Whether you’re an expat with an upcoming move or moving to Thailand for your first time, you’ll want to know what the current prices are for rentals. What you get depends on your budget, of course, but in this guide, we’ll focus on how much rent in Thailand is from a general perspective (while also assuming you live alone). Then, we’ll try to break costs down further, and you can sort yourself into one of our three budget tiers. Depending on what you choose, we will give you a budget range and expectations for what you can get.
How Much is Rent in Thailand?
In general, the rent in Thailand is low, especially if you’re from a Western country. You could spend a minimum 4,000 baht (~$110 USD) on a place, and from there prices can be as high as you want. Realistically, most Western foreigners who are single probably spend 10,000 (~$280 USD) to 20,000 baht (~$560 USD) per month on a place rent.
As you might expect, a lot depends on your budget and location. Urban areas, of course, are pricier than rural ones. Bangkok will generally be more expensive than all the other cities, and rural locations will be significantly cheaper.
To make things simple, we will use ranges wherever possible. You can think of Bangkok as representing the higher end of the range and a smaller place like Udon Thani at the lower end. We will also assume that rented spaces are for one person only.
Budget Tiers for Renters
We will also break it down by budget tiers to make things easier to understand. We have split them into three categories: budget renters, mid-range renters, and luxury renters. These are self-explanatory, and of course they are not going to be exact, but it should help in giving you some idea of what to expect. Choose which category you believe you fall under, and we’ll give you an idea of how much rent will cost.
Budget Renters
If you’re on a shoestring budget, you’re looking at spending anywhere from 4,000 (~$110 USD) to 10,000 baht (~$280 USD) per month. If this is what you can spend in Bangkok, then you are looking at a serviced apartment in the city center, or else you can get a decent (albeit small) place outside the city.
Anywhere outside of Bangkok, you can get quite a nice studio with this amount of money, even a new one with a gym and a pool. You will not, however, be able to have anything close to that nice in Bangkok.
Mid-Range Renters
For those with a bit more cash, the mid-range tier is a sweet spot for many, including myself. Renting a comfy studio or one-bedroom apartment will cost you anywhere from 15,000 (~$420 USD) to 30,000 baht (~$840 USD) per month.
Though in most places in the West this will not get you very far, in Thailand, this is a large budget, and if you spend this much money on rent you are considered rich.
Even in Bangkok, where rent is the most expensive, there are tons of options in the city center for this amount of money. You could easily grab a place downtown in a tall and modern building.
Outside of Bangkok, this is almost too much money to spend on rent. If you’re only one person, it’s too much and will in almost all cases be unnecessary. Most upscale condos and apartments in Chiang Mai and other smaller cities will be at the lower end of the mid-range renter budget. This is a major reason why Thailand provides so much value for digital nomads and others who come to live here from the West.
Luxury Renters
With more than 30,000 baht (~$840 USD) per month, the sky’s the limit. If you’re living in Bangkok, you can afford a high-rise apartment in bougie neighborhoods like Sathorn or Thonglor. Such apartments often have co-working spaces, lounges, infinity pools, shuttle services, and even private onsens.
If you’re outside of an urban area, you will be able to afford a sprawling villa with a large garden, private pool, and stunning views of the countryside.
The Bottom Line
Many people often cite low costs as a major reason for staying in Thailand long term, and rent is no exception. With a bit of research and a good agent, finding a place that suits your budget can be a breeze. Whether you’re a budget renter looking for a basic studio, a mid-range renter wanting a comfortable apartment with amenities, or a luxury renter seeking a high-end condo or villa, Thailand has endless options.
