The decision to become an expat in Thailand is often the beginning of an exciting journey. Many people who decide to move here have either never visited or at the very least not visited extensively enough to know exactly which place to settle in. Over many decades, new locations can gain in popularity while others may fall out of season. As a result, this guide is intended to provide a current list of the best cities for expats in Thailand in 2024, as well as some important details on each place. These will be in no particular order, as choices are often a matter of personal preference and not objective judgment.
Bangkok: For the Urbanite
Bangkok is a love-it-or-hate-it place, and people tend to have strong opinions on whether they like or don’t like it. The truth is that, generally speaking, both sides are right. Bangkok is a chaotic and smelly mess of a place, and yet at the same time it looks brilliant and mysterious in the night. It’s a strange hodgepodge of all kinds of absurdities and confusion, and yet that is at the same time what makes it feel so alive.
Job Opportunities
If we are only considering economics and job opportunities, then clearly Bangkok is the best for expats. It is (sometimes much to the chagrin of the people outside it) the economic heart of Thailand. It’s got a huge job market with plenty of opportunities in multinational corporations, international schools, and even a growing startup ecosystem.
Cost of Living
Bangkok without a doubt has a higher cost of living than most if not all other Thai cities. That doesn’t mean it has to be expensive, though. You can still live a comfortable life on much less than you would need in many Western countries.
Housing is one cost that will vary widely, and Bangkok has everything, from basic apartments to luxury condos. Areas popular with expats, such as Sukhumvit, will of course be pricier than others.
Food costs can be as low or as high as you would like, though admittedly the temptation will be present more to splurge on expensive food.
Transportation costs, on the other hand, will be significantly lower than other cities, considering how abundant the options are.
Culture and Lifestyle
Bangkok is for the urbanite. If you like rooftop bars, nightlife, art galleries, and other “big city” attractions, then this will be the place for you.
Green spaces may be limited compared to other Thai cities, but there are some big parks like Lumpini Park, Benjakitti Park, and others to give you a break from the chaos.
Weekend getaways to the beach or mountains are close, and trips to Pattaya or Khao Yai are popular among Thais and expats alike, so you don’t need to feel like you’re completely trapped.
Expat Community
Bangkok’s expat community is huge. It’s so big, in fact, that if you get too involved you may never fully immerse yourself in Thai culture. Big cities are often “international,” and Bangkok is no different. There are tons of Meetup groups, Facebook groups, and other organizations that meet often and host social events.
Climate
Bangkok’s tropical climate can be challenging for some expats, but the cool season does offer somewhat of a drop in temperatures (though it’s mild). The city experiences the monsoon in late summer, which may lead to flooding in some areas.
There is also the occasional bout of pollution, which can make you want to put on a mask, but it’s nowhere near the dangerous levels that Chaing Mai gets to.
Final Thoughts
Bangkok, in my opinion, is not a pretty city in the daytime. Though it’s full of conveniences of all kinds, it may cater more towards night owls. The intensity of urban living is not for everyone, and sometimes simple things like crossing the street can be stressful. It is exciting, however, and expats who enjoy a cosmopolitan lifestyle will have a better time living there.
Chiang Mai: For the Easygoing
Chiang Mai is a stark contrast to Bangkok’s urban craziness. People seem to be much more laid back there. That being said, many Bangkok-based expats say that it gets boring. Let’s take a look at the details.
Job Opportunities
If you’re looking for employment directly from a Thai company, then it will be more difficult in Chiang Mai to get a job. There may still be many English teaching positions, but there are a lot of foreigners in Chiang Mai. Some have estimated that there are 30,000 expats living there.
Luckily, many of those are digital nomads, so if that’s what you’re looking to get into, there are plenty of networking opportunities available.
If you do get a local job there, you should be aware that salaries will be lower than in Bangkok (though the living costs will be lower as well).
Cost of Living
One of Chiang Mai’s main attractions for expats is its affordability. Housing costs are much lower than in Bangkok, sometimes half as much, with a large range of options to choose from. You can even get a two-or-three bedroom house just outside the city for as low as 10,000 THB ($300 USD).
Food is also inexpensive, especially if you embrace local markets and street food. Though, to be fair, there are still a lot of western options available, many trendy health food shops, etc., so you can splurge a lot if you’re not careful.
According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Chiang Mai is around 20-30% lower than in Bangkok, which I find to be more or less accurate. (Take this with a grain of salt, though, as I’ve found that Numbeo is not always correct.)
Culture and Lifestyle
Chiang Mai is full of temples and coffee shops, and this about sums up the vibe there. There is a nightlife scene as well, but it’s not as open as late, and you may tend to see the same people if you go out a lot.
As we’ve touched on already, Chiang Mai is much more relaxed than other cities in Thailand, and it is also very safe. There is also easy access to nature and many outdoor activities.
Expat Community
As you may know already, Chiang Mai has tons of digital nomads (one type of expat). At one point, it was even the hub of the e-commerce world, and there are still to this day quite a few well-known digital marketing professionals who stay there. (For example, there is an SEO conference every year held there.)
