What Does It Really Cost to Live in Thailand? My Real Budget in Isaan

by Mario Ferreira  |  March 2026  |  Cost of Living

Everyone says Thailand is cheap. But how cheap exactly? The figures you find online are often vague, outdated, or calculated for tourists in Bangkok.

I have been living in a rural village near Surin, in the Isaan region, for over 3 years. With my Thai wife, I pay my bills, shop at the local market, and know the price of everything — not in theory, in practice.

Here are the real figures. All prices are in Thai baht (THB) with euro conversion at the time of writing (~€0.026/THB).

⚠️  Important context: these prices correspond to the Isaan region (northeast Thailand), a rural area. Bangkok, Chiang Mai or Phuket are generally more expensive. Isaan is one of the most affordable regions in the country.

Isaan vs Europe — Comparison Table

Expense	🇹🇭 Isaan, Thailand	🇪🇺 Europe (ref.)
Water (31 m³/month)	191 THB (€5)	~€60–80
Domestic gas (15 kg)	480 THB (€13)	~€30–45
Fibre internet 1 Gbps unlimited	899 THB (€24)	~€40–60
E20 fuel (per litre)	30.64 THB (€0.81)	~€1.70–1.90
Local restaurant meal	40–60 THB (€1–1.60)	~€12–18
Dozen eggs	40–52 THB (€1.06–1.38)	~€3.50–5
Mangosteen (1 kg)	25 THB (€0.66)	~€15–20
Spotify (monthly)	139 THB (€3.66)	~€7.99
Netflix (basic plan)	169 THB (€4.45)	~€8.99
Hairdresser (men’s cut)	60 THB (€1.58)	~€15–25
Olive oil (1 litre)	755 THB (€19.74)	~€8–12

⚠️  Notable exception: European imported products (olive oil, cheese, wine, cold meats) cost more here than in Europe. If you cannot live without your olive oil, factor this into your budget.

1. Water — €5 for 31 m³

This month I received a water bill for 31 cubic metres — a high volume due to garden watering. Total: 191 THB, or €5, including a 5 THB network charge.

• Tap water is not drinkable in Thailand. Two solutions: install a filtration system (costly maintenance) or buy 20-litre bottles at 17 THB (€0.45) delivered to your door.
• Automatic dispensers across the country let you refill a reusable bottle for 1 THB (€0.03).
• No sewage or waste collection in the village — septic tanks only, with no associated tax.

💡  At home, a 2,000-litre tank with a pump compensates for pressure drops at peak hours and provides a few days of autonomy in case of cuts.

2. Domestic Gas — €13 for 6 months

LPG gas is delivered in 15 kg cylinders. At home, one cylinder lasts about 6 months — we use it only for cooking, as water heaters are electric.

Price: 480 THB (€13) with home delivery. The gas price is subsidised by the Thai government through the Oil Fuel Fund Office (OFFO) — the same body that subsidises diesel.

3. Internet — 1 Gbps Fibre for €24/month

In my village, in the middle of rice paddies and buffalo, three operators compete to offer 1 Gbps fibre optic. My choice: AIS, at 899 THB/month (€24).

• Symmetric fibre 1 Gbps (upload/download)
• Unlimited data
• TV package of around 80 channels
• SIM card with 20 GB mobile data/month
• Free installation and equipment — with 24-month commitment

😄  The juicy detail: the fibre optic installation was done with a handmade bamboo ladder. Modern Thailand in all its glory.

Fibre packages are available from 500 THB/month (~€13) for lower speeds.

4. Fuel — Cheaper and Greener

The most widely used fuel in Thailand is not regular 95, but E20 — a blend of 80% petrol and 20% ethanol produced locally from sugar cane and cassava.

Current prices per litre

• Gasohol E20: 30.64 THB (€0.81)
• Petrol 95: 41.14 THB (€1.09)
• Diesel: 31.94 THB (€0.84)

💡  The vast majority of cars manufactured in Thailand after 2012 accept E20. Thailand manufactures all major Japanese, American (Ford, Chevrolet), European (Volvo, BMW, Mercedes), Chinese (MG, BYD, GWM) and South Korean (Hyundai, Kia) brands.

5. Restaurants — Eating Out for €65/month

This is probably the most surprising figure for Europeans: it is entirely possible to have lunch and dinner at a restaurant every day for less than €65/month.

Typical prices in the village and Surin

• Noodle soup (pork or chicken): 40 THB (€1.05)
• Pork or prawns stir-fried with basil: 40 THB
• Papaya salad (som tam): 40 THB
• Pork skewers (10 THB each) + sticky rice (5 THB)

6. Groceries — The Local Market as Your Best Ally

Eggs

Bought at the village market (twice a week), eggs are sold in trays of 30.

• 30 eggs: 100–130 THB depending on size
• Dozen: 40–52 THB (€1.06–1.38)
• Online at Makro: 30 medium eggs at 113 THB

Seasonal Fruits

Here, purchases are often made directly from producers — at the local market or via Facebook. A post, an order in the comments, and 10 minutes later, a motorbike arrives with the fruit at your door.

• Mangosteen (1 kg): 25 THB (€0.66)
• Rambutan (1 kg): 33 THB (€0.87)

😄  To give you an idea: I have seen mangosteens on sale in a Portuguese supermarket at €20/kg. Here it is €0.66. The same fruit.

7. Streaming — Half Price Compared to Europe

• Spotify (individual plan): 139 THB/month (€3.66) vs €7.99 in France/Portugal
• Netflix (basic plan): 169 THB/month (€4.45) vs €8.99 in Europe

A saving of nearly €10/month on these two subscriptions alone.

8. Small Daily Pleasures

The Hairdresser

A haircut at the village barber: 60 THB, or €1.58. No appointment, done in 15 minutes. In Europe, expect €15 to €25 minimum.

Imported Products — The Exception that Proves the Rule

Warning: imported European products (olive oil, cheese, wine, cold meats) cost more here than in Europe. I buy my olive oil on Makro online, with free same-day delivery:

• 0.5 l bottle: 400 THB (€10.46)
• 1 l bottle: 755 THB (€19.74)

💡  Makro in Thailand is open to everyone without a membership card — unlike the European model.

9. What Monthly Budget Should You Plan For?

Based on my personal experience in rural Isaan, here is a realistic estimate for a European retired couple:

Expense	Modest budget	Comfortable budget
Housing (rent + charges)	€300	€600
Food + restaurants	€200	€400
Transport	€80	€150
Services (internet, gas, water)	€50	€80
Health + insurance	€150	€300
Leisure + miscellaneous	€100	€300
ESTIMATED TOTAL	~€880	~€1,830

💡  These estimates are based on life in rural Isaan. Bangkok or tourist areas (Phuket, Koh Samui) can be 2 to 3 times more expensive for housing.

💳  Wise — Transfer your pension at the real exchange rate. Save €20–40 on every €1,000 transfer. → Open a free account

In Summary

Living in rural Thailand means living well for less — provided you adapt to the local lifestyle and don’t try to exactly replicate European comfort. Basic services (water, gas, internet, transport) are remarkably cheap. Local food is delicious and almost free. Imported products, however, remain expensive.

— Mário Ferreira  |  Surin, Isaan, Thailand

💬 Questions about the real cost of living in Thailand? Leave a comment below!

📌  Also read: Thailand Retirement Visa 2026 and our guide to opening a bank account.