Koh Phangan in Thailand is easily my top destination in Southeast Asia. What makes it so special? The stunning scenery you come across, even during something as mundane as a quick trip to buy bread. Plus, the island’s rich culture fosters a deep respect for people, nature, and the world around us. A fascinating culture that teaches respect not only for others but also for nature and everything around us. The sense of safety allows for truly being yourself and “living in the moment”. And let’s not forget about the low Thailand cost of living, which has allowed me to slow down and stop chasing money, promotions, and material things.
In the following article, I’ll try to present the standard and costs of living in Thailand from the perspective of a digital nomad, who works online and travels the world using the concept of “slow travel,” meaning I change locations every few months and adapt my future plans depending on how well I like each place. If you’ve ever wondered how much does it cost to travel or live in Thailand for period of 1 – 6 months, or even a year, this guide might offer some insights into the detailed Thailand cost of living in 2024.
First, I’d like to mention that Koh Phangan is significantly more expensive compared to the rest of Thailand, but it’s still very affordable for visitors from the West. While some may find Koh Phangan expensive, the overall living cost is manageable, especially when compared to Western standards.
Contents:
- Accommodation on Koh Phangan – Costs of Renting a House/Bungalow
- Transportation Costs on Koh Phangan
- Meal Costs in Restaurants in Thailand
- Grocery Shopping – Food Prices in Thailand
- Services on Koh Phangan – Additional Costs
- Visa Costs in Thailand – How to Stay Legally for Longer?
- Summary of Living Costs in Thailand for 1-6 Months
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1. Koh Phangan Bungalows – Rental Costs
Accommodation prices on Koh Phangan vary widely, and to understanding the general cost of renting a house in Thailand you need to answer yourself the questions: What do you need? What do you expect?
- Standard: The island is very diverse; you can find budget dorm rooms, private Koh Phangan bungalows, or luxury villas for the whole family, close ones.
- Rental period: The longer you rent, the better the price, which can significantly affect your overall Thailand cost of living per month.
- Season: The island is very popular between December and April, so finding a good deal during these times will be very difficult, and without prior booking, almost impossible, which can increase your living cost.
- Personally, I recommend the off-season when it’s less crowded, and you can choose from numerous short- and long-term rental offers, helping to lower your stay in Southeast Asia.
My Wooden Bungalow in Chaloklum – Exploring Koh Phangan Accommodation Cost
Location: Chaloklum – northern part of the island
Size: 45 sqm + 20 sqm terrace
House layout: bedroom, living room with kitchen, bathroom, terrace
My bungalow is located in Chaloklum, in the Northwestern part of the island. It’s a quieter area, far from the tourist buzz and the main town, Thong Sala.
Chaloklum is hilly and green, with buildings blending into nature, not the other way around. I’m surrounded by beautiful views of the sea and the surroundings. This is my 4th bungalow on Koh Phangan, so I have a broader perspective on what the island offers and at what price. If you’re curious about the cost of the house Koh Phangan, at the end of this section, you’ll find a comparison table with the prices and types of my previous rentals.
I’m subletting the bungalow from another expat who lives here long-term but left for almost a year, so the price is optimised for long-term / 6 months rent, which significantly reduces my Thailand cost to live.
Fully Equipped Kitchen and Living Room – Enhancing Your Koh Phangan Living Cost
Size: 30 sqm
Equipment: fridge with freezer, oven, gas stove, double bed, desk
In Asia, most rental homes are designed for tourists, so it’s harder to find accommodation with a kitchen where you can cook your meals with a gas/electric stove or oven, which can affect your cost of food if you have to eat out all the time. The standard usually only includes a fridge and an electric kettle.
I enjoy cooking and diversifying my meals, so I prepare at least one dish a day, and for the other two, I go to a restaurant (more on that later in the article).
The kitchen is connected to a spacious living room, where I have an extra double bed, so I can always host visiting friends.
The terrace is huge, and the numerous trees growing around provide me with plenty of privacy. There’s space for both work and relaxation – hammock included. 🙂
A bit unusual (though maybe not in Asia), but there’s a 30 cm gap along the length of two walls at the ceiling in the bathroom. Good ventilation, but also an entryway for uninvited guests.. 🙂 I’ve already caught a rat, a few hand-sized geckos, a squirrel, and countless bugs visiting. You get used to it over time.
Finally, I can separate the sleeping area from the day zone. Besides the main double bed (as mentioned, there are 2 in the bungalow), I also have a simple clothes rack and a few shelves. It’s the only room with a mosquito net, so I leave the window open all day without the risk of being attacked by bloodsuckers.
Cost of the Bungalow in Thailand for 6 Months – Thailand Cost of Living per Month
Rental period: 6 months Monthly cost: 15,000 THB = 450 USD (price includes bills)
Pros: quiet area, large bungalow surrounded by nature, fully equipped kitchen, 2 large beds
Cons: no air conditioning (fans in every room)
Over time, I have rented various types of bungalows on Koh Phangan, providing a broader perspective on accommodation prices on the island. Keep in mind that the range of standards is vast, but I always aim for mid-tier options to increase my savings.
2. Scooter Rental
– Transportation Costs on Koh Phangan
In Southeast Asia, a scooter is the primary mode of transportation. In some areas, there is practically no pedestrian traffic – no sidewalks at all.
