My Monthly Spending Living In Thailand (Chiang Mai) 

DISCLAIMER: Always have some savings and don't just rely on a budget with nothing else. I would never be here with just the monthly budget. Have savings for back up! Surviving for me, was back home working in a factory 10 hours a day, paying for my apartment. Take it easy man

So many people don't include insurance and Visa. Glad to see a proper monthly breakdown

Once you've had to survive, you understand what it means to live🙏

Wayne, what truly resonates with me about your channel is the authenticity with which you share your experiences living in Thailand. Unlike others who may perpetuate misleading information about the necessities of life in Thailand, you present your vlogs from a genuine and personal perspective. This sincerity is what sets your content apart and makes it a valuable source for those seeking a real understanding of life in Thailand. Keep up the fantastic work!

Great to hear a healthy, down to earth budget. Some of these vlogs make out like Thailand is expensive but most don't go with the Thai flow and appreciate the little things. 5 year savings plan and wife and I are done with UK. 🎉

My budget if/when I return to Chiang Mai would be $800-1000 a month, because I want an apartment near old town. When I was there in 2022, I spent $1,200 a month because I rented my apartment through Airbnb and took a couple of all-day tours. But $800 is a reasonable budget. People can go lower if they need to, but $800 is a nice life.

Refreshing to hear someone that's doing the Thai life this way. I'd imagine you have a great life not stressing about having enough money, clearly you're a much more realistic person than most. Just a normal bloke taking life easy one day at a time

You've got it pretty well nailed Wayne. Personally, I think I'd struggle to stick to that budget, but hats off to you for doing so. Having said that, I think I could easily stick to a budget of just a little more, say 33-35K baht 👍

Cool. I saw another vlogger in BKK who says he lives on about $650-$700 per month and he's very happy. Same as you, he's got no desire for bars and clubs, chasing bar girls, or getting smashed every night. He lives a peaceful life of seeing the BKK sights with $2 street food lunches and he's doing just fine for what he wants. He has no vehicle though. I'm not in Thailand but dearly want to go, and I'd be living the same kind of life. Not out of being mean, but that's how I live now. I don't need or want the crazy life as I've got older. I've been in more bars and clubs in my younger days to last four lifetimes and it bores me to tears now.

Me and my Thai wife live on 40,000 baht a month. Own house (no rent). Includes health insurance (4,000 per month). We don't go out much, so cook at home mostly. We do have a few beers in the evening and the odd glass of wine.

This is by far the best break down of cost of living and very down to earth realistic of what a person would do after you visit all the tourist site. Thank you so much.

I applaud you mate for making your desires a reality . As you alluded to , after a while a given lifestyle & budget becomes normality & brings contentment . Many could not adapt as our society is wealth driven .The more you earn the more you want to spend to keep up with the "Jones's " . I walked away from higher paid work & took a 65% cut in income because i was unhappy in life & came to realize what i Need is far removed from what many Want . Hats of to you mate

Good on you mate! OMG I couldn’t believe how frugal you are. When I lived in Bangkok my food was more than your entire budget! When I return in a few years I will live in Chiang Mai but travel during the smokey months perhaps to Huahin. With the visas always changing and tax laws looming I feel prices will only rise in the future. Loved the video and noticed it had quite the watch. Cheers!

Thanks for another engaging video, Wayne ! I think you've filmed in this park before. Really need to get there next time I'm in CNX. The breakdown of the items in your budget is clear enough and shows it's possible to have a satisfying routine without spending a lot. Of course, Chiangmai is too quiet for some people...but it's fine for others 👍

Thanks Wayne - I’ve recently discovered your channel and I love it! I’m hoping to live in Thailand one day.

Hate that feeling of being snared in some tourist trap where peoples main concern is likely to extract as much money as they can... Not too difficult to take control in most places though... live like a local, shop at the markets, Lazada and discount supermarkets, Its a more authentic experience and cheaper 👌👍

Well done Wayne. This info will be useful to many for sure. The secret!! Steer clear of the bars and the freelancers. This video would be handy for that mate of yours that was there on a brief holiday and ran out of the hard earned and intended to come back long term one day. Question is could he stick to it. I say no without a doubt 😂🤣😂

$1000 a month! Awesome. The lifestyle sounds perfect.

