You can absolutely live on 1100 US D per month. I did it and never suffered or struggled. Granted, I am a widow, non-drinker, non-smoker so those costs weren't a problem. I also shared a house with another older American woman. Entertainment included movies across the street at the mall (5 bucks a pop), acting in English-speaking plays, participating in painting and ceramics classes, going to the Expats Club monthly meetings, and exploring different areas via train. NOTE: I also kept a $6000 emergency fund and a clear credit card -- just in case. That's a safety net.
lol. Shared housing doesn't count. At this age, most people don't want shared housing unless it's a relationship situation. It just proved that most Westerners can't live on $1000 a month in Thailand.
@@jglee6721 "Shared housing doesn't count. " You never been to Thailand, some house are pretty big. And in London, or New York people with good jobs share shoebox because it's so expensive. I'm in London
@@jglee6721 For £300 a month I had a huge studio in Bangkok. If 2 people put £500 each, they will have a mansion with swimming pool and they don't even have to see each other. I KNOW you never left your country, I guess you never lived your hood...
This guy doesn't know what he's talking about. I had a hotel in Phuket for $350 a month. I rented a nice motorbike for $75 a month a few months but could walk most places and the occasional motorbike taxi when I didn't rent a motorbike. You can get an occasional bar girl for $50.
I've lived here for 35 years. The biggest cost is alcohol. If you're a boozer, that'll eat up 200 dollars a month easy. And that's if you buy it at the store and drink at home. Out at bars you can double that. If you're not an alcoholic and are pretty frugal with your money. Then 1000 dollars can be done. Most of what is told of costs in Thailand is in Bangkok or the tourist areas. I'm renting a huge 3 bedroom 2 bath large yard 2 story house for 200 dollars in Ratchaburi. About 45 min to 1 hour away from the madhouse in Bangkok. Always have a backup plan and make sure you have good insurance. Hospital cost are cheaper here but for an extended stay from an accident could take the wind out of your sails if you're not covered.
I moved to Thailand. I live in a condo that is a five-minute scooter ride to the beach. It has a huge custom pool, weight room, guard, and concierge and covers parking for $250/month. Health insurance is $115 per month (I'm old). My favorite lunch is a freshly made chicken kabob, very filling $2.50. I can sit at a bar and enjoy the sunset with a beach view and a beer cost $2.50. I can afford a higher lifestyle, but I am using this as my base camp.
Who did you get your insurance through? I'd like to better mine. Also a fan of my local chicken kabob place, 70 baht (90 w/cheese). Filling as heck and maybe my favorite food since moving here. If not for the calories, I would enjoy one every day. More of a 'wrap' than kabob though.
@@particleinthewave8378 at the root of it some people just don’t have a lot of money and they try and convince themselves that they can live a above average lifestyle with below average means purely psychological. The reality is a poor and miserable lifestyle that you could not even pay me to live.
@@sokaiya1100% agree not to mention there are plenty of programs that help low income disabled and retired people in the USA. A friend of mine is paying $200 a month for a nice apartment and received vouchers for much of his furniture in addition of no medical bills. Granted food is more costly but plenty of hacks to lower those costs not to mention there are plenty of more affordable smaller cities and towns in the USA as well.
Cost of living is always a subjective question, and there is a huge difference living like a tourist versus an "immigrant". The way I've come to think about it is - you will always live a better quality of life per $ spent in Thailand than in the West. Sure you may think the guy on $1,000/month has a meagre lifestyle in Thailand, but if that's all he's got, what would that same guy be living like in the West for $1,000. I came to Thailand to find the simple life, and I've found it in Chiang Mai for around $1k/month (after spending about $25k for a new car and home furnishings), which includes health insurance and domestic holidays. Monthly costs include: house 4.5k baht (2 bedroom, 1 bath, 4 year old 52sqm villa), electricity 1k, water 100baht, food & drinking water 10k (including Western a few times a week and no alcohol), insurance 1k, transport 6k (includes driving holidays, otherwise ), internet & cell phone bundle 650baht, visa 1.9k, etc etc. To be clear, $1k is doable in Thailand if that's your mindset and you're content.
What do you do during the smoky season? Sounds like you found a nice place for a low rent. I come only for 2+ months and I stay in a serviced apartment with a pool for 18,000 baht plus utilities and cleaning charges.
@@LawrenceStevens01 Smoky season is over hyped. I live inside with air purifiers for a couple of months, avoid going out. I'm content with that for what I get the rest of the year, some with ADHD would tear their hair out. Since my rent is only $130/month, its a low cost option to simply lock up and drive south for a couple of months, do that if I prefer to avoid the smoke altogether.
The question isnt how good life is in Thailand for a $1000 a month. The question is what kind of life you have in your home country for a $1000 (which should be worse than Thailand) and why you are not able to make more money.
If you pay attention to Thai and US interest rates, the Thai baht is about to get very strong. That 1000$ usd isn't going to fair so well in the future.
Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. Live in your car in the US or a cheap studio in thailand? Your choice! I think it is wise to have an emergency fund and not live on a check to check basis.
Lots of comments. I think lots of different people out there with different situations. The $1000 a month thing is for a tourist or semi tourist renting in one of the tourist areas (or Bangkok if you like). That's not everyone or me. I live in a village in the NE of Thailand and I love it, and have lived here for about 15 years, with a 30 year relationship with Thailand. I could live very cheaply as there is no rent, electricity is about 1000 baht a month (with aircon), internet 631 baht a month, water 300 baht. We have our own house with 3 bedrooms, although we tend to eat with my wifes family who are our neighbors, and wonderful people, and food for the week is about 2000 baht as we share the food bill. I have a well maintained old pickup from new that is low mileage and we don't do the big road trips to the south like we used to. Insurance is 500 baht a month, road tax about 3,500 a year.We live a very comfortable life and it isn't the miserable like you talk about. We also have plenty of money but enjoy this simple life with good family.
I never assumed someone in your position lives a miserable life. I actually know it’s probably not. You are not the norm and my message is geared more towards younger guys who should be planning for their future. Cheers
I've lived in Thailand and as a rule of thumb whatever it costs in the West will roughly be a third as much. Not everything but in general. So $1000 USD for example would be equivalent to $3k in the States. Which is quite comfortable for a single man. If on the other hand you want to zip around all over the place and eat out at more upscale places you're going to have to budget for more. As it would be anyplace else in the world.
@@innercynic2784 Yep, there’s a big difference between living in Thailand as opposed to being on some kind of permanent holiday. In my home country a thousand bucks wouldn’t even cover the rent in a share house. And medical, I walked in and saw two specialists today in 45 minutes for about $100 including minor medication. In Australia it would have taken *months* to get appointments and god knows what they would charge.
You're not wrong but consider what life is like if you don't live in some tourist trap/major city with parallel economies. My rent is 8000 baht/month for two 30 sqm buildings about 1 hour outside of Chiang Mai in the mountains and my wives townhouse is free and provided by her company (I go between these two). I eat mostly Thai food but will go to some non-Thai restaurants every so often. I help pay for gas on my wives car but my own motor bike is like $3 USD/week to fill up. Run AC something like 20+ hours/day in the hot/rainy season. Vice like booze and snus are in my budget too and this still comes down to less than $1000/USD month. Seems like rent is major cities is what blows out your budget.
@@lkabong5529 like nicotine pouches which are popular in Sweden and the countries. I'm an American and noticed some years it started to appear here too There's a Swedish guy in Chiang Mai which imports it.
I agree that these numbers look realistic of typical cost needs in Thailand. However, the awesome part is that there IS the option of $1k/month in Thailand. Many stories of poor retired people in the US who live on meager SSI that would otherwise be homeless have decided to retire in Thailand and the Phillipines to survive. Survive, not to have fun. So it is their lifeline.
Not necessarily true if retired as Medicare and cheap supplemental insurance, low income housing vouchers, access to a range of social services like help paying utility bills, etc.
Very good straight forward advice, too bad nobody thinks it's Gonna apply to them and wind up in deep shit and real sorry...chasing the bar girls no thanks...
It’s funny how some people get triggered by other people’s opinions. The comments on this great video have been very entertaining! After almost a year living at Jomtien Beach I have been averaging less than $3K US per month and living a bachelor’s dream, but I grew up poor and do know how to survive on much less. Having options and the ability to downsize if needed is a good thing for peace of mind. Congratulations to Ramze on enjoying a great lifestyle.
Excluding rent (I have my own place), my monthly living expenses is around USD$765 a month - in Singapore. It won't be a 'luxurious' lifestyle, but on $1,000 a month in places like Chiang Mai or Krabi, life should be VERY comfortable.
i currently can afford to live in NYC on $1750. i live extremely cheaply. one could say i live like a thai right now. i grew up poor. i can handle thailand well i think
Completely agree with what you're saying. When i was 25 i could of lived in a shoebox apartment and been happy with not working for the rest of my life (if i had the capital). But as we get older, we usually elevate our experiences and expectations, with that comes a higher cost. Completely depends on the individual though, but for the majority of people try are going to want a better standard of living.
At first I didnt agree with your video (for the first time lol) but after reading the comments I think I do agree with you. I think you can definitely live in Thailand for 1,000 per month, but without plans and action to increase your potential budget, it is not the best idea. It can be done, but you will definitely be happier with the the peace of mind that comes with the ability to spend more if the need arises.
There is a lot of variation in lifestyles, preferences and locations that leads to a very different cost of living, in Thailand, or anywhere (Bangkok vs Chiang Mai for example, huge difference in cost). I think $1000 is quite doable, but these days is about the lowest cost to expect and still have a very nice life. I have been doing this for a few months of the year for many years, in Chiang Mai. Going back for 3 months in October. Thailand costs have definitely been going up recently though, and a better choice now is Vietnam for even less than $1000. In the end, some people may need $1000 to be happy, some $3000. The important thing is to find out what makes YOU happy. What you expect from life. Money, beach, luxurious home, beautiful weather, security, gentle friendly people.
Doesn't Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai have that burning season for about 2 months which is pretty much a nightmare for anyone with respiratory issues unless you can stay somewhere else for the duration which obviously costs💰.
@@BasedInBrazil The burning season is from February to April so most of the year is livable. You'd do yourself a favor going elsewhere during the burning season if you have respiratory issues.
@@BasedInBrazil That’s true. I’ve been there many years during that time, without hardly noticing it. But some years are quite bad. I now try to avoid Feb and March.
Yep you can live modestly in Thailand on 1k a month if you already own your own home in Thailand outright with no mortgage or condo maintenance fees to pay. If you're having to rent on that budget, you're not going to be comfortable in Bangkok, you can get away with it if you live in rural Isaan, but that's probably not the life you imagined when thinking about living in Thailand.
I spent a few months in Bangkok and Pattaya last fall, and thought a lot about how it was a little more expensive than I thought it would be. Still could live way cheaper than is possible in the US, wasn't trying to pinch pennies, and had great quality of life. When I return there in the spring I'm planning to do better tracking what I spend, and see if I can keep monthly expenses in the ballpark of $1200-1500. We'll see how it goes! Good topic. Everyone has a different idea for how they would like to live overseas, and what they're willing to have or give up. It's best to have the experience for a few months, and see what works for you
I think your analysis is pretty spot on, with one exception. Getting married and moving to the country is within everyone's grasp if they want it. There are plenty of Thai women who will be happy to live that life with you. You'll have to learn Thai to meet them, but they're everywhere. The question is whether you will be happy to live that life. I think many Western men will not. We're the barrier, not them.
Depends on what you perceive as living a good life. Non drinking, cooking nutritious meals at home/ walking/swimming/gym/yoga etc are not going to cost you much. Finding a group of like minded friends might be hard in Pattaya though.
Someone living for $1000 is going to struggle in the west. It would be much easier in Thailand as long as you aren't in a tourist area or going out drinking a lot. 5000b a month wirent an adequate room leaving around 1000b a day. Insurance is the real issue, as is meeting the minimum requirements for a visa. I could do it easily and did it during covid.
I have been living on 1500 a month in the US on my main check because 2000 a month is the alimony. Despite losing 40 percent of my pension and 105,000 of my nest egg to the divorce, I have worked extra jobs and done side gigs so I go to Thailand twice a year now. My job gives me summers and a month also for winter off. I save 10 percent of my gross income. 1000$ a month in Thailand is possible but most Americans are spoiled and don't want to look for deals. In Thailand you must cook at home unless you want street food Thai every day. The fried things there and fat on pork is not good for you. A single person will need 1500$ to 2500$ assuming no vices. No more than 1 night a week going out to eat/drink and spending 1000 baht. You can use cheaper local transport but eventually you will grow tired of it and need to get a scooter. Accidents are rife. My goal is to move to Thailand, live on 3000 a month and save 500 a month and use the equivalent of 500 a month to travel. I am good at making money, well educated so for the first 3 years of early retirement, I am sure I can make at least 700$ a month online teaching also. What is my point? Ramze is correct, have a plan. Don't use Thailand when you are young to escape life and then return at 50. If you are in your 60s, you'll probably have to return to your home country towards the end of your life or when you pass 75. Make sure you are ready. Thailand is not the place for you, if you haven't prepared for it or go into it not being sober and with a long term plan, like ten years if you are older. Because when the time ends there, you have to ask. "And then"?