But it’s also popular among retirees and anyone looking for a more laid-back lifestyle. The expat scene is very active, and there are all kinds of business meetups, meditation groups, coworking spaces, and more. If you are lonely in Chiang Mai it is probably by choice.
Climate
This is a controversial opinion, but Chiang Mai’s climate is not that much different from Bangkok’s. In fact, in the hot season, it can get even to higher temperatures than Bangkok. Though to be fair, winter in Chiang Mai can get chilly, so you may even need a jacket. All jokes aside, this is something rare in Thailand, and it’s a big reason why many people choose to travel there during this time (November to February).
We can’t end this section without going over the worst part of living in Chiang Mai, which is the burning season. It lasts from February to April, and it can create awful pollution, so much so that the sky even turns reddish orange. There have been times while staying in Chiang Mai that I’ve checked the AQI score and realized it was the most polluted city in the world that day, beating many places in India and China. Needless to say, this can be a concern for many expats.
Final Thoughts
Chiang Mai is a beautiful place, and it has the rustic charm of a small city, even though when you look at the actual population size, it’s quite big. There are temples all over the place (as well as expats) and the vibe of the places is known to make people feel calm. Given its low cost of living and thriving expat scene, it’s one of the best cities for expats in Thailand, especially for those looking to take a break from the big city.
Phuket: For the Beachcomber
Phuket has been growing in popularity to expats lately, though it has been an extremely popular destination among tourists for quite some time. Locals often tell me that Phuket is too expensive for many Thai people, and the high prices are one thing you notice quickly when you visit hotspots like Patong, even when you sit down to a basic restaurant. The beaches on Phuket, though, are simply stunning, and it is probably the most beautiful place I have ever been in my life (beach-wise).
Job Opportunities
It’s no surprise that Phuket’s economy is primarily driven by tourism. The last time I was there, in 2020 (just after COVID hit), you could see how quickly businesses shut down without tourists. (Many places were boarded up, derelict.)
There may be some jobs in hospitality, real estate, and teaching English, but otherwise, job availability will be low. Phuket is becoming an increasingly popular choice for digital nomads, though, so it might be good for networking in the near future (though still nowhere near the level of Chiang Mai).
Cost of Living
The cost of living, as we’ve touched on already, is significantly higher than in many other parts of Thailand. Compared to Western countries, it’s still affordable, but the gap is narrowing as the years go by.
Housing costs vary widely from basic apartments to luxury villas. Areas popular with tourists and expats, such as Patong and Kata, tend to be more expensive.
Food costs can be reasonable if you opt for local markets and simple Thai restaurants, but Western-style dining and imported goods come at a big premium.
Transportation costs can also be very expensive, as it is limited on the island and taxis will charge an arm and a leg just to get somewhere. As a result, many expats living in Phuket have their own motorbike.
Culture and Lifestyle
Phuket, like Chiang Mai, is laid back. Water sports, diving, and island-hopping are popular activities there. The nightlife scene is also big, especially in places like Patong, though this may not appeal to all expats.
Away from the beaches, the island’s Old Town area has a lot of history, and its buildings have a curious Sino-Portuguese architecture, which is pretty interesting.
Expat Community
Phuket has a big expat community, though it pales in comparison to the ones in Bangkok or Chiang Mai. Something that’s interesting about Phuket is that there are a lot of Russian expats there, specifically.
There are not going to be tons of Meetup groups, as there would be in Chiang Mai or Bangkok, but there are ways to make friends if you make an effort.
Climate
Phuket’s tropical climate generally produces warm temperatures year-round. The island experiences a dry season from November to April and a rainy season from May to October.
While there will be a lot of sunshine, the rainy season is a real thing in Phuket and you may notice that during this time tourists dwindle; the prices for everything fall during this time as well (hotels and accommodation, motorbike rentals, etc.). This can bring a real seasonality to the place, feeling too crowded at one point of the year and a ghost town in the other.
Final Thoughts
Phuket is a great place for beach-lovers. It can be a bit of a party town in some places, and in others, it might seem too calm. There are a lot of different places to move to in Phuket, and each place may offer a different experience. However, the higher costs of living, relative lack of an expat community, and pollution issues may deter some people from choosing Phuket as their home. That being said, it is still one of the most beautiful places in Thailand and perhaps the world, which is still why it is one of the best cities for expats.
Pattaya: For the Party Animal
Pattaya is one of the craziest places on Earth. Though it’s right on the beach, it’s still kinda mediocre, especially when you compare it to a place like Phuket. The real reason many expats live in Pattaya is the nightlife. That may change soon, however, as the city has been making efforts to rid itself of its reputation and rebrand as a family-friendly destination, which it could pull off.
Job Opportunities
Pattaya is not too far away from Bangkok, only an hour or two away by car. It does not feel like a small city, but rather like Las Vegas on the beach. As a result, the economy in Pattaya is mostly driven by tourism and hospitality. If you were looking to work as an English teacher, you could probably find a gig somewhere nearby, as Chonburi (the province Pattaya is in) is quite populous. There may also be work in real estate, as a lot of people want to buy property there.