Nice one Wayne. Very useful. You’ve pushed me a good bit closer to the edge. Thank you Sir.

Good to hear your budget. The entertainment costs plenty , holiday versus living there is different so glad to know what’s affordable and what it’s going to cost . Thanks Wayne

Chilled life is the best way!! Great video!! Keep them coming!!

I tend to comment as the video progresses and usually leave 2-3 comments. Now that I have heard the whole vlog, I am so thankful you shared your shift in life. I’m sure many guys stare at the ceiling at night and regret decisions they’ve made. I’m praying your message will inspire them to make a change..

finally some realistic video with monthly spending close to my style (hua hin) 👍avg between 600-900 usd, thank you man 🙏

Wow that is an amazing budget. Health insurance is the big worry as we get older though.

Good job Wayne... everyone is a little different on the spend, but you're living a very good life on a very wallet friendly budget. 👍

Thanks for the video honestly, Chiang Mai been on my list, im from the UK im waiting for investments to pay off, and i may move here. This video came out at the right time for me, to see how much it currently cost for average living there, of course its different for everyone but im a minimalist, so this was helpful.

You can live under £1000 per month but massive drawback is it’s living the minimal lifestyle. Thailand offers the opportunity to live from minimal like yourself upwards to 2 week millionaire & beyond 👍 Personally I’d get bored existing as a minimalist but can definitely see the attraction versus living in UK . I’d like to try a minimalist £1000 per month lifestyle somewhere like Jomtien where there’s beach & cheap accom etc. Chiang Mai for me hasn’t got enough going on for long stays but do enjoy the night markets there awesome 👍 Great to see your living minimal though you seem happy & shows people it can be done as many RU-vidrs won’t experience your lifestyle to show everyone how it’s possible 👍

Good video. This sounds good to me. Only been to Chang Mai once, I liked it. Did some fishing, went to see some Mutai and a couple of bars, yeah was good. Almost 70 now so have slowed down some. 😂😇👍❤️

Don’t worry my dear friend. Horses for courses. You seem happy and content and really Wayne isn’t that all that counts. Love you vids Keep em coming and I’ll keep watching 🙏

Thanks for the video. I stay 5 to 6 months a year in Chiang Mai and use a hotel in the past (Vanilla Residence in Santithan) but will get a condo this year. I mostly cycle everyday, have coffee and cake at a cafe, eat out every meal, grab a beer most days, etc. Not extravagant, but nor do I closely watch the budget. This comes to something like 35k THB per month. Add in an overseas trip every two months for visa exemption renewal. This gives quite a comfortable lifestyle and great value for money. I don't really pay much attention to the budget, just my natural lifestyle costs about this much. Like you said, it's possible to live on less and still enjoy. Just need to find what works and enjoy.

Ty Wayne for explaining your monthly expenditures! My wife and I will be coming over from Canada for 6 months per year in 2025 to either Hua Hin or Chiang Mai. I love your honesty and Humpty Dumpty description. Keep those vlogs coming, cheers eh!

Thanks for sharing! I am a little bit older than you, so insurance would be about the double of yours and I want a little bit more comfort and convenience in my life. So I guess I would have a budget closer to 40-50 000 Bath mark. It is important for people planning to move to Thailand that 25-40000 Bath a month is an okay budget for living. But if you want to stay in the party zone in the bar streets or on the islands you will need at least 100 000 Bath and up in addition to shorten your life significantly.

It kind of irritates me when there are so many videos out there with the title "How much money do you need in Thailand". Every individual has different expectations and requirements and there is, therefore no answer to this question. You, however have approached this in a different way and state what your personal budget is. You are not telling me how much I need. Hats off for being straight up.

Great detail Wayne 😜 - very comfortable and flexible & as you say , a bit extra aside for emergencies - appreciated - All the best for 2024 👌👋👍🙏

Awesome information Wayne. I live a chilled and clean lifestyle, too. My party days were in early life, and I find pleasure in the simpler things. As an artist I had to live the simple life. There isn't much money guaranteed in that, so living on a shoestring was necessary. I appreciate your insight. Thanks.