Living means being alive, breathing, and surviving. Everything else in between is mostly nobody else's business! If this is not the case, then the title of this video should have been something else ☺! For me, the most important cost when settling in a country like Thailand is health insurance. Since you’ll likely be without close family there, it’s crucial to protect yourself against unforeseen health issues. Apart from that, living costs in Thailand can be very affordable. You can find rent for under $200, and food is inexpensive. When it comes to comfort, what’s considered acceptable or not is entirely up to each individual. In 2024, with so much information available, everyone can make the best decisions for their own life and living situation. So, in my opinion… Yes, you can definitely live in Thailand for well under $1,000 😄
I have retired to Philippines this past year and I do agree with this guy ? Do NOT go Without health insurance unless you have deep pockets plus you WILL have lots of miscellaneous unexpected expenses!! Do not come to any country without a good savings because other countries won’t take care of you !
Basically it is gambling of some sort: - If nothing big happens and no serious health issues occur then the guy is good, boasting how splendid is his life in Thailand. - If some serious illness happens and his health insurance does not cover it "because it is a preexisting condition" then the guy is in a big trouble 🤒. And even if they cover him this one time they can refuse renewing his insurance next year because he has become too risky to insure...
It's a bitter pill to swallow from Uncle Ramze, but you should listen to him. He's the man of reason. A friend of mine lived in Thailand for about 6 years on about $1,200 per month, but once he got sick a few times, his money couldn't cover the medical expenses. He had no health insurance and the Thai government seized his passport because he owed money to the hospital so he couldn't travel back to United States for treatment. He died in Thailand.
Thank you for your thoughtful and detailed comment-it's refreshing to see such a candid perspective on life in Pattaya (in my case) / Thailand. You're absolutely right: the often-repeated myth that one can live a "luxury" lifestyle on just $1000 per month is both unrealistic and potentially harmful for newcomers. It's far too easy for people to be misled into thinking they can live comfortably without the financial cushion required for quality living, proper health insurance, and the occasional indulgence. The Real Costs of Living in Pattaya / Thailand I agree with your estimation of €3000-€3500 per month to live comfortably in Pattaya, especially if you're looking for a high-quality apartment, dining out frequently, and engaging in enjoyable day trips. Even the most basic, well-maintained apartments in desirable areas will set you back €400-€600 per month, and that's before factoring in the cost of living essentials like healthcare, transport, and entertainment. The danger of portraying a "luxury on a shoestring" lifestyle is that it sets people up for disappointment and financial strain. The reality is that maintaining a comfortable lifestyle in Pattaya requires realistic budgeting-and as you rightly pointed out, €3000 per month is a far more achievable target for a fulfilling experience. The Risks of Underestimating Costs You raise an important point about the dangers of underestimating living costs. Many newcomers arrive in Pattaya expecting a carefree life on a tight budget, only to realise they can't afford the basics, like health insurance or socialising. This can lead to difficult decisions-either downgrade your lifestyle or face unexpected financial strain. For those without a significant financial cushion, this can quickly sour the experience of living abroad. Frugality: Not for Everyone Frugality works for some, but as you mention, it's not for everyone. Minimalist living takes discipline and commitment, and many people will find it unsustainable long-term. Having a realistic budget is essential, not just for everyday living, but for those unforeseen expenses that will inevitably arise. Practical Tips for Those on a Smaller Budget Now, for those on a more modest budget (say, around €1500 per month), the key is to supplement income. As you've rightly suggested, teaching English part-time (around 20 hours per week) at a language school can provide a helpful additional €300-€500 per month. This is perfectly legal, with the schools handling the paperwork-just make sure to arrange this before departure, not after arriving. For those willing to get creative, starting a travel blog or UA-cam channel could provide an additional €100 or so, though I'd advise against relying on this as your main source of income. These side earnings should be seen as a supplement, bridging the gap between bare-bones living and a more comfortable lifestyle. For Retirees on a Fixed Budget For retirees living on a modest pension, working part-time or remotely for a few months to top up your income could be a viable option. Working in a well-paid job for 6-8 months, then using those savings to complement your pension while enjoying a 3-4 month stay in Thailand could provide a perfect balance. This allows you to avoid living on a tight budget year-round while still enjoying a fulfilling, active lifestyle in Pattaya. Conclusion: Be Realistic and Plan Ahead At the end of the day, being realistic about your budget is essential for a positive experience. Living in Pattaya can certainly be affordable, but if you're aiming for comfort, convenience, and a healthy lifestyle, €3000-€3500 per month is a much more realistic target than the often-quoted figure of $1000. For those with a smaller budget, there are options to supplement income, whether through teaching English or finding part-time work in your field. But whatever route you take, planning ahead is key. As you said, there’s always a solution-but it requires the right balance of expectations and preparation. Thank you again for your insightful perspective. I’m sure your advice will be invaluable to anyone considering moving to Pattaya. Best of luck, and I look forward to hearing more from you soon!
You need around $3,000 per month for a decent life. That means for an early retiree, they would need 1.2M invested in the market. Each year they could withdraw 36K per year adjusted for inflation.
I agree US$1000 is existing but in the USA or europe it would be struggling. I'd rather be existing in Thailand rather then struggling in the west..... In Thailand I can have an attractive Horizontal aerobics instructress from thaifriendly once or twice per month No way would I be able to afford one of those in my home country
We live in bangkok(not in the tourist area) with my thai wife and I would say $3k is the minimum. More realistic is 4-5k. I came to Thailand to enjoy to have thai wife with thai culture, but not living the thai standard and not being alone living like a hermit on a budget.
I totally agree even with your comments about dreaming it up. In Germany a bare minumum for a decent lifestyle is something in the range of 2500€ a month (or more). I visit Thailand since 40 years and I know my way around. This 2500€ per month gets me a very cosy and comfortable time here as a farang during my usual 2-3 month stay. I believe you can live a modest life starting 1500€ per month and enjoy yourself. But you should have a nest egg to get you through emergencies.
I have spent and lived in a number of S.E. Asian countries, including Thailand. Thank you for your your honesty. I think this is the first, direct vlog addressing this myth (while other vloggers are using low numbers to increase clicks. In the end, this video will be of help to many, and may prevent some from making terrible mistakes.
Single guy here✋🏽. 43 y/o. Clean health besides hbp once in a while(gotta get off those energy drinks🤦🏽♂) . Where I stay in South Central Florida in a small town my monthly expenses for the past 2 years is around $1300-1500. My rent is $850-$950(current year it went up) for 1br. I had to relocate from the East Coast of Florida where rent was $1400 (now around $1600) for a 1br. No car. I use Lyft and Turo if needed and I barely spend more than $25-30 per month. I stay at home mainly. Don't club. Don't drink. I do 420 which is included in my monthly expenses. I don't shop unless its Amazon. I know for a fact that I can budget and live off of HALF of my monthly exp in Thailand and be very comfortable and i'm frugal. Everyone's lifestyle is different which means that being able to live well below 1k a month in Thailand is very realistic!
@@stand.6008 investments with and without passive income. I plan for years ahead rather than month to month. I wont move to Thailand until I can cover 2-3 years expenses easily.
Sorry one more comment. "Sabotaging future you" is very real thing and should be pointed out more. Thailand lets you live cheap and cheat life in ways you wouldn't be able to do otherwise. If you do this long enough you can ruin your life and do retirement in reverse, i.e. move back home at 50 broke with no job prospects and living out of your car.
Why retire with money, makes no sense. Spend and live now while your young. Work when you're old and don't have the energy to do anything fun. You're all stuck with capitalist mindset. Which anyone in their deathbed would agree, even Steve Jobs said so.
Exactly, planning is key and absolute! Desperate People on UA-cam want instant gratification without the work. They see fake UA-camrs make fake videos just for clicks and views and the average person will fall for it and want it now! We are planning, building our dividend investments, building our wealth and income from stocks, etfs and options trading and then moving. This has been on of the best UA-cam realism video I’ve seen in a long time. Refreshing.
i don't understand, isn't SEA supposed to be cheap? for 1000€ i can live in germany as a single guy. rent 350€, 150€ utilities, 50€ internet, 200€ food, 100€ insurances, that's 850€. still have 150€ for going out or eating out. and with my 1500€ salary i still save 500€ a month for vacations and savings account. how do you all spend so much money in the cheapest region in the world.
@@Black-Circle still a long way of the budgets i hear go around. if you think 100 bucks makes that much difference. mi point was just that i don't understand how people can't live with "900" dollars in the cheapest countries of the world if you can live with that money in most of the industrialized and "rich" countries of the world excluding maybe some expensive capital cities and the north of north America.
@@shadowkreep9434 thats because these people are living in the over inflated and overpriced tourist areas that are being pushed up by Russians and ukrainians living there. You might just live in a normal town in germany. And yes 120 bucks usd makes a difference.
@@shadowkreep9434 whoever told you thailand was dirt cheap is lying to you. Maybe Cambodia or Vietnam you can live like a king on 900 euros but not in thailand. Its come along way
@@Black-Circle shame. personally im thinking of colombia but i like to stay informed and it amazes me that these supposedly cheap countries end up being more expensive than Europe. guess the gap between rich and poor countries is closing faster than i thought.
To be fair your doing ok food wise if you are spending $300 -$400. But the rest is pretty spot on, especially in the cities. Most of the time I say $1500 is the minimum, and above $2000 your living pretty comfortably. But if you want to travel, do what you want to do and futureproof a bit, then a $3000 budget is pretty healthy.
Yep. What kind of saving/investment are you going to be doing on such a tight and precarious budget? It might be a fun "you live and learn" experience for the very young travellers out there, but the idea that a middle-class 40+ Westerner is going to be happy living like a working-class Thai for any prolonged period of time is most likely incorrect.
You have got a typical US mentality of overspending. Firstly nobody spends US dollars in Thailand. Many people live in perfectly fine condos costing 8k to 10k baht a month, Reds posts videos daily of relatively good quality rooms that don't cost that much even on short-term leases. It is very easy to eat for much less than 300 baht a day when you don't waste money eating in foreign overpriced restaurants. You can get good freshly cooked Thai meals for between 40 to 70 baht in shopping centres Most people don't drink everyday and they don't drink cocktails. No need for a motorbike, you can walk, use a baht bus or bolt. No need to have air-conditioning on full blast when a fan is sufficient most of the time. Miscellaneous costs can add up. Health insurance is extortionate in Thailand, visas cost also. You should look at how vloggers like Welshwyn live happily on a low budget. Personally I wouldn't like to live on a 35k baht a month budget in Pattaya but many people happily do and they have a much happier life than what they would have on the same money in their home country. Personally I think 50k baht will give you an acceptable lifestyle and there is no need to spend more than 70k baht a month as a retiree. I am including regular massages and company in the 50k figure
Your numbers are pretty good but ignore health and dental costs which for a person over 55 years old probably adds 20 k to 25 k of expense for reserves for emergencies under those categories. So 75 - 100 k baht is more realistic depending on party lifestyle habits or Thai partner expenses. Below that number is survival. Within the range i presented is living, and anything above is living large. We all have freedom of choice. Trying to live on the USD equivalent of 50k baht would be extremely difficult in any urban environment in the USA. $1500 per month (50k baht) would be a most meager existence in the USA.
We keep mixing "enough for living" and "would like to have for entertainment". While $1000 should be enough to live outside of the tourist areas, a lot of people come to Thailand to have entertainment. Why bother coming to another country where you are officially is a person of the second sort (double pricing, humiliating visa practises etc) if not for getting something you cannot have in your home country? So, if we are being realistic, we shall include a substantial "entertainment" money into our budget. And then we are not talking about $1000/month budget anymore 😉
Thank you for the honesty! I wasn’t a subscriber before but because of this honesty I might be, frankly getting sick of the 20 yo just left mum and dads house, thinking I’ll go to Thailand or anywhere in SE Asia and be a UA-cam star LOL how many videos on here saying the same things, showing the same things, lying and not showing the truth? Hundreds of try hard UA-camrs saying the same things “what you didn’t know” “The truth about” blah, blah and when you do watch the clip it’s the same old rubbish! I’ve been around and know bull$&*t easily…thanks for the refreshing thirty and honesty.
I agree a 1000! Pound Will get you an ok life in udon thani its cheap to live there 5000 baht gets you a nice size room with fridge and aircon per month about another 1000 baht for electric, the beer is 100 baht for a large chang and 70 baht small bottle, food for a restaurant chicken panang and rice 140 baht street food chicken noodle 50 baht, girls 2000 baht long time and bar fines 300 baht can you live on a 1000 pound in udon you decide
I think you are being too nice! I live in Colombia and the same issues apply here as there. In my case, I have a lifetime pension (plus savings and investments) that is a lot more than I need. Money is not the reason I moved here. I am fluent in Spanish and I have lived in different parts of not only this country but two others for over 10 years. I am rare compared to most guys I have met over the years. The hard reality for an overwhelming majority of guys who move to a foreign country is they face some huge odds of making it. Many have mismanaged their lives back in their home country and are looking for a bailout that probably won’t happen. If a guy has $1500/month to live on he will live ok, but not nearly what he envisioned. $1000/month is foolish! In at least 50% of those who do actually move, maybe they last two years and they either return home or go somewhere else.
