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Thailand is a popular destination for international students who want to experience a different culture, learn a new language, and enjoy a tropical climate. The Asian country also has a reputation for being affordable, friendly, and safe for foreigners. If you are planning to study in Thailand in 2024, you may be wondering how much it will cost you to live there. This blog will give you an overview of the cost of living in Thailand for international students, including the average tuition fees, accommodation, food, entertainment, utilities, and transportation. We will also give you some tips on how to save money and make the most of your stay in Thailand.
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Why Study in Thailand?
Thailand has many public and private universities offering numerous programs, from undergraduate to doctoral degrees, in various fields of study. Many of these universities have international accreditation, partnerships, and exchange programs with other renowned institutions around the world. Thailand also has several specialized institutes that focus on areas such as hospitality, tourism, engineering, and medicine.
Compared to other countries in Asia and the world, the cost of living in Thailand is relatively low, around $850/month. The tuition fee for international students is also low, ranging from $3,000-$5,000 per year. Thailand is a melting pot of cultures, religions, and ethnicities. You will find people from different backgrounds, beliefs, and lifestyles coexisting peacefully and harmoniously.
You will be able to enjoy the festivals, ceremonies, arts, and cuisines that Thailand has to offer. Learning a new language can enhance your communication skills, broaden your perspective, and increase your employability.
Also Read: Cost of Living in Rotorua New Zealand: A 2024 Guide on Expected Expenses
Cost of Living in Thailand
As you can see, the average monthly cost of living in Thailand for international students is around $850/month, which is quite reasonable compared to other countries. However, this amount can vary with your choices and habits. So to give you a general idea, we have compiled some essential living costs in the country in the table below:
| Item | Average Monthly Cost |
| Rent (one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre) | $300 |
| Rent (one-bedroom apartment outside city centre) | $200 |
| Food (groceries for one person) | $150 |
| Food (eating out at inexpensive restaurants) | $100 |
| Entertainment (cinema, sports, nightlife, etc.) | $100 |
| Utilities (electricity, water, internet, etc.) | $50 |
| Transportation (public transport, taxi, etc.) | $50 |
| Total | $850 |
To help you plan your budget and manage your expenses, we will now discuss each of the living costs in more detail.
Living Accommodation
One of the major expenses for international students in Thailand is the rent for their accommodation. Here is a table that shows the average monthly rent for different types of student accommodation in Thailand:
| Type of Accommodation | Average Monthly Rent |
| Dormitory (shared room with shared facilities) | $50 |
| Apartment (one-bedroom with private facilities) | $200 |
| Condominium (one-bedroom with private facilities and amenities) | $300 |
| House (two-bedroom with private facilities and garden) | $400 |
| Homestay (private room with shared facilities and meals) | $500 |
Food
Another major expense for international students in Thailand is food. Here is a table that shows the average cost of food in Thailand, based on the data from Numbeo:
| Item | Average Cost |
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | $2 |
| Meal at a mid-range restaurant | $10 |
| Combo meal at a fast-food chain | $4 |
| Cappuccino at a cafe | $2 |
| Bottle of water (0.33 liter) | $0.3 |
| Bottle of beer (0.5 liter) | $2 |
| Loaf of bread (500g) | $1 |
| Dozen eggs | $1.5 |
| Liter of milk | $1.5 |
| Kilogram of rice | $1 |
| Kilogram of chicken | $3 |
| Kilogram of apples | $2.5 |
| Kilogram of bananas | $1 |
| Kilogram of tomatoes | $1.5 |
| Kilogram of potatoes | $1 |
Entertainment
Another expense for international students in Thailand is entertainment. Here is a table that shows the average cost of entertainment in Thailand, based on the data from Numbeo:
| Item | Average Cost |
| Movie ticket | $5 |
| Theatre ticket | $10 |
| Concert ticket | $15 |
| Nightclub entry | $10 |
| Drink at a bar | $3 |
| Massage | $10 |
| Yoga class | $5 |
| Gym membership | $20 |
| Muay Thai class | $10 |
| Cooking class | $15 |
| Scuba diving | $50 |
| Ziplining | $30 |
| Elephant riding | $20 |
| Cooking class | $15 |
Utilities and Bills