Nice of you to share that info - yes, you can live reasonably... I will pass this along.

I love this channel. Wayne thank you for your information and amazing content. Really appreciate you

That's a fair budget for a low-key lifestyle. Absolutely do-able. I tell people all the time that I lived in Chiang Mai for nearly a year on $1100 USD, and that was back in 2019 when the exchange rate was worse (30/31 baht to the dollar versus 34/35 to the dollar now). My rent was similar to yours, only it was a shared townhouse with another female expat across from Maya Mall. Yeah it helped that I am a woman and that I don't drink alcohol, facts of life hahaha. That said, when I return I'll have ten thousand USD in the Thai bank account for set up costs and an income of 1900 USD each month. The plan is to save at least a thousand of that monthly money and sock it away. It helps to have a start up fund before making the move. I set up those Thai bank accounts during my time there and now I casually wire over fifty or eighty bucks when I feel up to it so it'll be there ready for me.

People really like Chiang mai but when I retire I wanna live in Koh Samui. paradise lol.

I lived in Pattaya & now I moved up north where my monthly budget has dropped, will check out udon Thani next week

Great video Wayne very informative, looking at moving to village life in Surin this year and was worried about our budget of about thb35000 a month we’ll have no rent to pay and already have a moped and pickup so your video put me more at ease cheers 🤟

I've been in Chiang Mai for 7 days now. And even though I have no interest in going on dates, because I'm only here for 1 month to check the place out, I did make a Thai Friendly profile to see what bites I could get. So far in 7 days I've had 62 lady's send likes to me. If you can't get laid here, then you couldn't get lucky in a woman's prison with a handful of pardons.

I live out in Ban Tawai, we bought out house so don't have a rental fee, but I admit I like to be cool at night so I use AC when it's over 25 degrees. Like you we live a simple quiet life but being over 55 I pay less on visas but more on insurance. However our monthly spend is about 20,000 Baht, that's for me and my wife, who is Thai. Nice to see a video of someone who, having lived an everyday working life in the UK, can appreciate the simply life here. Good luck to you.

Brilliant video, open, honest and very informative. Can't wait till I'm living in chiang mai next month. 😊

Thanks Wayne , seems reasonable enough. I personally spend a lot more than that with no mongering but a few beers and coffees . Love spending time in Chiang Mai , but spend more time down in the south. Just got a condo in Bangkok within minutes of the BTS skytrain. Really enjoy your channel. Hopefully I will bump into you one day, Have a great day.

Basic and simple with breathing room if need be keep it up Wayne Happy New year be safe man be safe

Excellent video, thanks so much for sharing. I can tell you put a lot of time into this in the information is really helpful. I’ve really been considering the area that you’re in and hope to move there soon. 😎

AC in the studio? It looks like you’ve got one foot out of Chiangmai Mai, becoming more of a reality without renewing. Good video!

The main potential cost is medical care. Even with insurance, there is always the risk of getting stuck with a big bill. Also, know what you will do if you suddenly can’t work for a long time due to injury or illness.

I'm basically on the same budget and don't want for nothing I go out once a week for a few drinks. It's the bar girls and booze that will mostly burn though your money 😂

Saftey Wing is $157.36/every four weeks, not a month) for 60-69. Don't get old.

Great advice and information! Thank you Wayne!!

People need to learn that after you're in the country, you aren't "on a visa". A visa is only for ENTRY into a country, if they allow you. It is then used/finished unless you have a multiple entry visa. Once admitted into the country, you're given a PERMISSION TO STAY and the length depends upon what visa you entered the country with. If you renew/extend while in the country, you're applying for a permission to stay EXTENSION, not a new visa. You're monthly budget bottom line is quite admirable and doable if, like you said, you're not out chasing skirts and partying all the time. Thank you for sharing.

Looks to me like you’ve got a nice relaxed lifestyle. Plus you are able to visit the surrounding areas and enjoy. Not bad Wayne.

I think I will send a link of this to my wife. She might realise how lucky she is.