Sorry but if you include refrigerators into your luxuries, you are not really living life as many people would prefer to do. It's good for you, and that is great, but I live in Bangkok and if you want to have a good life with many options, 2500 USD is minimum.
Most of that makes some sort of sense, what would be more useful is to say what budget(s) is minimum to provide for an elevated lifestyle. How much do you live on per month? I'm retired could I get by on (current exchange rate) 150,000bht a month?
You most certainly can as I’ve made other full videos on different budgets. Check them out. I have 3 I can think of off the top of my head. One was for $1500 a month and the other two show $3000 and $5000 a month.
I am in south east asia last 5 years , stayed thailand many many times and your calculation is very accurate, living and surviving is different thing especially a place like thailand full of things to do, cheap but still you can't do those things with 1k $ after paid all your bills and food. $1k is very very tight budget.
I lived in pattaya for 15 years . No way can you live on one thousand dollars a month. One example you have a night out with a girl go clubbing drinks alone will probably cost a thousand bart. Plus the girl then maybe take the girl out for breakfast. Probably that night alone will cost between 3 to 5 thousand bart.
There are very valid points made in this video. What it comes down to is an individual’s lifestyle and needs. When I lived in Bangkok for three years up until recently my income was 4500 usd per month . This was after Medicare and my private secondary insurance was paid for. The secondary insurance was carried over from the job I had before retirement. That secondary insurance covers me unlimited domestically and internationally. Of course I couldn’t use Medicare but still had to pay for it. Personally I could not live like a Thai person. Their lifestyle is much different. Unless they have a well paying job of course. . While living in Bangkok I spoke with other expats in person and on a forum. Many came to Thailand because they disliked their home country. And blamed their problems on their home country. Because they couldn’t make it in their country. Then in Thailand they complain about how Thailand is taking advantage of them. But as I said. Everyone can survive differently on different incomes. We all have different lifestyles and goals.
I've been living overseas for 4yrs now and get asked all the time about how much does it costs. The ideal that you can live on a $1000 per month is ridiculous. Sure, you can do it, but you're not going to like it. Many people in the States live on a 1000 per month, but none of them like it.
I begin my Thailand relocation tour next month. 6 weeks. I currently live outside Cancun, Mexico. 2km from Caribbean. $1000 in the old days was beach bum style. Me: No car, resident visa, I taxi or bus, eat great, scuba and enjoy. 2 bedroom town home and spoiled dog. $2200usd. You need 3000usd to qualify for residency. I think base camp is moving to Thailand.
This is very realistic for the vast majority of people. Most of the true $1000/month budget people are doing that because: 1) they TRULY experience fulfillment at that income level (like .001%) 2) they have an outlier situation that won’t apply to most 3) they are stuck and don’t have a plan B 4) living here is a means to an end What gels this video for me is the “ future you “ part. $1000/mo is simply not sustainable for the vast majority of people and definitely not healthy unless 1) or 2) applies. I think the low budget strategy is great for a specific time frame with cash reserves already saved or a job in Thailand. I also don’t think this video is discouraging but informative to those looking, and comes from a place of wisdom and empathy. I’m hoping for the best for anyone coming to Thailand and I appreciate great content like this! 🙏🏾 Subbed 💪🏾
Excellent video. I quit my job at 54, sold everything in Texas and moved to Phuket with a monthly budget of $3,000 per month. I ended up buying a condo and I reduced my budget to $2,000 per month. Fast forward....... Now building a house with a pool in NE Thailand and have a new truck on finance (only 3 years to go). New budget is $2,400 per month. I pretty much eat and do whatever I feel like doing. To live up here out in the countryside as a single person would be very challenging if you don't speak Thai. I think that you could do it on about $1,400 per month. But, again, as a single person.
Here’s something else to consider. If you choose to live in a “shoe box”, be prepared to deal with plenty of cockroaches. Older, multi unit buildings are absolutely notorious for bug problems that can never be eradicated. Spray & lay traps all you want, they will always return due to shear numbers. Any credible Entomologist will tell you that. I for one am very happy I will never have to live like that. Bottom line; like you’ve pointed out previously, living on a shoe string budget of 1k is merely surviving, not real living.
I bought my own condo View Talay Jomtien 9 years ago so no rent,but I still spend around 70,000B a month that gives me a very nice life here , eat at nice restaurants,go to Dongtan beach often get a bed under umbrella,play pool on evening,sometimes get overnight sleeper train to ChiengMai, really enjoy it here but I could no way live on 1000 dollars,thanks for good video.
He's correct. I spend $2000-3000/mo in Pattaya easily. Why? You have to live. You need to travel, shop and take care of your GF. Can't do that on less than $1000/mo.
Only a former bar girl as a gf would run a couple's reasonable expenses up towards $3k/month in Pattaya. $100 a day to 'have to live'? Sounds to me like you don't know where your money is being spent. Create a budget and use it.
$3,000 USD a month. That's all. Not bad. I have lived below my means for years and saved and invested and now I can easily afford $5,000 USD a month for life from dividends. But I still budget $2,000 USD a month.
@@louis20122 $2000 is doable. I personally like to travel in Thailand, Vietnam and other places. I feel living in a condo for long periods is like living in a jail. So I have to get out and see things.
Agree that $1000 wont work for ME....but perhaps it will for someone else....but i dont think you will be comfortable. In Bangkok, for me USD$2k-2500 sounds about right. In Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Phuket, Koh Samui etc, $1.5k-2000 should be fine for ME. Im a bit of a planner and list person, i feel like when i look at rentals (that i like) in the above areas and factor everything else in (high and low amounts), the numbers should be in this range. I will be moving to Thailand later this year, most likely Chiang Mai to start. My advice is to plan well. I started thinking about this move almost 20 years ago. I made investments (rental property, dividend stocks and etfs) years ago to gradually replace my income, which it recently has and will do so for the rest of my life. This video is correct. Don't run from your problems in the US and into more problems in another country. Saving and planning mean you control the situation rather than the situation controlling you.
Back during the vietnam war. I had a bungalow not far from pattaya for 35 usd a month. It had a squat toilet. And a bowl shower. With a straw mat bed. Fried rice was 35 cents😊and one night girl was 5 usd my military salary was about 500 usd a month an Oz pf old was 43 usd.
OK Men ...He's 100% correct ! If you don't have at least 2 grand USD clear per month and preferably 3 grand, AND 100 grand for a rainy day DO NOT stop working in the West and move to Thailand or anywhere in SE Asia. You might have to work until 67 in the West but at least you will build your SS and also be able to invest at least a little...maxing out in the ROTH IRA etc. The difference between taking your SS at 62 and continuing to work until 65-67 and then taking your SS could be as much as a grand a month ! .Try to live cheap in the West and work and say lean fit and healthy and do as I say so when you HAVE TO RETIRE you will have a better life in Thailand or some other cheaper place in the world like Portugal, Colombia , Philippines etc etc. Ideally once you have checked out Thailand for at least a year and REALLY like it you should BUY a condo and not rent. You can get a very large high end condo in Hua Hin for 140,000 USD. A condo like that would be 800 grand anywhere i California and at least 600 grand in bum F Oklahoma lol. Buy it in cash and WILL it to your kids. That will give you a VERY nice place to live and save you about $550 USD a month. A decent Thai house is about 550 USD in Hua Hin and Hua Hin is the cheapest decent sized city in Thailand.
It’s important to consider exchange rate if you are bringing in funds from abroad. Currently in financial markets there is a view (not consensus) that the US$ may weaken further against Asian currencies. From 37 in June we’re down to 34. No one knows but it’s a possibility that needs to be factored into the calculation.
Other advice, Save, continue to live below your total income, ideally by at least 25%. This can help if Inflation, Rent Increases, Airline Tickets increase, require Healthcare or maybe an emergency back home and need to buy Expensive last minute ticket.
About time someone was realistic.... some youtubers put up some real BS.. My lose budget is 1000 baht's a day.. that does not include accommodation or health insurance... I only live in Thailand 6 months of the year in Khon Kaen.. This is what I do... I bought 2 condo units , cost just over 1.3 million baht's each...1 is rented out full time the other I live in while in Thailand, the rented one pretty much pays for my power/internet/water while I am in Thailand and yearly tax on both. Health insurance is starting to become an issue... as I get older the cost keeps going up as I am only there 6 months I use travel insurance... technically I am on a long holiday.. transportation wise I bought a used Yamaha X Max 300 scooter which was around 155,000 baht's.. I do have a Thai missus both condos and scooters are in her name.. Entertainment wise tripping around all over Thailand and southeast Asia on the scooter.. That's a basic overview of how I go about it... Get OUT of the tourist traps... Then living becomes a lot cheaper...
For Retirement Visa Qualifications using money in bank that is (800,000 baht) $23,530 USD at 34 baht exchange rate sitting, earning almost nothing for 5 months, then about (400,000 baht) $11, 750 staying untouched for other 7 months of year. Generally Thai Banks pay very little interest rate
Low income individuals seldom have the 800,000 baht deposit requirement so they will generally avail themselves of a visa agent. A small part of any budget has to include visa agent fees.
@@RamzeTravels 3000 USD MINIMUM and you better have at least 100 grand in nest egg. .....best to not rent but own a condo outright cause you can get a BIG high end condo on the golf course in Hua Hin (120 square meters )for 140,000 USD. Then WILL it to your kids ...a decent rental in Hua Hin for long term is at least $550 USD....that's a basic Thai house and nothing fancy
$1000 in Thailand is pretty much the life he described . Imagine seeing everyone around you having the time of their life and you’re just an observer . However if your retired and trying to live in the USA on $1000 social security I do think you would improve your life standard In Thailand, Philippines, and Vietnam etc . However $10,000+ safety net would be advisable after your relocation cost . Some kind of return plan if things get bad for you mental or physical health wise . I did spend 6 months in the Philippines between $1000-$1500 . Thailand is a bit more expensive so I think with $2000 you can do well.
You need $2,500-$3,000/month USD minimum income for a single guy to live anywhere in Thailand and $25K-$50K USD in savings before thinking about moving long term to T-Land. You don't move to Thailand or any other country to have your lifestyle go sideways or even down. You only move so your lifestyle goes UP!
Wrong. Not everybody can 'live' on $1000 a month but can some? Unquestionably. In fact I live comfortably and happily on a lot less than that - I can literally do all the things I enjoy and want to do on 20,000 Baht a month. The problem with a lot of these videos is that the UA-camr is applying what they think a lifestyle is to everything, when the truth is everyone is different, everyone has their own wants, needs and personalities. There are many for example that feel if they aren't having a Starbucks three times a day, eating in expensive restaurants and going out drinking regularly then they are not 'living,' whatever that means. If that's you, great you do you, but don't look down on others who don't need to do that. As hard as it may be for some to believe, living on $1000 a month would be an extravagance for me...I'm not even sure what I would spend the money on. I'm frugal by nature, not into materialistic things baring the things I need and all the things I enjoy doing are either free or cheap. I live in a big room with all the things I need, it has internet on every floor, plus a modem in the room and my rent with utilities is always under 8K, I love Thai food and I'm into health and fitness not drinking - does that mean I can't eat western food or have a drink once in a while? No I still do that! You can imagine I'm some deprived vagrant all you want...I'm loving life and banking £1000 a month here!
I like your comment, makes sense. Why does a person need a pool when they live next to a beach for god's sakes . There's idiots out there that smokes and have to drink every day and can't keep their thing in their pants, So they spend money on a so called girlfriend that they think loves them, So they assume that's what life is all about.
@@martypoll want doesn't come into it and I'm not on a budget, the cost of my lifestyle just happens to be around the 20K baht mark. I do acknowledge that I'm an outlier, but the point I was trying to make is that you can't judge it going off your own idea of what living is.
$1000 per month, and you're living like a hermit. No traveling, no doctors, no medicines, no toothache, no night life, no going to dinner with friends, damn sure ain't getting no loving. No latest iPhone, no return trips home, nothing stolen or lost. 1000 dollars a month? Good luck
I live on less than 1000/month as a _baseline_ and do all the things I want BUT this doesn't include big ticket items like plane trips, medical etc... When averaged out over the year it's going to be higher than that obviously but that depends year to year.
@@hammertyme8392 assuming that's all you have, not just what you budget to live on. If it is all you have, that's your reality wherever you are, so it might as well be somewhere good, like Thailand.
Solid video. It really comes down to what you want during a certain stage of life. People need to evaluate their lifestyles whether they live in their home country or overseas. The reality is as we age, we don't need or want they same things we did in our 20s. If I could cash in the clothes I bought in my 20s, I'd be rich. I certainly don't buy as much or as often now. Thank you for adding the health insurance, which is a big one. It's expensive, especially if you want coverage during your trips home.