When it comes to choosing a scooter model, I highly recommend the Honda Click – popular for its:
- Engine power that allows easy “uphill” riding, perfect for both 1 and 2 people
- Efficiency, it consumes less and is economical
- Low failure rate, I haven’t had any breakdowns for a year and a half
- Agility and safety, easy to handle, big enough to protect you in case of a collision
The scooter price is influenced by:
- Rental duration – renting by the day, week, or month will be significantly more expensive
- Season – prices are higher in season; out of season, you can negotiate much better rates
3. Thailand Cost of Food – Restaurants and Bars on Koh Phangan
In this section, I must also mention that the price range is very diverse, depending on our expectations regarding the venue’s appearance, service standards, type of cuisine, and, of course, location. Similarly, the Thailand cost for a meal can range from inexpensive street food to high-end restaurant prices. This diversity applies not only to food but also to beverages; for instance, the Thailand cost of beer can vary greatly depending on the venue.
I always try to find a few places that offer reasonable prices and varied menus. On Phangan, I have 5 such places, with prices from the lower to mid-range.
Below are examples of dishes from places I visit almost every day.
For lunch or dinner, I usually choose dishes based on sauce and rice. I recommend Massaman Curry, Pad Thai, Chicken with Cashew Nuts, or Sweet & Sour. These are also “safe options” for people who don’t like spicy food. The staff always asks about the spice level if the dish contains chili peppers.
Almost every day, I visit a popular spot for fresh juices and smoothies. The list of options is very long, and the price encourages repeat visits – 60 THB (1,5 USD) for a 0.5-liter smoothie that is as filling as a meal. I recommend the Mango Smoothie.
Food and Drink Prices – Understanding Thailand Cost for a Meal on Koh Phangan:
4. Grocery Shopping on Koh Phangan – Koh Phangan Living Cost Details
When staying in Asia for a longer time, there comes a moment when you start missing your mom’s cooking. And if you have a kitchen available, it would be a shame not to use it. Every week I go to the big market, used by local restaurants, locals, and tourists alike.
Below is a list of prices from the biggest market: Makro.
5. Costs of Services on Koh Phangan, Thailand
Living on the island comes with certain limitations, which is why some services are quite expensive, for example, a gym membership compared to European prices. However, the upside here is that the membership often includes access to a sauna and ice bath – both of which I highly recommend.
When it comes to laundry, we have two options:
- Doing laundry yourself at a self-service laundromat: 50 THB (1,5 USD) / washing machine
- Full laundry service with drying and ironing: 50 THB (1,5 USD) / kg
Personally, during the first few months, I sent my laundry to a service, but over time I found that I enjoy doing weekly chores and don’t see the need to spend extra money. The laundry service is very reasonably priced, and it saves you time.
An added convenience is being able to use several machines at once, for example, separating towels and clothes.
Below I have compiled the basic monthly costs in the services category, starting from travel insurance to laundry, hairdresser, and ATM fees.
6. Thailand Visa Cost – Legal and Visa Costs of Long-Term Living
There are many visa options available in Thailand. However, the most popular are the tourist visa and visa on arrival, used by both tourists and digital nomads. Since thai latest changes, visa on arrival works as long as travel one so l’ll focus only on this option, but if you plan a longer stay and less frequent visa renewals – check out the Digital Nomad Visa, which is valid for 6 months but comes with many requirements.
Upon entry into Thailand, you receive an arrival visa for 60 days (free of charge, without prior application), with the option to extend it for an additional 30 days (1,900 THB = 56 USD). If you plan a longer stay, most people opt for a visa run / border run, which involves:
- Visa run – this is a method that allows you to extend your stay after the validity of your tourist visa (60+30 days) has expired. The procedure involves leaving Thailand through the border of a neighboring country: Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia, or Laos, and applying for a new visa at the Thai embassy. This process takes a few days, and since the arrival visa period has been extended from 30 days to 60, a visa run doesn’t make much sense anymore. Most people now choose option 2:
- Border run – you cross the border, return to Thailand the same day, and get another 60-day arrival visa, with the option to extend it for an additional 30 days. You can do this twice a year.
In both cases, for your first time, I recommend using the services of an agency to ensure that everything goes smoothly.
Summary of the Cost of Living in Thailand - Long-Term Perspective
Perspective Living in Thailand, and specifically on Koh Phangan, offers an incredible experience that combines natural beauty, cultural richness, and affordability. For those considering a long-term stay – whether it’s 3, 6, or 12 months – the costs can be quite manageable. On a minimal budget of around 590 USD per month, you can cover basic necessities like accommodation, food, and transportation. This budget suits those who are mindful of their expenses and are comfortable with a modest lifestyle.
However, if you prefer a bit more comfort and flexibility, a monthly budget of approximately 838 USD is ideal – this is the budget I personally adhere to. It allows for a higher standard of living, including dining out more frequently, participating in various activities, and perhaps renting a nicer accommodation. These figures highlight how affordable the Thailand cost of living can be, especially when compared to Western countries.
Whether you’re a digital nomad, a long-term traveler, or someone looking to immerse yourself in a new culture, Thailand offers a compelling balance between cost and quality of life. With careful planning and budgeting, you can enjoy all that this beautiful country has to offer without breaking the bank.