To be honest, there seem to be a lot of foreigners who own businesses there. Mostly bars and other such places, so I guess in that sense it can be fairly entrepreneurial. Otherwise, I think the job market is competitive.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Pattaya is significantly lower than in Bangkok or Phuket, but higher than in smaller Thai cities. Like we mentioned before, Pattaya does not feel like a small town (though Chiang Mai does), so it’s nice to feel as if you’re in a place that’s “happening” while saving on costs like food.
There are tons of housing options, and you can get anything from budget apartments to luxury condos and villas. (The housing is cheaper than Bangkok and Phuket, too.)
Culture and Lifestyle
Pattaya doesn’t feel like a real city. It feels like an abstraction or a fever dream. I don’t want to bash it too much, because there is more than just the nightlife, but there is something strangely artificial about the place. It doesn’t have that “Thai” feel, as Chaing Mai does. Like Vegas, it feels like a city made for nightlife.
That being said, there are beaches away from the city center that are nice in their own right, and many Thai families go on vacation specifically to visit such places, so it’s not all drinking and girls. Water sports, golf, and other outdoor activities are also popular among expats. The city’s proximity to Bangkok (about 150 km) makes weekend trips to the capital convenient.
Expat Community
Pattaya has a very large expat community, on the scale of places like Bangkok and Chiang Mai. There are huge numbers of retirees from all over the world, so you’ll find plenty of events and expat groups. It is relatively easy to meet friends and build social connections there.
Climate
Pattaya enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, similar to Bangkok. It has the same three seasons: hot (March to May), rainy (June to October), and cool (November to February).
Final Thoughts
Pattaya is laid back, but at night it can turn into sin city. As an expat, if you can’t control your temptations, you might get “lost in the sauce,” as they say. In other words, be careful about the dangers of living somewhere where it’s easy to be hedonistic all the time.
If you can do that, then Pattaya may be one of the best cities for expats because its cost of living is much lower than places like Bangkok, and yet it is still close enough to Bangkok to make trips there.
Hua Hin: For the Beach Bum
Hua Hin is located on the western coast of the Gulf of Thailand, and it is a favorite among retirees. It has a history of being a getaway for Thai royalty. It’s got beautiful beaches, but there isn’t as much of the seediness that you will find in places like Pattaya.
Job Opportunities
Similar to places like Phuket or Pattaya, Hua Hin’s economy is mostly driven by tourism and real estate. Job opportunities for expats are going to be more limited than in larger cities, and the few opportunities that do exist are the usual suspects: real estate, English teaching, and tourism/hospitality. As we mentioned already, many expats in Hua Hin are retirees, rather than those seeking local employment.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Hua Hin is much lower than in Bangkok or Phuket, but higher than in some smaller Thai cities. The prices are generally on par with Pattaya.
Places to live will also be cheap, and you can find many nice places near the beach that are affordable. Just about everything is available, from basic apartments to luxury villas.
It’s the beach, but at a discount.
Culture and Lifestyle
Hua Hin has a more relaxed, small-town feel, sort of like a Chiang Mai by the beach. Traditionally, it was a fishing village, and you can see that coexisting along with modern development.
Golf is especially popular in Hua Hin, with several world-class courses in the area. The beach, of course, provides opportunities for water sports, while the nearby national parks are great for hikers and nature lovers.
Some people complain that the city is bland or boring. Others say that it is not so “quiet” at all because a major road passes through the city. There’s probably a grain of truth in both statements, but you can be sure that Hua Hin offers a much more relaxed lifestyle than places like Pattaya or Bangkok.
Expat Community
Hua Hin has a decent-sized expat community, with a significant number of retirees. The scene might be more low-key than places like Bangkok or Chiang Mai, but there are still some social events if you’re looking to make new friends.
Climate
Hua Hin, just like most of the other places we’ve mentioned, has a tropical climate; however, it has relatively low rainfall compared to many other cities in Thailand. The city experiences three seasons: cool (November to February), hot (March to May), and rainy (June to October). The climate is generally pleasant, though the heat during the hot season can be intense, just as it is in most other places in Thailand.
Final Thoughts
Hua Hin is a great place for people who want a laid back, Chiang Mai vibe, but who can’t live without the beach. Its lower cost of living compared to other major tourist destinations makes it one of the best cities for expats in Thailand.
Be careful, though. If you’re in need of constant stimulation, Hua Hin might get boring for you. The good news, however, is that Bangkok is only three hours away by car, so you can easily escape to the big city whenever you need more excitement.
Best Cities for Expats in Thailand: The Bottom Line
We’ve laid out five options: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, and Hua Hin. These are by far the most popular cities for expats in Thailand. There were a few places I considered but did not make the list, such as Ubon Ratchathani and many of the various islands scattered throughout the country, such as Koh Phangan (which is also sort of popular among expats), but I don’t think they are the best choices when first settling in Thailand. Each city will appeal to a different type of person, and the list we have given doesn’t mean that there may be a better Thai city out there for you to settle in. The choice, of course, depends on your budget, personality, and lifestyle. No matter what you choose, make sure you visit before deciding to live there; there’s nothing worse than being stuck somewhere.