Yea I get it 1000 a mounth you need some decipline you can go cheaper in the rent outside of bangkok and phuket I pay 200$ for a great place in hua hin. I am 45 health insurance is 65$ a mounth I dont drink have a wonderful thai girlfriend who works good for me lol. I live a good life for around 1300$ a mounth in hua hin. Good vudeo i agree with a lot of that thailand is up to you if you want to live a good life or be a miserable looser it's up to you. Thailand is only going to be a reset button if you have the decipline and work ethic to be happy. Good video though good points
You can exist on $1000 usd a month in Thailand but you won’t be enjoying it much. Then when an emergency comes you will be totally screwed. $2000 is the realistic number from my personal experience but you have to stay away from the bar scene.
If you are living on $1,000 a month (instead of $2,000), when that so-called 'emergency' comes, wouldn't you have more money to pay for it? Math. It works wonders...
There is one cost that was excluded that people need to think about. Immigration. If you have only a USD 1000 payment coming in per month, that's not going to keep you with a visa. I'm not going to do a run down of all the options, but none of them are for free. You need to research your options yourself, but here are some hints. You may need to have a 800 kBaht bank balance at the year end to qualify for your long stay visa. Sure, there are companies that arrange for the cash to go in and out of your account so you can "prove" it when you apply, but that is not free. If you stay on a short term visa you need to do visa runs across the border regularly. And for the love of Buddha, don't overstay. DON'T OVERSTAY!
The perfect budget is the one which reasonably minimizes your risk and affords you a comfortable life. It’s the minimizing risk that people tend to neglect. No insurance. No savings. Not the proper visa. No emergency funds. No reliable income stream. No backup plan if things don’t work out. After that there is no upper limit. The lower cost of living benefits expats at any income level.
I figured it would cost me $2500 CAD per month to live there (2000 USD) , or about the same as my current spend per month here in Canada. (I own my own house). That's including rent at 15 k baht , 500 baht/d food, $300 /m health insurance ( mid 60's, no pre existing conds) as the major expenses. Of course, I could rent out my house , with $1500 net income after expenses to offset living expenses. So my net expenses would drop to $1000 CAD !! So the question is, should I do it ??
I live in northern bkk. 25 mins from centre on bts. 50 sqm 10,000b pmth , don’t really drink , have health insurance , eat well, travel internally , managing well on 40,000b pm 🙏 have lump Sum in uk 🇬🇧
financially im set, however leaving Canada 100% scares the shit out of me, i was thinking leaving 8 months at a time and go back. Do you have to commit 100% for this to work
On such a low budget you'll only be spectating as opposed to partaking in all thailand has to offer !! Rough breakdown Living costs 25000 bt Entertainment 25000bt Girls 25000 bt
Everyone’s situation and needs are different. With my lifestyle and family obligations, I wouldn’t be able to live here for $1,000 per month. Just living expenses for my wife and I per month (includes nursing home expenses for my father), utilities, petrol, food, WiFi, Clothes, amenities, furnishings & other stuff = THB 75,000 per month ($2,200) House, car & motorcycle are paid in full, so we have no rent/lease cost in anything.
I’ve made videos about my budget in the last month. I think min is very dependent on age. Young guys need to be planning and saving for their future and not just “getting by”. Older people can live on less as long as they have enough for emergencies. I would not dream of moving half way around the world with a penny less than $2K. Me personally, with a wife, dogs and family that relies on me needs way more
I couldn't possibly disagree with you considering you live in Thailand and I live in Georgia in the US. I could live like a drug lord in Thailand off of my current income. I'm 100% disabled through the VA. and I'm a Travel Nurse by profession. I could live an extremely comfortable life in Thailand off of just my VA. Disability check alone. I would love to float back and forth between Thailand, Viet Nam, and the Philippines. However, my wife is a different story altogether. I use to train Muay Thai, I would love to first hand see the difference between what I was taught vs. how the Thai's teach! I enjoy your content. Keep up the good work. Hopefully someday I can experience Thailand for myself.
I am looking to move where life is more affordable. 1st task: make 3000$ a month as an independent. And while I am working to get there, I have a normal 9 to 5 which pays well (and, US workers don't read this, you head will explode: has 8 weeks of paid vacation a year).
You can live near the ocean in Jomtien at the 7 Seas, A/C, 2 awesome pools, wirh 2 gree bottles of water per day, 1-1/2 blocks from the beach: $175 per month. That leaves you $825 per month for everything else. Plenty of places near the ocean for less than $200
Health insurance, food, transport, entertainment, internet, phone, incidentals…you missed the whole part of the video and just listed to what you wanted to hear. Good luck with everything.
I reckon your advice is spot on for the vast majority of folk, but most of us pick and choose the "facts" that suit us and believe that we are smarter and more resilient than we actually are, so few will listen. The other issue for you is that no one likes the harsh truth without a bit of sugar-coating so you may struggle to grow the channel. To end on a positive note; great presentation, well constructed, and with a clear message.
The good news is what this channel does is not super important for me since I do it for fun and donate all of the profits to local charities. The irony is, this channel has grown much faster in 4 months than many others here have in Thailand in over a year.
First time I've seen your channel, excellent! I watched it twice. I'm spending a month in Thailand, hopefully in November, with a view to moving there. I've subscribed, now I'll take a look at your back catalog.
I am visiting for 5 weeks in Oct/Nov and testing out a potential retirement during that stay. The plan is to live like I am retired, with no budgeting just to see how much it would cost me for when I eventually retire.
Well Ramze you got the predicted indignant responses. Yes, as you said, some people are content to live on a $1,000 budget. The assertion though is that most people would not like living on that budget. The harm is when influencers lure people to low cost of living countries with unrealistic expectations. You want to live on $1,000/mo? . . . fine. Do it because you know what you are getting into, not because you heard something online.
@@RamzeTravels For young people it is likely opportunity costs. For low income retirees though it may be a one time unrecoverable disaster. However, generous or meager the safety net is in western countries, you basically have nothing to fall back on overseas.
Many factors to consider. Paid off, rentable, have you lived abroad long enough to know you’ll stay? I have rental property in a few countries and no longer maintain a home property outside of Thailand.
I know for a fact you're overspending. But that is just an opinion as is your views on what life is and should be. $1000 a month is more than enough. I'd probably spend $700-$800. I'm pretty frugal though, doesn't mean I'm cheap. Frugality is being smart about your money. Buying expensive cigars is a luxury for some people, yourself for example. I personally wouldn't smoke the finest cigar on earth for free. Not my cup a tea. A car is unnecessary. A big apartment is as useless as a 6 bedroom house for a couple with no kids. If I have visitors I wouldn't want them to stay over. I would happily get them a nice hotel nearby. I split my time between one of the most expensive places (Miami) and one of the cheapest (Buenos Aires). I go out daily, mixture of public transportation and rideshare. I spend less than $1000 a month on both cities. I barely go out to eat in Miami but live like a king in Buenos Aires. With rent included in Buenos Aires as I own in Miami.
Good vlog. You did a great job of speaking to the real limitations of trying to live on a low budget overseas (and not just in Thailand), without making a blanket (and false) claim that it absolutely cannot be done. The key to making any of these low budgets work is minimalism, ie. doing without (a lot). And, like the man says, it is cute for the short while, but hard, for most folks, to maintain over the long haul (ie. the rest of your life). Impossible? Of course not. But it is something you should work on, while living in your home country (where you have a safety net of job, family, government programs, etc.), before attempting it in a strange & foreign land. If you can live the required minimalist lifestyle, for a decade or two, in your home country - without complaints, regrets, or losing your mind - then you probably can do it in SE Asia, as well - and hit that magical 1,000 USD/mo budget. This is just my worthless opinion, so please feel free to ignore and move on! :)
This post was timely and well recieved! Tbh, im tired of watching expats come here and fall on their face hoping 1k is going to work or be enjoyable on any level. So many sell this dream while having way more/ utilizing youtube to make ends meet. Realistic is double if not 3k, saving when the emergency happens. Thank you for setting a honest answer to this question and ignore to negative comments. The goal is to thrive not survive.
@dominichoward4833 I say the goal is to survive. Of course, life is easier if you have money, that's the same everywhere. But one has to live with what he/she has, we can't all have $3000 per month. Which is better, to have $1000 in the west or in Thailand?
@@joritravels Depends what other rights and access to services you have at home that you would need to pay for abroad. You need a full budget to compare.
@@BebopKoala Yes, i know i have much cheaper health care and medicine in my own country, but then, everything else costs much more than in Thailand. You need to think the balance and what is the important part for you.
Most Really need to understand how most Insurance works. Here most health insurance does Not look at your past history when accepting application. The look back, Pre-existing conditions clause starts when you file a claim. Some insurance Makes you pay first and then submit claim, Wait maybe 15 days, maybe 45 depending on what is in your history. Additionally some insurers try to (deny) a claim based on Anything the hospital provides that may help the Insurance company, even if the Hospital has listed a different opinion on the cause of your issue.
What you describe sounds perfect for the money. I rented a condo with an ocean view and a 5-minute walk to the beach for $220 for a larger studio apartment in Jomtien on the baht bus route on Beach Road to Pattaya 15 minutes away. Loved it.
You can absolutely live on 1100 US D per month. I did it and never suffered or struggled.
Granted, I am a widow, non-drinker, non-smoker so those costs weren't a problem. I also shared a house with another older American woman. Entertainment included movies across the street at the mall (5 bucks a pop), acting in English-speaking plays, participating in painting and ceramics classes, going to the Expats Club monthly meetings, and exploring different areas via train. NOTE: I also kept a $6000 emergency fund and a clear credit card -- just in case. That's a safety net.
lol. Shared housing doesn't count. At this age, most people don't want shared housing unless it's a relationship situation. It just proved that most Westerners can't live on $1000 a month in Thailand.
@@jglee6721 "Shared housing doesn't count. " You never been to Thailand, some house are pretty big. And in London, or New York people with good jobs share shoebox because it's so expensive. I'm in London
@@Kryssthealien I thought we were talking about Thailand. lol
@@jglee6721 For £300 a month I had a huge studio in Bangkok. If 2 people put £500 each, they will have a mansion with swimming pool and they don't even have to see each other. I KNOW you never left your country, I guess you never lived your hood...
This guy doesn't know what he's talking about. I had a hotel in Phuket for $350 a month. I rented a nice motorbike for $75 a month a few months but could walk most places and the occasional motorbike taxi when I didn't rent a motorbike. You can get an occasional bar girl for $50.
I've lived here for 35 years. The biggest cost is alcohol. If you're a boozer, that'll eat up 200 dollars a month easy. And that's if you buy it at the store and drink at home. Out at bars you can double that. If you're not an alcoholic and are pretty frugal with your money. Then 1000 dollars can be done. Most of what is told of costs in Thailand is in Bangkok or the tourist areas. I'm renting a huge 3 bedroom 2 bath large yard 2 story house for 200 dollars in Ratchaburi. About 45 min to 1 hour away from the madhouse in Bangkok. Always have a backup plan and make sure you have good insurance. Hospital cost are cheaper here but for an extended stay from an accident could take the wind out of your sails if you're not covered.
I moved to Thailand. I live in a condo that is a five-minute scooter ride to the beach. It has a huge custom pool, weight room, guard, and concierge and covers parking for $250/month. Health insurance is $115 per month (I'm old). My favorite lunch is a freshly made chicken kabob, very filling $2.50. I can sit at a bar and enjoy the sunset with a beach view and a beer cost $2.50. I can afford a higher lifestyle, but I am using this as my base camp.
Who did you get your insurance through? I'd like to better mine. Also a fan of my local chicken kabob place, 70 baht (90 w/cheese). Filling as heck and maybe my favorite food since moving here. If not for the calories, I would enjoy one every day. More of a 'wrap' than kabob though.
So basically you live on cheap Thai food and live in a coffin and you’re happy. Good for you that doesn’t work for me.
@@sokaiya1that sounds like a YOU problem
@@particleinthewave8378 at the root of it some people just don’t have a lot of money and they try and convince themselves that they can live a above average lifestyle with below average means purely psychological. The reality is a poor and miserable lifestyle that you could not even pay me to live.
@@sokaiya1100% agree not to mention there are plenty of programs that help low income disabled and retired people in the USA.
A friend of mine is paying $200 a month for a nice apartment and received vouchers for much of his furniture in addition of no medical bills.
Granted food is more costly but plenty of hacks to lower those costs not to mention there are plenty of more affordable smaller cities and towns in the USA as well.
Cost of living is always a subjective question, and there is a huge difference living like a tourist versus an "immigrant". The way I've come to think about it is - you will always live a better quality of life per $ spent in Thailand than in the West. Sure you may think the guy on $1,000/month has a meagre lifestyle in Thailand, but if that's all he's got, what would that same guy be living like in the West for $1,000. I came to Thailand to find the simple life, and I've found it in Chiang Mai for around $1k/month (after spending about $25k for a new car and home furnishings), which includes health insurance and domestic holidays. Monthly costs include: house 4.5k baht (2 bedroom, 1 bath, 4 year old 52sqm villa), electricity 1k, water 100baht, food & drinking water 10k (including Western a few times a week and no alcohol), insurance 1k, transport 6k (includes driving holidays, otherwise ), internet & cell phone bundle 650baht, visa 1.9k, etc etc. To be clear, $1k is doable in Thailand if that's your mindset and you're content.
