Bangkok is a bustling metropolis where lively street markets meet the tranquility of ornate temples. Nestled in the heart of Thailand, this picturesque hub is famous for quite a few things, one of them being excellent study opportunities for international students. In this blog, let’s navigate through the facets of Bangkok as a gateway for study abroad while answering the most important and practical question – what is the cost of living in Bangkok for International students in 2024? Let’s dive in!
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Why Study in Bangkok?
The decision to choose Bangkok as your study abroad destination can be both, intriguing as well as promising for students worldwide. Let’s look at some of the reasons why, below.
Affordable living
If we draw a comparison between some of the major Asian cities and Bangkok, the latter will stand out as relatively cheaper. Going by numbers, the Numbeo Cost of Living Index ranks Bangkok 310 in 515 cities globally with a score of 49.1 (the greater the score, the more expensive the place). Thus, making it evident that Bangkok is cheaper when compared to other cities in the world.
Top-ranked universities
Bangkok is home to some of the most prestigious and well-known universities and has been the center of learning in Thailand. It boasts of five universities ranked within the QS World University Rankings 2023. Further, two of these universities are in the world’s top 400. So you can be assured that you will be receiving high-quality education in this city.
Culturally immersive
Bangkok is a melting pot of cultures. It is a place where you can experience a unique blend of Thai, Indian, Chinese, and even Western influences. This provides the student with an opportunity to learn things that go beyond the classroom.
Wide course options
The selection of the course one wants to study depends entirely on one’s career goals and objectives. However, Bangkok majorly has something for everyone. Multiple courses are offered in various disciplines including health science, architecture, arts, engineering, education, medicine, law, economics, and more.
Immense job & business potential
Bangkok ranks 18th globally when it comes to employer activity indicators. It is also a hub of business in Thailand. It is also a home for branches of some of the most recognized companies in the world such as Sony and Unilever, thus offering excellent opportunities for business and jobs.
Cost of Living in Bangkok
Let’s explore the cost of living in Bangkok as an international student, covering basics like housing, transportation, groceries, etc.
The total cost of living in Bangkok for a single person inclusive of rent | 46,529.92 ฿ |
Price of one-way ticket in a local transport | 43.00 ฿ |
Price of a meal at a low-priced restaurant | 100.00 ฿ |
Cost of basic utilities (including water, electricity, garbage, etc.) | 3,100.47 ฿ |
Monthly rent of a one-bedroom apartment | 23,794.12 ฿ |
Let’s look at each of the expense categories individually and their range depending upon a person’s choices and preferences.
Local Transportation
Let’s look at how much money would you be required to shell out to travel from one place to another in Bangkok.
One-way ticket in a local transport | 43.00 ฿ |
The monthly price of a pass for local transport | 1,300.00 ฿ |
Normal taxi fare per km | 40.00 ฿ |
Gasoline (1 liter) | 40.45 ฿ |
Meal Costs
Bangkok is a paradise for all the food lovers. Let’s dive deep and see what it costs to relish all the scrumptious food in Bangkok.
Cost of a meal at a low-priced restaurant | 100.00 ฿ |
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | 200.00 ฿ |
Three-course meal for two at a moderately priced restaurant | 800.00 ฿ |
Groceries
Let’s now look at what buying daily staples in Bangkok will cost you.
1-liter milk | 60.10 ฿ |
Loaf of bread (500 gms) | 55.96 ฿ |
1 kg rice | 54.75 ฿ |
Fruits per kg | 79.82 ฿ |
Accommodation
Now let’s dive into what accommodation charges in this beautiful city are like.
Cost of 1 room apartment inside city centre | 23,794.12 ฿ |
Cost of 1 room apartment outside city centre | 10,865.71 ฿ |
Cost of 3 rooms apartment inside city centre | 58,065.22 ฿ |
Cost of 3 rooms apartment outside city centre | 32,332.69 ฿ |
Average Tuition Fees in Bangkok
The average tuition for Bachelor’s programs in Bangkok costs somewhere around 65,183฿ whereas the Master’s program costs somewhere close to 85,030฿ per semester making the city quite affordable when compared to its western counterparts.
Things to know when moving to Bangkok
Here are some of the things to keep in mind before moving to Bangkok.
The ‘artistic vibes’
Bangkok is a city buzzing with creativity, and guess what? You don’t even need to visit an art gallery (though there are many) to explore it. You will explore a lot of art in the streets of Bangkok itself.
Nightlife
Bangkok or Thailand in general is known for its nightlife. You can easily find a spot that suits your taste and preferences.
Culinary Landscape
The city offers a diverse culinary experience ranging from delicious street food to upscale dining and of course its delectable seafood.
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FAQs
Ans. Bangkok is generally considered safe for all. However, while exploring the city, it is advised to practice common sense precautions, especially while visiting crowded areas.
Ans. Bangkok has a tropical climate, which is mostly hot and humid. However, it does have distinct wet and dry seasons.
Ans. Yes, Bangkok offers a range of budget-friendly accommodations, street food options, and local eateries, making it a preferred destination by people of different budgets.
So, this was all about the cost of living in Bangkok. Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counseling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.