Excellent informative video! Makes me realize how expensive it actually is to live in Bangkok. Maybe I should make the switch to Chiang Mai.

I am thinking of moving with 18k aussie. 10k in business savings and spend a relaxed year working on my online ventures.

27,000 bah a month. You couldn’t afford to be homeless on that budget in the UK

fair play mate, i think your spot on what your saying, and it is 100 percent do able on that budget, it might not be for everyone, but coming from england like your self . people think it’s completely normal to be working 12 hour days 7 days a week working away from there family and friends just to be paying off a mortgage! sat in santitham as we speke thinking where to walk to for a £1 lunch that is spot on haha! all the best pal, looking forward to your adventures where ever you end up 👍🏻👍🏻

Take care man, wishing you well for 2024. Nice to hear your real world spending, liked your comment, always a tight ass when you were in the UK 😊 it helps keep things in check if you're naturally frugal. 👍

Excellent video! Thanks for sharing, Wayne! Keep up the good work. Much appreciated 🙏

I am on a tourist visa, from visa extensions & only 2 border runs per year it became costly, hence why I am considering the retirement visa or look at the Philippines which has an easier visa policy

Perfect breakdown

Nice one, Wayne. It's great you can get everything you need and live how you want on your budget. Beats being a wage slave back home by miles. Your arsh is very disciplined. Take it easy.

I live on less than 1000 Euro/month (me and my Thai gf) (no rent) in Belgium.. So why would that not be possible in Thailand 😅 Oke i admit when we are in Belgium we don't go out much, eat out etc. We just work, eat sleep and repeat. We stay in Thailand half the time and we never spended more than 35k baht a month the last two years, everything included. Rent, motorbike, eating out 3 times/ day, go to the movies, little trips on the motorbike etc. Just enjoying life in Thailand. Belgium is for work only and we are oke about that for the next couple of years. My lady say we spend too much, she say we can live on 20K baht/month easy 🤣

That's the kind of budget and life style I'm projecting too, moving to Thailand mid this year. This budget seem to be in sync with mine. Thanks

Cheers Wayne, I enjoyed that one. As you say take it easy 😊

You have a good budget, here in phuket it's easily 3x what you pay..location affects everyone's budget. 👍

Humpty Dumpty hahaha. My first monthly electricity was 450 Baht. I use mostly the fan as well. I usually chuck on the aircon when I first get back to the condo after being out. My water was 50 baht so that was good.

Thanks for your video. You have given me some ideas about cost of living. I am planning to visit Thailand and maybe retire there. God bless!

Great video Wayne, I'm a bit of a minimalist myself. My monthly expenses are similar to yours, my rent is more then yours and diffidently not as nice as yours but I don't have to pay for a visa and I don't have a scooter but everything else is about the same, take it easy bro!

Thanks for this content. Your budget looks like it would work for me.

That's a very reasonable budget and very doable, I used to spend slightly less, but that was cos I bought a scooter so didn't have to pay rent. Like you I enjoy the simple, chilled out lifestyle (for me it was near the beach) and you don't need to pay a fortune to achieve that. I always say, it's not how much do I need to live in Thailand, but how much do I need to live the lifestyle to which I aspire to in Thailand. And yes, having access to an emergency fund is absolutely vital!

Great information! Thank you. Love to have you as a guest on my podcast!!

Great video, mate. I live a chill life (no drinking or the sort) in Pattaya with my Thai wife and I would say on average, 30k each is a good barometer.

I’m thinking of moving to Thailand myself very helpful would love to connect with you

Good stuff, brother I don’t do alcohol either, I’m not against a beer or a scotch now & then but I don’t do clubs or bars. Great info I’m retiring on a railroad pension from the USA so I’m hoping for a relaxed & lazy retirement Cheers Safe travels mate

Nice One Wayne, very resourceful Vlog.

Nice one Wayne, always like these vlogs as they give a good indication of how things really are, whilst I could probably do it now I’ve always got one eye on the the future, am going to wait till I’m 55 and then reassess the situation and see where things are at, stay safe and keep on keeping on dude 👍🏻

Most budgets omit things like a new laptop or dental work and other things. A 'new' bike every once in a while is easily 20k a year. I, myself add 5% for interest that you could make on 800k invested in the west or 40,000 baht per year. 10K per month for food is basically eggs on toast and coffee at home, a basic Thai lunch and a Big Mac set for dinner. Is that gonna be enough for you?