Having the money and CHOOSING to spend less is a choice and you’re right. It’s the ones that are mortgaging their future I worry about.
What do you do during the smoky season? Sounds like you found a nice place for a low rent. I come only for 2+ months and I stay in a serviced apartment with a pool for 18,000 baht plus utilities and cleaning charges.
@@LawrenceStevens01 Smoky season is over hyped. I live inside with air purifiers for a couple of months, avoid going out. I'm content with that for what I get the rest of the year, some with ADHD would tear their hair out. Since my rent is only $130/month, its a low cost option to simply lock up and drive south for a couple of months, do that if I prefer to avoid the smoke altogether.
@@RamzeTravelshi would 8million baht and pension give me comfortable life living in Thailand looking for advice thank you from Scott new Zealand
@@user-f1b1b smokey season is UNREAL TERRIBLE ....be honest and who the hell wants to live in the house for 2.5 months
The question isnt how good life is in Thailand for a $1000 a month. The question is what kind of life you have in your home country for a $1000 (which should be worse than Thailand) and why you are not able to make more money.
Very good question to ask.
If you pay attention to Thai and US interest rates, the Thai baht is about to get very strong. That 1000$ usd isn't going to fair so well in the future.
@@lineage13 Only for the last few years. That wont keep up
You can always make a youtube channel for money and lie to your audience about budgets in thailand? just saying. just ask Ramze
Just because I don't need to spend much money does not mean I do not have money. It works for me because I am a single guy.
Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. Live in your car in the US or a cheap studio in thailand? Your choice!
I think it is wise to have an emergency fund and not live on a check to check basis.
The bare minimum would be enough to cover airfare back home
Exzactly thailand is the best bang for your buck
@@MaryAustin-cx7dmyeah cover airfare back home to live in a car, nope Thailand is better
Lots of comments. I think lots of different people out there with different situations. The $1000 a month thing is for a tourist or semi tourist renting in one of the tourist areas (or Bangkok if you like). That's not everyone or me. I live in a village in the NE of Thailand and I love it, and have lived here for about 15 years, with a 30 year relationship with Thailand. I could live very cheaply as there is no rent, electricity is about 1000 baht a month (with aircon), internet 631 baht a month, water 300 baht. We have our own house with 3 bedrooms, although we tend to eat with my wifes family who are our neighbors, and wonderful people, and food for the week is about 2000 baht as we share the food bill. I have a well maintained old pickup from new that is low mileage and we don't do the big road trips to the south like we used to. Insurance is 500 baht a month, road tax about 3,500 a year.We live a very comfortable life and it isn't the miserable like you talk about. We also have plenty of money but enjoy this simple life with good family.
I never assumed someone in your position lives a miserable life. I actually know it’s probably not. You are not the norm and my message is geared more towards younger guys who should be planning for their future. Cheers
I've lived in Thailand and as a rule of thumb whatever it costs in the West will roughly be a third as much. Not everything but in general. So $1000 USD for example would be equivalent to $3k in the States. Which is quite comfortable for a single man. If on the other hand you want to zip around all over the place and eat out at more upscale places you're going to have to budget for more. As it would be anyplace else in the world.
@@innercynic2784 Yep, there’s a big difference between living in Thailand as opposed to being on some kind of permanent holiday. In my home country a thousand bucks wouldn’t even cover the rent in a share house. And medical, I walked in and saw two specialists today in 45 minutes for about $100 including minor medication. In Australia it would have taken *months* to get appointments and god knows what they would charge.
You're not wrong but consider what life is like if you don't live in some tourist trap/major city with parallel economies. My rent is 8000 baht/month for two 30 sqm buildings about 1 hour outside of Chiang Mai in the mountains and my wives townhouse is free and provided by her company (I go between these two). I eat mostly Thai food but will go to some non-Thai restaurants every so often. I help pay for gas on my wives car but my own motor bike is like $3 USD/week to fill up. Run AC something like 20+ hours/day in the hot/rainy season. Vice like booze and snus are in my budget too and this still comes down to less than $1000/USD month. Seems like rent is major cities is what blows out your budget.
snus?
@@lkabong5529 like nicotine pouches which are popular in Sweden and the countries. I'm an American and noticed some years it started to appear here too There's a Swedish guy in Chiang Mai which imports it.
Snus in Thailand? Asking as a fellow Norwegian addict who is moving next year:)
I agree that these numbers look realistic of typical cost needs in Thailand. However, the awesome part is that there IS the option of $1k/month in Thailand. Many stories of poor retired people in the US who live on meager SSI that would otherwise be homeless have decided to retire in Thailand and the Phillipines to survive. Survive, not to have fun. So it is their lifeline.
Not necessarily true if retired as Medicare and cheap supplemental insurance, low income housing vouchers, access to a range of social services like help paying utility bills, etc.
Especially with health insurance costs and prescription drug prices in USA. From USA the Value of your money is 2.5 x USD
@@BasedInBrazilMost of those housing programs have at least a 2 yr waiting list.
Very good straight forward advice, too bad nobody thinks it's Gonna apply to them and wind up in deep shit and real sorry...chasing the bar girls no thanks...
It’s funny how some people get triggered by other people’s opinions. The comments on this great video have been very entertaining! After almost a year living at Jomtien Beach I have been averaging less than $3K US per month and living a bachelor’s dream, but I grew up poor and do know how to survive on much less. Having options and the ability to downsize if needed is a good thing for peace of mind. Congratulations to Ramze on enjoying a great lifestyle.
Excluding rent (I have my own place), my monthly living expenses is around USD$765 a month - in Singapore. It won't be a 'luxurious' lifestyle, but on $1,000 a month in places like Chiang Mai or Krabi, life should be VERY comfortable.
i currently can afford to live in NYC on $1750. i live extremely cheaply. one could say i live like a thai right now. i grew up poor. i can handle thailand well i think
This guy is right - living on $1,000 a month in Thailand would be miserable even if it's possible.
Beats working tiger
Completely agree with what you're saying. When i was 25 i could of lived in a shoebox apartment and been happy with not working for the rest of my life (if i had the capital).
But as we get older, we usually elevate our experiences and expectations, with that comes a higher cost.
Completely depends on the individual though, but for the majority of people try are going to want a better standard of living.
At first I didnt agree with your video (for the first time lol) but after reading the comments I think I do agree with you. I think you can definitely live in Thailand for 1,000 per month, but without plans and action to increase your potential budget, it is not the best idea. It can be done, but you will definitely be happier with the the peace of mind that comes with the ability to spend more if the need arises.
Just a small sample, a Thai university student lives on $400 a month. A $1000 a month for a Western is too low.
I
Live in Pattaya for less than 1000
USD!
you da man Michael keep on livin
There is a lot of variation in lifestyles, preferences and locations that leads to a very different cost of living, in Thailand, or anywhere (Bangkok vs Chiang Mai for example, huge difference in cost). I think $1000 is quite doable, but these days is about the lowest cost to expect and still have a very nice life. I have been doing this for a few months of the year for many years, in Chiang Mai. Going back for 3 months in October. Thailand costs have definitely been going up recently though, and a better choice now is Vietnam for even less than $1000. In the end, some people may need $1000 to be happy, some $3000. The important thing is to find out what makes YOU happy. What you expect from life. Money, beach, luxurious home, beautiful weather, security, gentle friendly people.
Doesn't Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai have that burning season for about 2 months which is pretty much a nightmare for anyone with respiratory issues unless you can stay somewhere else for the duration which obviously costs💰.
@@BasedInBrazil The burning season is from February to April so most of the year is livable. You'd do yourself a favor going elsewhere during the burning season if you have respiratory issues.
True. However, the recent currency devaluation with the USD does not help. I know it's cyclical, but it makes a significant difference monthly.
@@BasedInBrazil That’s true. I’ve been there many years during that time, without hardly noticing it. But some years are quite bad. I now try to avoid Feb and March.
@USA2Brazi Yes, you don't live there for 3 months a year. You go down to Pattaya or Phuket to live then.
Yep you can live modestly in Thailand on 1k a month if you already own your own home in Thailand outright with no mortgage or condo maintenance fees to pay.
If you're having to rent on that budget, you're not going to be comfortable in Bangkok, you can get away with it if you live in rural Isaan, but that's probably not the life you imagined when thinking about living in Thailand.
I spent a few months in Bangkok and Pattaya last fall, and thought a lot about how it was a little more expensive than I thought it would be. Still could live way cheaper than is possible in the US, wasn't trying to pinch pennies, and had great quality of life. When I return there in the spring I'm planning to do better tracking what I spend, and see if I can keep monthly expenses in the ballpark of $1200-1500. We'll see how it goes! Good topic. Everyone has a different idea for how they would like to live overseas, and what they're willing to have or give up. It's best to have the experience for a few months, and see what works for you
The longer one is here, the more real life expenses creep in. Insurance, dentist, visas, home items, clothing, dating, family visits, etc.
I think your analysis is pretty spot on, with one exception. Getting married and moving to the country is within everyone's grasp if they want it. There are plenty of Thai women who will be happy to live that life with you. You'll have to learn Thai to meet them, but they're everywhere. The question is whether you will be happy to live that life. I think many Western men will not. We're the barrier, not them.
Depends on what you perceive as living a good life. Non drinking, cooking nutritious meals at home/ walking/swimming/gym/yoga etc are not going to cost you much. Finding a group of like minded friends might be hard in Pattaya though.
Someone living for $1000 is going to struggle in the west. It would be much easier in Thailand as long as you aren't in a tourist area or going out drinking a lot. 5000b a month wirent an adequate room leaving around 1000b a day. Insurance is the real issue, as is meeting the minimum requirements for a visa. I could do it easily and did it during covid.
I bet it was dull though.
@@somchais2100 Well, yes.. Bangkok during curfew and lockdown with no tourists was an unusual experience. But certainly cheap.
@@tw25rwDid Pattaya lock down like Bangkok or not?
@@BO-mb8rr I didn't go, but I know all the entertainment was closed.
I have been living on 1500 a month in the US on my main check because 2000 a month is the alimony. Despite losing 40 percent of my pension and 105,000 of my nest egg to the divorce, I have worked extra jobs and done side gigs so I go to Thailand twice a year now. My job gives me summers and a month also for winter off. I save 10 percent of my gross income.
1000$ a month in Thailand is possible but most Americans are spoiled and don't want to look for deals. In Thailand you must cook at home unless you want street food Thai every day. The fried things there and fat on pork is not good for you.
A single person will need 1500$ to 2500$ assuming no vices. No more than 1 night a week going out to eat/drink and spending 1000 baht.
You can use cheaper local transport but eventually you will grow tired of it and need to get a scooter. Accidents are rife.
My goal is to move to Thailand, live on 3000 a month and save 500 a month and use the equivalent of 500 a month to travel.
I am good at making money, well educated so for the first 3 years of early retirement, I am sure I can make at least 700$ a month online teaching also.
What is my point? Ramze is correct, have a plan. Don't use Thailand when you are young to escape life and then return at 50. If you are in your 60s, you'll probably have to return to your home country towards the end of your life or when you pass 75. Make sure you are ready.
Thailand is not the place for you, if you haven't prepared for it or go into it not being sober and with a long term plan, like ten years if you are older. Because when the time ends there, you have to ask. "And then"?
Living means being alive, breathing, and surviving. Everything else in between is mostly nobody else's business!
If this is not the case, then the title of this video should have been something else ☺!
For me, the most important cost when settling in a country like Thailand is health insurance. Since you’ll likely be without close family there, it’s crucial to protect yourself against unforeseen health issues.
Apart from that, living costs in Thailand can be very affordable. You can find rent for under $200, and food is inexpensive.
When it comes to comfort, what’s considered acceptable or not is entirely up to each individual. In 2024, with so much information available, everyone can make the best decisions for their own life and living situation.
So, in my opinion… Yes, you can definitely live in Thailand for well under $1,000 😄
I have retired to Philippines this past year and I do agree with this guy ? Do NOT go
Without health insurance unless you have deep pockets plus you WILL have lots of miscellaneous unexpected expenses!! Do not come to any country without a good savings because other countries won’t take care of you !
Basically it is gambling of some sort:
- If nothing big happens and no serious health issues occur then the guy is good, boasting how splendid is his life in Thailand.
- If some serious illness happens and his health insurance does not cover it "because it is a preexisting condition" then the guy is in a big trouble 🤒. And even if they cover him this one time they can refuse renewing his insurance next year because he has become too risky to insure...
It's a bitter pill to swallow from Uncle Ramze, but you should listen to him. He's the man of reason. A friend of mine lived in Thailand for about 6 years on about $1,200 per month, but once he got sick a few times, his money couldn't cover the medical expenses. He had no health insurance and the Thai government seized his passport because he owed money to the hospital so he couldn't travel back to United States for treatment. He died in Thailand.
