| Cost of Living Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Apartment Rentals (1 bedroom in city center) | 10,000 – 15,000 THB per month |
| Apartment Rentals (1 bedroom outside city center) | 7,000 – 10,000 THB per month |
| Apartment Purchase (Price per square meter in city center) | 50,000 – 70,000 THB |
| Apartment Purchase (Price per square meter outside city center) | 30,000 – 50,000 THB |
| Transportation (Monthly Pass) | 1,000 – 1,500 THB |
| Transportation (Taxi, 1km) | 50 – 100 THB |
| Groceries (Milk, 1 liter) | 50 – 60 THB |
| Groceries (Bread, 500g) | 30 – 50 THB |
| Groceries (Rice, 1kg) | 30 – 40 THB |
| Groceries (Chicken Breasts, 1kg) | 120 – 150 THB |
| Restaurants (Meal at an inexpensive restaurant) | 100 – 200 THB |
| Restaurants (Three-course meal for 2 people at a mid-range restaurant) | 700 – 1,000 THB |
| Utilities (Basic electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage for 85m2 apartment) | 2,000 – 3,000 THB per month |
| Private School Tuition (Preschool) | 50,000 – 100,000 THB per year |
| Private School Tuition (Elementary School) | 100,000 – 200,000 THB per year |
| Private School Tuition (Middle School) | 200,000 – 300,000 THB per year |
| Private School Tuition (High School) | 300,000 – 500,000 THB per year |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Koh Chang
“The cost of living in Koh Chang is considered to be relatively affordable compared to many Western countries. Accommodation can range from budget-friendly guesthouses to more luxurious resorts. Eating out is generally inexpensive, with local street food being particularly cost-effective. Groceries can be bought at local markets or supermarkets at a reasonable price. Public transportation, such as songthaews (shared taxis), is commonly used and is quite cheap. However, renting a motorbike or car can be more expensive. Entertainment, such as visiting national parks or partaking in water sports, can vary in price. Internet and mobile services are generally affordable. Health care is also reasonably priced, especially in public hospitals. However, it’s recommended to have health insurance. Overall, the cost of living in Koh Chang is low, making it an attractive destination for both tourists and expats,” said one expat living in Koh Chang.
Can I live in Koh Chang on $1,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Koh Chang for a few years now and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but it does require some adjustments. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in the West, but it’s still important to budget wisely. Firstly, accommodation can vary greatly in price depending on the area and the type of housing. If you want to live in a more upscale neighborhood like White Sand Beach, you might have to pay around $500-$600 per month for a decent apartment. However, if you’re willing to live in a more local area like Klong Prao or Kai Bae, you can find a nice place for around $300-$400 per month. Food is relatively cheap, especially if you eat local cuisine. You can get a good meal for around $1-$2 at a local restaurant. If you prefer Western food, it’s available but it’s more expensive, around $5-$10 per meal. Transportation is also affordable. You can rent a motorbike for around $100 per month, which is the most common mode of transportation here. If you prefer to use taxis, it can get a bit pricey, especially if you’re traveling around the island frequently. As for utilities, expect to pay around $50-$100 per month for electricity, depending on your usage. Internet is quite cheap, around $20 per month for a good connection. The biggest sacrifice you might have to make is giving up some of the luxuries you’re used to. For example, imported goods are quite expensive here, so you might have to adjust to using local products instead. Also, while healthcare is affordable, the quality might not be up to the standards you’re used to. In terms of entertainment, there’s plenty to do that’s affordable. The beaches are free, there are plenty of hiking trails, and local bars and restaurants are reasonably priced. However, if you’re into high-end dining or nightlife, you might find it a bit limited and more expensive. Overall, living in Koh Chang on $1,500 a month is doable and can be quite comfortable if you’re willing to adjust your lifestyle a bit. It’s all about finding the right balance between cost and comfort,” commented an expat living in Koh Chang.
Can I live in Koh Chang on $3,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Koh Chang for a few years now and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in many Western countries. For example, you can rent a decent one-bedroom apartment in a good area for around $300-$400 a month. If you want something more luxurious, like a villa with a private pool, it might cost you around $1,000 a month. The White Sand Beach area is one of the most popular and expensive neighborhoods. It’s where most of the high-end resorts and restaurants are located. If you want to save money, I’d recommend looking at other areas like Klong Prao or Kai Bae. They’re still very nice, but the cost of living is lower. Food is also quite affordable here. You can get a meal at a local restaurant for around $1-$2, and even at a more upscale place, you’re unlikely to spend more than $10-$15. Groceries are also cheap, especially if you buy local products. As for utilities, expect to pay around $50-$100 a month for electricity, depending on how much you use the air conditioning. Internet and mobile phone services are also quite affordable, usually costing around $20-$30 a month. Transportation is another area where you can save money. Many people get around on scooters, which are cheap to rent or buy. If you prefer to use taxis, they’re also quite affordable, especially if you negotiate the price in advance. The main sacrifice you might have to make is adjusting to the slower pace of life. Things don’t always run on schedule here, and services you might take for granted in a Western country, like same-day delivery or high-speed internet, might not always be available. But in my experience, the benefits of living in this beautiful island paradise far outweigh these minor inconveniences. Healthcare is another thing to consider. While there are clinics on the island, for serious medical issues, you might need to go to the mainland. However, the cost of healthcare in Thailand is generally much lower than in Western countries, and the quality of care is good. Overall, I’d say that if you’re open to adapting to a new way of life, you can live very comfortably in Koh Chang on $3,000 a month,” said one expat living in Koh Chang.
Can I live in Koh Chang on $5,000 a month?
“I’ve been living in Koh Chang for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is not only possible, but you can live quite comfortably. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in many Western countries. For instance, you can rent a nice, modern condo for around $500 to $800 a month. The White Sand Beach area is a bit more expensive, but it’s also more touristy. If you want a more local experience, I’d recommend the Klong Prao or Kai Bae areas. They’re more affordable and still have plenty of amenities. Eating out is also very cheap. You can get a meal at a local restaurant for around $1 to $3. If you prefer to cook at home, groceries are also reasonably priced. I spend about $200 a month on groceries. Utilities, including internet, electricity, and water, usually cost me around $100 a month. Transportation is also very affordable. You can rent a motorbike for about $100 a month, which is the most common mode of transportation here. If you prefer to use taxis, they’re also quite cheap, usually costing around $3 to $5 for a ride. Healthcare is another area where you can save a lot of money. The healthcare system in Thailand is excellent and very affordable. A visit to the doctor usually costs me around $20, and that includes any medication I might need. As for entertainment, there’s plenty to do in Koh Chang without breaking the bank. You can go to the beach, hike in the national park, or visit one of the many temples. There are also plenty of bars and clubs where you can have a drink for around $2 to $3. The only area where you might have to make a sacrifice is in shopping for Western goods. Imported goods can be quite expensive, so you might have to adjust your shopping habits a bit. But overall, I find that I can live a very comfortable lifestyle here on $5,000 a month,” commented an expat living in Koh Chang.
