisure
Intermediate lifestyle: 40,000-60,000 baht (R$ 5,280-7,920)
- Apartment in prime area
- Mix of public and private transport
- Varied meals
- Frequent leisure
Luxurious lifestyle: 60,000+ baht (R$ 7,920+)
- High standard condominium
- Private transport
- International restaurants
- Unrestricted leisure
Tips for saving
Living in Thailand can be made even more cost-effective by following some smart strategies. Look for apartments a little removed from the most touristic areas, but close to public transport. Try local markets and street restaurants, which offer authentic and tasty food for a fraction of the price of tourist establishments. Take advantage of promotions at gyms and coworking spaces, which often offer discounts for longer contracts.
Financial security and planning
It's critical to maintain an emergency reserve when living as a digital nomad in Thailand. It is recommended to save the equivalent of 3-6 months of basic expenses, approximately 90,000-180,000 baht (R$ 11,880-23,760). For banking transactions, consider opening an international digital bank account that offers competitive exchange rates and free international transfers.
Initial Establishment Costs
When moving to Thailand, prepare for these initial expenses:
- Apartment deposit (generally 2 months' rent): 30,000-50,000 baht (R$ 3,960-6,600)
- Documentation and visa: 15,000-20,000 baht (R$ 1,980-2,640)
- Basic furniture (if necessary): 20,000-30,000 baht (R$ 2,640-3,960)
- Annual health insurance: 24,000-48,000 baht (R$ 3,168-6,336)
- Fund for the first few weeks: 30,000 baht (R$ 3,960)
Comparison with other countries
Thailand stands out for its exceptional value for money among popular destinations for digital nomads. The cost of living is approximately 60% lower than in São Paulo, 70% lower than in London and 65% lower than in New York. A monthly budget of 40,000 baht (R$ 5,280) in Thailand is equivalent to a standard of living that would cost around R$ 13,200 in São Paulo.
Updates and trends for 2025
The Thai government continues to implement improvements to attract digital nomads, such as an expansion of digital infrastructure, with 5G coverage in more cities and new coworking spaces. Rental prices in areas popular with expatriates have been stable, with small increases only in luxury condominiums. The overall cost of living remains highly competitive, making Thailand one of the best destinations for remote professionals.
Be Easy
Na Be Easy, we understand that the decision to become a digital nomad is a transformative step. Our specialized team offers full support for your move to Thailand, from obtaining a DTV visa to guidance on housing and cultural adaptation. We facilitate every step of the process, allowing you to focus on what really matters: building your new life in one of the most fascinating destinations in the world. Contact us today and discover how we can make your dream of living in Thailand a reality!