Thats terrible
If he couldn't pay Thai medical bill, he definitely couldn't afford the US medical bill.
he would have been buried in 10 times as much debt getting treatment in the US, not sure how getting back to US would have saved him
@@majermike not if he's on Medicare
@@majermike LOL medicare and plan B .....is actually good
Thank you for your thoughtful and detailed comment-it's refreshing to see such a candid perspective on life in Pattaya (in my case) / Thailand.
You're absolutely right: the often-repeated myth that one can live a "luxury" lifestyle on just $1000 per month is both unrealistic and potentially harmful for newcomers. It's far too easy for people to be misled into thinking they can live comfortably without the financial cushion required for quality living, proper health insurance, and the occasional indulgence.
The Real Costs of Living in Pattaya / Thailand
I agree with your estimation of €3000-€3500 per month to live comfortably in Pattaya, especially if you're looking for a high-quality apartment, dining out frequently, and engaging in enjoyable day trips. Even the most basic, well-maintained apartments in desirable areas will set you back €400-€600 per month, and that's before factoring in the cost of living essentials like healthcare, transport, and entertainment.
The danger of portraying a "luxury on a shoestring" lifestyle is that it sets people up for disappointment and financial strain. The reality is that maintaining a comfortable lifestyle in Pattaya requires realistic budgeting-and as you rightly pointed out, €3000 per month is a far more achievable target for a fulfilling experience.
The Risks of Underestimating Costs
You raise an important point about the dangers of underestimating living costs. Many newcomers arrive in Pattaya expecting a carefree life on a tight budget, only to realise they can't afford the basics, like health insurance or socialising. This can lead to difficult decisions-either downgrade your lifestyle or face unexpected financial strain. For those without a significant financial cushion, this can quickly sour the experience of living abroad.
Frugality: Not for Everyone
Frugality works for some, but as you mention, it's not for everyone. Minimalist living takes discipline and commitment, and many people will find it unsustainable long-term. Having a realistic budget is essential, not just for everyday living, but for those unforeseen expenses that will inevitably arise.
Practical Tips for Those on a Smaller Budget
Now, for those on a more modest budget (say, around €1500 per month), the key is to supplement income. As you've rightly suggested, teaching English part-time (around 20 hours per week) at a language school can provide a helpful additional €300-€500 per month. This is perfectly legal, with the schools handling the paperwork-just make sure to arrange this before departure, not after arriving.
For those willing to get creative, starting a travel blog or UA-cam channel could provide an additional €100 or so, though I'd advise against relying on this as your main source of income. These side earnings should be seen as a supplement, bridging the gap between bare-bones living and a more comfortable lifestyle.
For Retirees on a Fixed Budget
For retirees living on a modest pension, working part-time or remotely for a few months to top up your income could be a viable option. Working in a well-paid job for 6-8 months, then using those savings to complement your pension while enjoying a 3-4 month stay in Thailand could provide a perfect balance. This allows you to avoid living on a tight budget year-round while still enjoying a fulfilling, active lifestyle in Pattaya.
Conclusion: Be Realistic and Plan Ahead
At the end of the day, being realistic about your budget is essential for a positive experience. Living in Pattaya can certainly be affordable, but if you're aiming for comfort, convenience, and a healthy lifestyle, €3000-€3500 per month is a much more realistic target than the often-quoted figure of $1000.
For those with a smaller budget, there are options to supplement income, whether through teaching English or finding part-time work in your field. But whatever route you take, planning ahead is key. As you said, there’s always a solution-but it requires the right balance of expectations and preparation.
Thank you again for your insightful perspective. I’m sure your advice will be invaluable to anyone considering moving to Pattaya. Best of luck, and I look forward to hearing more from you soon!
Very well done!
You need around $3,000 per month for a decent life. That means for an early retiree, they would need 1.2M invested in the market. Each year they could withdraw 36K per year adjusted for inflation.
YES
I agree US$1000 is existing but in the USA or europe it would be struggling. I'd rather be existing in Thailand rather then struggling in the west..... In Thailand I can have an attractive Horizontal aerobics instructress from thaifriendly once or twice per month No way would I be able to afford one of those in my home country
We live in bangkok(not in the tourist area) with my thai wife and I would say $3k is the minimum. More realistic is 4-5k. I came to Thailand to enjoy to have thai wife with thai culture, but not living the thai standard and not being alone living like a hermit on a budget.
Fair number.
I totally agree even with your comments about dreaming it up. In Germany a bare minumum for a decent lifestyle is something in the range of 2500€ a month (or more). I visit Thailand since 40 years and I know my way around. This 2500€ per month gets me a very cosy and comfortable time here as a farang during my usual 2-3 month stay. I believe you can live a modest life starting 1500€ per month and enjoy yourself. But you should have a nest egg to get you through emergencies.
I have spent and lived in a number of S.E. Asian countries, including Thailand. Thank you for your your honesty. I think this is the first, direct vlog addressing this myth (while other vloggers are using low numbers to increase clicks. In the end, this video will be of help to many, and may prevent some from making terrible mistakes.
Single guy here✋🏽. 43 y/o. Clean health besides hbp once in a while(gotta get off those energy drinks🤦🏽♂) . Where I stay in South Central Florida in a small town my monthly expenses for the past 2 years is around $1300-1500. My rent is $850-$950(current year it went up) for 1br. I had to relocate from the East Coast of Florida where rent was $1400 (now around $1600) for a 1br. No car. I use Lyft and Turo if needed and I barely spend more than $25-30 per month. I stay at home mainly. Don't club. Don't drink. I do 420 which is included in my monthly expenses. I don't shop unless its Amazon. I know for a fact that I can budget and live off of HALF of my monthly exp in Thailand and be very comfortable and i'm frugal.
Everyone's lifestyle is different which means that being able to live well below 1k a month in Thailand is very realistic!
No doubt you can live on $1,000/mo in Thailand.
Really depends on what you think is living and what some might call surviving. It’s your life though, that’s what matters.
You can survive for sure. Live is opinion.
What are you going to do for money since you're 43? You're not retired unless you are retired military or on disability.
@@stand.6008 investments with and without passive income. I plan for years ahead rather than month to month. I wont move to Thailand until I can cover 2-3 years expenses easily.
Sorry one more comment. "Sabotaging future you" is very real thing and should be pointed out more. Thailand lets you live cheap and cheat life in ways you wouldn't be able to do otherwise. If you do this long enough you can ruin your life and do retirement in reverse, i.e. move back home at 50 broke with no job prospects and living out of your car.
This!!! Bingo
Why retire with money, makes no sense. Spend and live now while your young. Work when you're old and don't have the energy to do anything fun.
You're all stuck with capitalist mindset. Which anyone in their deathbed would agree, even Steve Jobs said so.
8:10 timestamp
Exactly, planning is key and absolute! Desperate People on UA-cam want instant gratification without the work. They see fake UA-camrs make fake videos just for clicks and views and the average person will fall for it and want it now! We are planning, building our dividend investments, building our wealth and income from stocks, etfs and options trading and then moving. This has been on of the best UA-cam realism video I’ve seen in a long time. Refreshing.
Not entirely true, it's 2024 lots of business opportunities while living abroad.
i don't understand, isn't SEA supposed to be cheap? for 1000€ i can live in germany as a single guy.
rent 350€, 150€ utilities, 50€ internet, 200€ food, 100€ insurances, that's 850€. still have 150€ for going out or eating out. and with my 1500€ salary i still save 500€ a month for vacations and savings account.
how do you all spend so much money in the cheapest region in the world.
$1000 usd is 900 euros. your math is off
@@Black-Circle still a long way of the budgets i hear go around. if you think 100 bucks makes that much difference.
mi point was just that i don't understand how people can't live with "900" dollars in the cheapest countries of the world if you can live with that money in most of the industrialized and "rich" countries of the world excluding maybe some expensive capital cities and the north of north America.
@@shadowkreep9434 thats because these people are living in the over inflated and overpriced tourist areas that are being pushed up by Russians and ukrainians living there. You might just live in a normal town in germany. And yes 120 bucks usd makes a difference.
@@shadowkreep9434 whoever told you thailand was dirt cheap is lying to you. Maybe Cambodia or Vietnam you can live like a king on 900 euros but not in thailand. Its come along way
@@Black-Circle shame. personally im thinking of colombia but i like to stay informed and it amazes me that these supposedly cheap countries end up being more expensive than Europe. guess the gap between rich and poor countries is closing faster than i thought.
To be fair your doing ok food wise if you are spending $300 -$400. But the rest is pretty spot on, especially in the cities.
Most of the time I say $1500 is the minimum, and above $2000 your living pretty comfortably.
But if you want to travel, do what you want to do and futureproof a bit, then a $3000 budget is pretty healthy.
This is a very fair and accurate estimate haha. Hopefully this comment gets "pinned"!
Yep. What kind of saving/investment are you going to be doing on such a tight and precarious budget? It might be a fun "you live and learn" experience for the very young travellers out there, but the idea that a middle-class 40+ Westerner is going to be happy living like a working-class Thai for any prolonged period of time is most likely incorrect.
You have got a typical US mentality of overspending.
Firstly nobody spends US dollars in Thailand.
Many people live in perfectly fine condos costing 8k to 10k baht a month, Reds posts videos daily of relatively good quality rooms that don't cost that much even on short-term leases.
It is very easy to eat for much less than 300 baht a day when you don't waste money eating in foreign overpriced restaurants.
You can get good freshly cooked Thai meals for between 40 to 70 baht in shopping centres
Most people don't drink everyday and they don't drink cocktails.
No need for a motorbike, you can walk, use a baht bus or bolt.
No need to have air-conditioning on full blast when a fan is sufficient most of the time.
Miscellaneous costs can add up.
Health insurance is extortionate in Thailand, visas cost also.
You should look at how vloggers like Welshwyn live happily on a low budget.
Personally I wouldn't like to live on a 35k baht a month budget in Pattaya but many people happily do and they have a much happier life than what they would have on the same money in their home country.
Personally I think 50k baht will give you an acceptable lifestyle and there is no need to spend more than 70k baht a month as a retiree.
I am including regular massages and company in the 50k figure
Your numbers are pretty good but ignore health and dental costs which for a person over 55 years old probably adds 20 k to 25 k of expense for reserves for emergencies under those categories. So 75 - 100 k baht is more realistic depending on party lifestyle habits or Thai partner expenses. Below that number is survival. Within the range i presented is living, and anything above is living large. We all have freedom of choice. Trying to live on the USD equivalent of 50k baht would be extremely difficult in any urban environment in the USA. $1500 per month (50k baht) would be a most meager existence in the USA.
Is it still “overspending “ if I live well below my means? If it makes me and all the people I employ and take care of happy? 😉
We keep mixing "enough for living" and "would like to have for entertainment".
While $1000 should be enough to live outside of the tourist areas, a lot of people come to Thailand to have entertainment.
Why bother coming to another country where you are officially is a person of the second sort (double pricing, humiliating visa practises etc) if not for getting something you cannot have in your home country?
So, if we are being realistic, we shall include a substantial "entertainment" money into our budget.
And then we are not talking about $1000/month budget anymore 😉
This is the first video I have watched of yours and you are spot on. There is a big difference between holiday and living in Thailand
Thank you for the honesty! I wasn’t a subscriber before but because of this honesty I might be, frankly getting sick of the 20 yo just left mum and dads house, thinking I’ll go to Thailand or anywhere in SE Asia and be a UA-cam star LOL how many videos on here saying the same things, showing the same things, lying and not showing the truth? Hundreds of try hard UA-camrs saying the same things “what you didn’t know” “The truth about” blah, blah and when you do watch the clip it’s the same old rubbish! I’ve been around and know bull$&*t easily…thanks for the refreshing thirty and honesty.
I agree a 1000! Pound Will get you an ok life in udon thani its cheap to live there 5000 baht gets you a nice size room with fridge and aircon per month about another 1000 baht for electric, the beer is 100 baht for a large chang and 70 baht small bottle, food for a restaurant chicken panang and rice 140 baht street food chicken noodle 50 baht, girls 2000 baht long time and bar fines 300 baht can you live on a 1000 pound in udon you decide
I think you are being too nice!
I live in Colombia and the same issues apply here as there. In my case, I have a lifetime pension (plus savings and investments) that is a lot more than I need. Money is not the reason I moved here. I am fluent in Spanish and I have lived in different parts of not only this country but two others for over 10 years. I am rare compared to most guys I have met over the years. The hard reality for an overwhelming majority of guys who move to a foreign country is they face some huge odds of making it. Many have mismanaged their lives back in their home country and are looking for a bailout that probably won’t happen. If a guy has $1500/month to live on he will live ok, but not nearly what he envisioned. $1000/month is foolish! In at least 50% of those who do actually move, maybe they last two years and they either return home or go somewhere else.
Many live their under $1000 and it’s not foolish because you don’t have restraints as they have
so what is the realistic cost in your opinion
Varies by your age. $2000 min. More if you’re young since you’re supposed to be saving for retirement.