Hi Wayne, Been following [subscribed] you for a while now, it sounds like you are from the South-West-ish area of the UK [so you will be well-aware of the weather in the UK]. I am interested in Chiang Mai "as it seems to have cooler temperatures than the rest of Thailand" [Chiang Rai also looks like a cooler option too], that said, could you give a portion of one of your vlogs that tells of what to expect weather-wise [mostly between November to May in my situation] in Chiang Mai ? Good-luck Buddy

i'm with you wayne. i dont need fancy things, i can live out of a suitcase. just a matter of personal choice. less i have to carry around and less i have to worry about. with me growing up on street type of foods from laos, i am sure my food budget will not be as high as others will have. i will get a craving for western food every so often though. hopefully i'll be there some time next year. keep them vids coming.

great and informative video, you're right. it depends on people, you can spend 1000$ or 3000$. there's a different lifestyle for everyone in Thailand

Brilliant vlogg I'm like yourself the easy life is the best

Thanks Wayne, I'm wanting to retire to Thailand soon . And that budget rundown was handy . My insurance will cost more. And probably condo will too . But reckon 1k English pounds should be ok . If it isn't I'll go back to blighty

Your life is amazing, I love watching you bouncing around. You have $10,000 a month of enjoyment for a small amount Keep up the great life

Very True what you are saying. Cause you go there as a retirement place. It a good guide I should say. Even while I spend mine hiking holiday I don't use more than 1 thousand baht a day. Including petrol.

Love your vlogs Wayne,

Appy new year mate!

Hey Wayne , its great to see someone speak the truth about Thailand , by the way me and wifey have been there 3 times and Chaing mai is our favorite province , did some research on our trips since we are planning to retire very soon and you are correct with all the cost and expenses , we have calculated with $2000 monthly budget w/youngest son we would be fine , Question Wayne - what part of Chaing mai is good for for my son to attend school ? or do you suggest online schooling ? Again your video's are inspiring , nice job , be well , Peter & Ivon Miami Florida

Whatever makes you happy. That's the most important thing. 😃👍🏼

Everyone needs some Boom-Boom, thanks for the budget, i would like to learn Thai but can't my tongue around it, and i have a big tongue👍 Chilled life is the best. Guys stay single and have fun!

Very entertaining video, Wayne. BTW, I DMed you on IG recently. Did I learn a new Britishism? Humpty dumpty? I'll need to add it to my list...

These ARE helpful price quotes for Chiang Mai so long as you DO keep away from the bars and the ladies working in them--I've enjoyed that world before in CNX and down in Bangkok, too, but you DO get to the point where it really ISN'T as "exciting" as you once found it to be so I try to stick to a "Night Out" maybe once a week in CM and a couple days in Bangkok or Phnom Penh or Saigon. Much cheaper to go on THIS Soi Of Life! ;-)

I really enjoy your channel bro! Question: Are cold cuts, cheese, and baguettes readily available there?

Cheers for this video m8 very inlighting.. maybe do a video of your normal day when not flogging??

The more i watch your videos Wayne , the more I get convinced that you are my alt self in another color from a different mother and father lol. I have a dream of living an uneventful chilled life like yours. It’s a blessing man, trust me. Looking forward to your video on how you structured your life to maintain the discipline of not going over the budget. And are these 5-7k baht studios in Chiang Mai easy to find? Or they’re just far and few.

Wayne, At $750 per month, you are living an amazing life! It's obvi not about how much you have or spend but how you spend your life. You're doing well mate!

Well-reasoned and it is different for everyone. If your a toy boy that needs all the latest jim crack, it will be a lot higher. Food, lodging and entertainment are cheap here, alcohol and electronics are not. And if you get a girlfriend, be prepated to double the budget. Just the way it works. Thanks, Wayne. Great exercise.

That's right around what I estimated your monthly outgoings would be!