Another expense for international students in Thailand is utilities and bills. Here is a table that shows the average cost of utilities and bills in Thailand, based on the data from Numbeo:
| Item | Average Cost |
| Electricity (60 kWh per month) | $15 |
| Water (15 m3 per month) | $5 |
| Gas (5 m3 per month) | $5 |
| Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited data) | $15 |
| Phone (prepaid, 100 minutes, 1 GB data) | $5 |
| TV (basic package, 40 channels) | $5 |
| Total | $50 |
Transportation
The cost of transportation in Thailand depends on your choices and habits. Generally, the more you travel, the more you will spend on transportation. Here is a table that shows the average cost of transportation in Thailand, based on the data from Numbeo:
| Item | Average Cost |
| One-way ticket (local transport) | $0.5 |
| Monthly pass (local transport) | $15 |
| Taxi (start, 5 km, 15 min) | $2 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | $1 |
| Car rental (per day) | $20 |
| Train ticket (Bangkok to Chiang Mai, one-way) | $15 |
| Bus ticket (Bangkok to Phuket, one-way) | $10 |
| Flight ticket (Bangkok to Krabi, one-way) | $30 |
Cost of Living in Thailand: Average Tuition Fees
One of the main expenses for international students in Thailand is the tuition fees for their education. Tuition fees are usually paid per semester or year, and they may vary with the university, the program, and the duration of the study. The average tuition fees in Thailand for international students are relatively low compared to other countries in Asia and the world.
The average tuition fee for a bachelor’s degree program in Thailand is around $3,000 per year, while a master’s degree program costs around $4,000 per year. A doctoral degree program costs around $5,000 per year. Here is a table that shows the average tuition fees for some of the top universities in Thailand:
| University | Bachelor’s Degree (per year) | Master’s Degree (per year) | Doctoral Degree (per year) |
| Chulalongkorn University | $3,500 | $4,500 | $5,500 |
| Mahidol University | $3,000 | $4,000 | $5,000 |
| Thammasat University | $2,500 | $3,500 | $4,500 |
| King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi | $2,000 | $3,000 | $4,000 |
| Kasetsart University | $1,500 | $2,500 | $3,500 |
Also Read: Cost of Living in North Bay Ontario: A 2024 Guide on Expected Expenses
Things to Consider Before Moving to Thailand
Before you decide to move to Thailand for your education in 2024, there are some things that you should consider and prepare for. Some of them are as follows:
- Obtaining the proper visa is essential for studying in Thailand. Make sure to research the specific visa requirements well in advance and begin the application process early.
- Student accommodation options in Thailand are diverse. Consider factors like proximity to your university, amenities offered, and your budget when making your decision.
- Thai is the official language of Thailand, and while English is spoken in tourist areas, basic Thai language skills will help navigate daily life.
- Be respectful of Thai customs and traditions.
- Thailand has a good healthcare system with affordable medical care. However, it’s advisable to purchase insurance to cover any unexpected medical costs during your studies.
- Thai cuisine is a delicious and affordable way to experience the local culture. From fragrant curries to stir-fries and fresh seafood, there’s something for every palate.
- Thailand is generally a safe country, but petty theft can occur. Be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas. It’s also wise to learn about local scams and safety precautions.
- Thailand has a tropical climate with hot and humid weather year-round. Pack light, breathable clothing and be prepared for frequent rain showers, especially during the monsoon season.
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FAQs
Answer: The budget for monthly living cost in Thailand ranges from THB 15,000 – 25,000 (USD 450 to USD 750) per month, covering accommodation, food, transportation, and other necessities.
Answer: Here are some affordable accommodation options for students in Thailand:
1. On-campus dorms: The most economical option, often with shared facilities.
2. Shared apartments: Offer more privacy and can be cheaper than private rentals.
3. Homestays: Experience Thai culture at its roots and experience local hospitality.
Answer: Thai food is generally inexpensive. You can eat delicious meals from street vendors for around THB 50-100 (USD 1.50-3) or cook at home for even less. Consider budgeting THB 3,000-5,000 (USD 90-150) per month for groceries.
We hope this blog gave you a complete overview of the cost of living in Thailand. Stay tuned to Leverage Edu daily for more such content on student life abroad. Thank you for reading!
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