My 6-person family lives well in Chiangmai on my 1, 800. pension. House, air 6 cell phones, 2 refrigerators one deep freeze, cars motorcycles ...
Sorry but if you include refrigerators into your luxuries, you are not really living life as many people would prefer to do. It's good for you, and that is great, but I live in Bangkok and if you want to have a good life with many options, 2500 USD is minimum.
Most of that makes some sort of sense, what would be more useful is to say what budget(s) is minimum to provide for an elevated lifestyle. How much do you live on per month? I'm retired could I get by on (current exchange rate) 150,000bht a month?
You most certainly can as I’ve made other full videos on different budgets. Check them out. I have 3 I can think of off the top of my head. One was for $1500 a month and the other two show $3000 and $5000 a month.
5000 bht per day allows to live comfortably and indulge in naughty activities once in 2-3 days.
It depends on each individual's personal lifestyle. It is not one size fits all
Love your approach - and honest, frank sizing up of reality. Sure there will be exceptions, but you are giving good advice. Keep up the good work.
Thank you 🙏
I am in south east asia last 5 years , stayed thailand many many times and your calculation is very accurate, living and surviving is different thing especially a place like thailand full of things to do, cheap but still you can't do those things with 1k $ after paid all your bills and food. $1k is very very tight budget.
Hi Ramze great video ! Since it looks like you have a good hand on costs, would you know how much to budget for daycare and international schools ?
No clue on daycare since I don’t have a child here. The good international schools run around $2000 USD a month.
I lived in pattaya for 15 years . No way can you live on one thousand dollars a month. One example you have a night out with a girl go clubbing drinks alone will probably cost a thousand bart. Plus the girl then maybe take the girl out for breakfast. Probably that night alone will cost between 3 to 5 thousand bart.
There are very valid points made in this video. What it comes down to is an individual’s lifestyle and needs.
When I lived in Bangkok for three years up until recently my income was 4500 usd per month . This was after Medicare and my private secondary insurance was paid for. The secondary insurance was carried over from the job I had before retirement. That secondary insurance covers me unlimited domestically and internationally. Of course I couldn’t use Medicare but still had to pay for it.
Personally I could not live like a Thai person. Their lifestyle is much different. Unless they have a well paying job of course. .
While living in Bangkok I spoke with other expats in person and on a forum. Many came to Thailand because they disliked their home country. And blamed their problems on their home country. Because they
couldn’t make it in their country. Then in Thailand they complain about how Thailand is taking advantage of them.
But as I said. Everyone can survive differently on different incomes. We all have different lifestyles and goals.
I've been living overseas for 4yrs now and get asked all the time about how much does it costs. The ideal that you can live on a $1000 per month is ridiculous. Sure, you can do it, but you're not going to like it. Many people in the States live on a 1000 per month, but none of them like it.
Many do it living in tents or in doorways
Sooner live here on £1000 per month than in the uk 🇬🇧 😅
I begin my Thailand relocation tour next month. 6 weeks.
I currently live outside Cancun, Mexico. 2km from Caribbean. $1000 in the old days was beach bum style.
Me: No car, resident visa, I taxi or bus, eat great, scuba and enjoy. 2 bedroom town home and spoiled dog. $2200usd. You need 3000usd to qualify for residency. I think base camp is moving to Thailand.
This is very realistic for the vast majority of people. Most of the true $1000/month budget people are doing that because: 1) they TRULY experience fulfillment at that income level (like .001%)
2) they have an outlier situation that won’t apply to most
3) they are stuck and don’t have a plan B
4) living here is a means to an end
What gels this video for me is the “ future you “ part. $1000/mo is simply not sustainable for the vast majority of people and definitely not healthy unless 1) or 2) applies.
I think the low budget strategy is great for a specific time frame with cash reserves already saved or a job in Thailand.
I also don’t think this video is discouraging but informative to those looking, and comes from a place of wisdom and empathy.
I’m hoping for the best for anyone coming to Thailand and I appreciate great content like this! 🙏🏾 Subbed 💪🏾
Thank you and especially for understanding that it was meant to help the younger generation and not to disparage people.
Excellent video. I quit my job at 54, sold everything in Texas and moved to Phuket with a monthly budget of $3,000 per month. I ended up buying a condo and I reduced my budget to $2,000 per month. Fast forward.......
Now building a house with a pool in NE Thailand and have a new truck on finance (only 3 years to go).
New budget is $2,400 per month.
I pretty much eat and do whatever I feel like doing.
To live up here out in the countryside as a single person would be very challenging if you don't speak Thai. I think that you could do it on about $1,400 per month.
But, again, as a single person.
Smart and well planned out! You earned it buddy.
I thought foreigners weren't allowed to build or buy house in Thailand? unless married to a Thai person, Is this a myth?
Here’s something else to consider. If you choose to live in a “shoe box”, be prepared to deal with plenty of cockroaches. Older, multi unit buildings are absolutely notorious for bug problems that can never be eradicated. Spray & lay traps all you want, they will always return due to shear numbers. Any credible Entomologist will tell you that. I for one am very happy I will never have to live like that. Bottom line; like you’ve pointed out previously, living on a shoe string budget of 1k is merely surviving, not real living.
I think the real lesson here is always be improving. 1000 usd shouldn't be the end point, its just the beginning
Wise words.
I bought my own condo View Talay Jomtien 9 years ago so no rent,but I still spend around 70,000B a month that gives me a very nice life here , eat at nice restaurants,go to Dongtan beach often get a bed under umbrella,play pool on evening,sometimes get overnight sleeper train to ChiengMai, really enjoy it here but I could no way live on 1000 dollars,thanks for good video.
He's correct. I spend $2000-3000/mo in Pattaya easily. Why? You have to live. You need to travel, shop and take care of your GF. Can't do that on less than $1000/mo.
Only a former bar girl as a gf would run a couple's reasonable expenses up towards $3k/month in Pattaya. $100 a day to 'have to live'? Sounds to me like you don't know where your money is being spent. Create a budget and use it.
$3,000 USD a month. That's all. Not bad. I have lived below my means for years and saved and invested and now I can easily afford $5,000 USD a month for life from dividends. But I still budget $2,000 USD a month.
@@louis20122 $2000 is doable. I personally like to travel in Thailand, Vietnam and other places. I feel living in a condo for long periods is like living in a jail. So I have to get out and see things.
@@louis20122What dividends are you invested in?
Agree that $1000 wont work for ME....but perhaps it will for someone else....but i dont think you will be comfortable. In Bangkok, for me USD$2k-2500 sounds about right. In Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Phuket, Koh Samui etc, $1.5k-2000 should be fine for ME. Im a bit of a planner and list person, i feel like when i look at rentals (that i like) in the above areas and factor everything else in (high and low amounts), the numbers should be in this range. I will be moving to Thailand later this year, most likely Chiang Mai to start.
My advice is to plan well. I started thinking about this move almost 20 years ago. I made investments (rental property, dividend stocks and etfs) years ago to gradually replace my income, which it recently has and will do so for the rest of my life. This video is correct. Don't run from your problems in the US and into more problems in another country. Saving and planning mean you control the situation rather than the situation controlling you.
Back during the vietnam war. I had a bungalow not far from pattaya for 35 usd a month. It had a squat toilet. And a bowl shower. With a straw mat bed. Fried rice was 35 cents😊and one night girl was 5 usd my military salary was about 500 usd a month an Oz pf old was 43 usd.
$5 for a long time nightly girl. :0
Sighs...they stole so much from us. ;)
You have lived a life bro!!
OK Men ...He's 100% correct ! If you don't have at least 2 grand USD clear per month and preferably 3 grand, AND 100 grand for a rainy day DO NOT stop working in the West and move to Thailand or anywhere in SE Asia. You might have to work until 67 in the West but at least you will build your SS and also be able to invest at least a little...maxing out in the ROTH IRA etc. The difference between taking your SS at 62 and continuing to work until 65-67 and then taking your SS could be as much as a grand a month !
.Try to live cheap in the West and work and say lean fit and healthy and do as I say so when you HAVE TO RETIRE you will have a better life in Thailand or some other cheaper place in the world like Portugal, Colombia , Philippines etc etc.
Ideally once you have checked out Thailand for at least a year and REALLY like it you should BUY a condo and not rent. You can get a very large high end condo in Hua Hin for 140,000 USD. A condo like that would be 800 grand anywhere i California and at least 600 grand in bum F Oklahoma lol. Buy it in cash and WILL it to your kids. That will give you a VERY nice place to live and save you about $550 USD a month. A decent Thai house is about 550 USD in Hua Hin and Hua Hin is the cheapest decent sized city in Thailand.
It’s important to consider exchange rate if you are bringing in funds from abroad. Currently in financial markets there is a view (not consensus) that the US$ may weaken further against Asian currencies. From 37 in June we’re down to 34. No one knows but it’s a possibility that needs to be factored into the calculation.
Underrated comment. And it's now down further to 32.7!
You are right. The lost time building a financial base for retirement will have serious consequences for young people in their future.
Other advice, Save, continue to live below your total income, ideally by at least 25%. This can help if Inflation, Rent Increases, Airline Tickets increase, require Healthcare or maybe an emergency back home and need to buy Expensive last minute ticket.
Agreed. I’ve lived below my means my entire life. It’s how I retired early.
About time someone was realistic.... some youtubers put up some real BS.. My lose budget is 1000 baht's a day.. that does not include accommodation or health insurance... I only live in Thailand 6 months of the year in Khon Kaen..
This is what I do... I bought 2 condo units , cost just over 1.3 million baht's each...1 is rented out full time the other I live in while in Thailand, the rented one pretty much pays for my power/internet/water while I am in Thailand and yearly tax on both.
Health insurance is starting to become an issue... as I get older the cost keeps going up as I am only there 6 months I use travel insurance... technically I am on a long holiday.. transportation wise I bought a used Yamaha X Max 300 scooter which was around 155,000 baht's.. I do have a Thai missus both condos and scooters are in her name.. Entertainment wise tripping around all over Thailand and southeast Asia on the scooter..
That's a basic overview of how I go about it...
Get OUT of the tourist traps... Then living becomes a lot cheaper...
I am guessing you live the other 6 months in Australia or UK
I wonder why both condos and scooters are in her name...
Is there some limitation on owning a condo or a scooter for foreigners?
@@SvirepiyBambr-xw8rw LOL.... I am older than her... so when I do part this world.... No will is needed everything is already hers..
The best expats channel out there. Hands down!
For Retirement Visa Qualifications using money in bank that is (800,000 baht) $23,530 USD at 34 baht exchange rate sitting, earning almost nothing for 5 months, then about (400,000 baht) $11, 750 staying untouched for other 7 months of year. Generally Thai Banks pay very little interest rate
Low income individuals seldom have the 800,000 baht deposit requirement so they will generally avail themselves of a visa agent. A small part of any budget has to include visa agent fees.
Even worse financial decision but you are very correct.
You currently need $3,000 US dollars per month to live comfortably and enjoy yourself
I wholeheartedly agree.
@@RamzeTravels 3000 USD MINIMUM and you better have at least 100 grand in nest egg. .....best to not rent but own a condo outright cause you can get a BIG high end condo on the golf course in Hua Hin (120 square meters )for 140,000 USD. Then WILL it to your kids ...a decent rental in Hua Hin for long term is at least $550 USD....that's a basic Thai house and nothing fancy
$1000 in Thailand is pretty much the life he described . Imagine seeing everyone around you having the time of their life and you’re just an observer .
However if your retired and trying to live in the USA on $1000 social security I do think you would improve your life standard In Thailand, Philippines, and Vietnam etc . However $10,000+ safety net would be advisable after your relocation cost . Some kind of return plan if things get bad for you mental or physical health wise . I did spend 6 months in the Philippines between $1000-$1500 . Thailand is a bit more expensive so I think with $2000 you can do well.
Very well thought out and intelligent response
$1000 a month or the streets. Many sensible people would take the 1000 a month
I agree, it’s no fun living on a tight budget in Thailand.
$2500~$3000 is more realistic, and you still have to watch the pennys!
You need $2,500-$3,000/month USD minimum income for a single guy to live anywhere in Thailand and $25K-$50K USD in savings before thinking about moving long term to T-Land.
You don't move to Thailand or any other country to have your lifestyle go sideways or even down. You only move so your lifestyle goes UP!
Exactly!
No you don’t many of us live a lot less and cool with it
Wrong. Not everybody can 'live' on $1000 a month but can some? Unquestionably. In fact I live comfortably and happily on a lot less than that - I can literally do all the things I enjoy and want to do on 20,000 Baht a month. The problem with a lot of these videos is that the UA-camr is applying what they think a lifestyle is to everything, when the truth is everyone is different, everyone has their own wants, needs and personalities. There are many for example that feel if they aren't having a Starbucks three times a day, eating in expensive restaurants and going out drinking regularly then they are not 'living,' whatever that means. If that's you, great you do you, but don't look down on others who don't need to do that. As hard as it may be for some to believe, living on $1000 a month would be an extravagance for me...I'm not even sure what I would spend the money on. I'm frugal by nature, not into materialistic things baring the things I need and all the things I enjoy doing are either free or cheap. I live in a big room with all the things I need, it has internet on every floor, plus a modem in the room and my rent with utilities is always under 8K, I love Thai food and I'm into health and fitness not drinking - does that mean I can't eat western food or have a drink once in a while? No I still do that! You can imagine I'm some deprived vagrant all you want...I'm loving life and banking £1000 a month here!
I like your comment, makes sense. Why does a person need a pool when they live next to a beach for god's sakes . There's idiots out there that smokes and have to drink every day and can't keep their thing in their pants, So they spend money on a so called girlfriend that they think loves them, So they assume that's what life is all about.
He literally said that some people, like you, live on this budget and are happy. What he also said is that most people wouldn’t want to do that.
@@martypoll want doesn't come into it and I'm not on a budget, the cost of my lifestyle just happens to be around the 20K baht mark. I do acknowledge that I'm an outlier, but the point I was trying to make is that you can't judge it going off your own idea of what living is.
@@whoknows2054 at the end of the day whether you spend $1000 or under or $3000 or over, the main question is "are you happy?"
Why do we need anything then? Do what makes you happy and don’t worry about some random UA-camr giving you advice 🤣
$1000 per month, and you're living like a hermit. No traveling, no doctors, no medicines, no toothache, no night life, no going to dinner with friends, damn sure ain't getting no loving. No latest iPhone, no return trips home, nothing stolen or lost.
1000 dollars a month? Good luck
I live on less than 1000/month as a _baseline_ and do all the things I want BUT this doesn't include big ticket items like plane trips, medical etc... When averaged out over the year it's going to be higher than that obviously but that depends year to year.
@@HairyPixelsNo medical? Good luck with that.
Yup. 100% correct. I live here in Phuket. I know. Been here 8 years.
Incorrect.
@@hammertyme8392 assuming that's all you have, not just what you budget to live on. If it is all you have, that's your reality wherever you are, so it might as well be somewhere good, like Thailand.
Solid video. It really comes down to what you want during a certain stage of life. People need to evaluate their lifestyles whether they live in their home country or overseas. The reality is as we age, we don't need or want they same things we did in our 20s. If I could cash in the clothes I bought in my 20s, I'd be rich. I certainly don't buy as much or as often now. Thank you for adding the health insurance, which is a big one. It's expensive, especially if you want coverage during your trips home.
Yea I get it 1000 a mounth you need some decipline you can go cheaper in the rent outside of bangkok and phuket I pay 200$ for a great place in hua hin. I am 45 health insurance is 65$ a mounth I dont drink have a wonderful thai girlfriend who works good for me lol. I live a good life for around 1300$ a mounth in hua hin. Good vudeo i agree with a lot of that thailand is up to you if you want to live a good life or be a miserable looser it's up to you. Thailand is only going to be a reset button if you have the decipline and work ethic to be happy. Good video though good points
You can exist on $1000 usd a month in Thailand but you won’t be enjoying it much.
Then when an emergency comes you will be totally screwed. $2000 is the realistic number from my personal experience but you have to stay away from the bar scene.
If you are living on $1,000 a month (instead of $2,000), when that so-called 'emergency' comes, wouldn't you have more money to pay for it?
Math. It works wonders...
Well don't waste your youth and end up back in US at age 60 living in your car.
There is one cost that was excluded that people need to think about. Immigration. If you have only a USD 1000 payment coming in per month, that's not going to keep you with a visa. I'm not going to do a run down of all the options, but none of them are for free. You need to research your options yourself, but here are some hints. You may need to have a 800 kBaht bank balance at the year end to qualify for your long stay visa. Sure, there are companies that arrange for the cash to go in and out of your account so you can "prove" it when you apply, but that is not free. If you stay on a short term visa you need to do visa runs across the border regularly. And for the love of Buddha, don't overstay. DON'T OVERSTAY!
So how much is the perfect budget?
The perfect budget is the one which reasonably minimizes your risk and affords you a comfortable life. It’s the minimizing risk that people tend to neglect. No insurance. No savings. Not the proper visa. No emergency funds. No reliable income stream. No backup plan if things don’t work out.
After that there is no upper limit. The lower cost of living benefits expats at any income level.
This ☝️ Living within your means without putting your future at risk.
I figured it would cost me $2500 CAD per month to live there (2000 USD) , or about the same as my current spend per month here in Canada. (I own my own house). That's including rent at 15 k baht , 500 baht/d food, $300 /m health insurance ( mid 60's, no pre existing conds) as the major expenses.
Of course, I could rent out my house , with $1500 net income after expenses to offset living expenses. So my net expenses would drop to $1000 CAD !!
So the question is, should I do it ??
I live in northern bkk. 25 mins from centre on bts. 50 sqm 10,000b pmth , don’t really drink , have health insurance , eat well, travel internally , managing well on 40,000b pm 🙏 have lump
Sum in uk 🇬🇧
financially im set, however leaving Canada 100% scares the shit out of me, i was thinking leaving 8 months at a time and go back. Do you have to commit 100% for this to work
I know many an expat that split time 50/50. Nothing wrong with that even in the long term. If you can afford it, why not have the best of both?
On such a low budget you'll only be spectating as opposed to partaking in all thailand has to offer !!
Rough breakdown
Living costs 25000 bt
Entertainment 25000bt
Girls 25000 bt
Everyone’s situation and needs are different. With my lifestyle and family obligations, I wouldn’t be able to live here for $1,000 per month.
Just living expenses for my wife and I per month (includes nursing home expenses for my father), utilities, petrol, food, WiFi, Clothes, amenities, furnishings & other stuff = THB 75,000 per month ($2,200)
House, car & motorcycle are paid in full, so we have no rent/lease cost in anything.
That sounds closer to realistic at least.
My question “Ramze Travels” is what is your budget and what do you think should be the minimum monthly budget?
I’ve made videos about my budget in the last month. I think min is very dependent on age. Young guys need to be planning and saving for their future and not just “getting by”. Older people can live on less as long as they have enough for emergencies. I would not dream of moving half way around the world with a penny less than $2K. Me personally, with a wife, dogs and family that relies on me needs way more
Thank.
I couldn't possibly disagree with you considering you live in Thailand and I live in Georgia in the US. I could live like a drug lord in Thailand off of my current income. I'm 100% disabled through the VA. and I'm a Travel Nurse by profession. I could live an extremely comfortable life in Thailand off of just my VA. Disability check alone. I would love to float back and forth between Thailand, Viet Nam, and the Philippines. However, my wife is a different story altogether. I use to train Muay Thai, I would love to first hand see the difference between what I was taught vs. how the Thai's teach!
I enjoy your content. Keep up the good work. Hopefully someday I can experience Thailand for myself.
I am looking to move where life is more affordable. 1st task: make 3000$ a month as an independent. And while I am working to get there, I have a normal 9 to 5 which pays well (and, US workers don't read this, you head will explode: has 8 weeks of paid vacation a year).
You can live near the ocean in Jomtien at the 7 Seas, A/C, 2 awesome pools, wirh 2 gree bottles of water per day, 1-1/2 blocks from the beach: $175 per month. That leaves you $825 per month for everything else. Plenty of places near the ocean for less than $200
Health insurance, food, transport, entertainment, internet, phone, incidentals…you missed the whole part of the video and just listed to what you wanted to hear. Good luck with everything.
@@AJ-ww6qs I now the math... you obviously not.
@zzzzBadBoyzzzz you clearly don’t clown! You don’t sound bright! You can’t even spell! Lol
If that makes you happy, that’s great.
Just looked up that resort. It's a holiday hellscape.
So true.
I would say you could live in Thailand for about $1600/mont from your Social Security, provided you also have a nest egg of at least $100k.
I reckon your advice is spot on for the vast majority of folk, but most of us pick and choose the "facts" that suit us and believe that we are smarter and more resilient than we actually are, so few will listen. The other issue for you is that no one likes the harsh truth without a bit of sugar-coating so you may struggle to grow the channel. To end on a positive note; great presentation, well constructed, and with a clear message.
The good news is what this channel does is not super important for me since I do it for fun and donate all of the profits to local charities. The irony is, this channel has grown much faster in 4 months than many others here have in Thailand in over a year.
@@RamzeTravels , Glad to hear, Keep up the good work!
First time I've seen your channel, excellent! I watched it twice. I'm spending a month in Thailand, hopefully in November, with a view to moving there. I've subscribed, now I'll take a look at your back catalog.
Thank you 🙏
I am visiting for 5 weeks in Oct/Nov and testing out a potential retirement during that stay. The plan is to live like I am retired, with no budgeting just to see how much it would cost me for when I eventually retire.
Very smart move. We did the same before.
Well Ramze you got the predicted indignant responses. Yes, as you said, some people are content to live on a $1,000 budget. The assertion though is that most people would not like living on that budget. The harm is when influencers lure people to low cost of living countries with unrealistic expectations.
You want to live on $1,000/mo? . . . fine. Do it because you know what you are getting into, not because you heard something online.
Bingo! I’m more concerned with the young guys who are losing out on their prime earning and career years chasing this pipe dream.
@@RamzeTravels For young people it is likely opportunity costs. For low income retirees though it may be a one time unrecoverable disaster. However, generous or meager the safety net is in western countries, you basically have nothing to fall back on overseas.
Questions: do you still a home base outside Thailand? Would you encourage to have one, instead of selling off everything
Many factors to consider. Paid off, rentable, have you lived abroad long enough to know you’ll stay? I have rental property in a few countries and no longer maintain a home property outside of Thailand.
Thanks. At 68 I don't think I want to be a lifelong vagabond . I am certain that one point I will to stop and park myself somewhere.
I know for a fact you're overspending.
But that is just an opinion as is your views on what life is and should be.
$1000 a month is more than enough. I'd probably spend $700-$800.
I'm pretty frugal though, doesn't mean I'm cheap. Frugality is being smart about your money.
Buying expensive cigars is a luxury for some people, yourself for example.
I personally wouldn't smoke the finest cigar on earth for free. Not my cup a tea.
A car is unnecessary. A big apartment is as useless as a 6 bedroom house for a couple with no kids.
If I have visitors I wouldn't want them to stay over. I would happily get them a nice hotel nearby.
I split my time between one of the most expensive places (Miami) and one of the cheapest (Buenos Aires).
I go out daily, mixture of public transportation and rideshare.
I spend less than $1000 a month on both cities.
I barely go out to eat in Miami but live like a king in Buenos Aires.
With rent included in Buenos Aires as I own in Miami.
I can’t comment on your quality of life but you can’t know I’m overspending because you don’t know what I have. I live well UNDER my means. 😁
@@RamzeTravelsyour bald and unhappy 🙁
Good vlog. You did a great job of speaking to the real limitations of trying to live on a low budget overseas (and not just in Thailand), without making a blanket (and false) claim that it absolutely cannot be done.
The key to making any of these low budgets work is minimalism, ie. doing without (a lot). And, like the man says, it is cute for the short while, but hard, for most folks, to maintain over the long haul (ie. the rest of your life).
Impossible? Of course not. But it is something you should work on, while living in your home country (where you have a safety net of job, family, government programs, etc.), before attempting it in a strange & foreign land. If you can live the required minimalist lifestyle, for a decade or two, in your home country - without complaints, regrets, or losing your mind - then you probably can do it in SE Asia, as well - and hit that magical 1,000 USD/mo budget.
This is just my worthless opinion, so please feel free to ignore and move on! :)
This post was timely and well recieved! Tbh, im tired of watching expats come here and fall on their face hoping 1k is going to work or be enjoyable on any level. So many sell this dream while having way more/ utilizing youtube to make ends meet. Realistic is double if not 3k, saving when the emergency happens.
Thank you for setting a honest answer to this question and ignore to negative comments.
The goal is to thrive not survive.
@dominichoward4833 I say the goal is to survive. Of course, life is easier if you have money, that's the same everywhere. But one has to live with what he/she has, we can't all have $3000 per month. Which is better, to have $1000 in the west or in Thailand?
@@joritravels Depends what other rights and access to services you have at home that you would need to pay for abroad. You need a full budget to compare.
@@BebopKoala Yes, i know i have much cheaper health care and medicine in my own country, but then, everything else costs much more than in Thailand. You need to think the balance and what is the important part for you.
@@joritravels exactly
Most Really need to understand how most Insurance works. Here most health insurance does Not look at your past history when accepting application. The look back, Pre-existing conditions clause starts when you file a claim. Some insurance Makes you pay first and then submit claim, Wait maybe 15 days, maybe 45 depending on what is in your history. Additionally some insurers try to (deny) a claim based on Anything the hospital provides that may help the Insurance company, even if the Hospital has listed a different opinion on the cause of your issue.
What you describe sounds perfect for the money. I rented a condo with an ocean view and a 5-minute walk to the beach for $220 for a larger studio apartment in Jomtien on the baht bus route on Beach Road to Pattaya 15 minutes away. Loved it.