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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Krabi 2024
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Cost of Living in Krabi

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Summary: If you're moving to Krabi, understanding the the cost of living in Krabi helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Cost of Living Krabi
Apartment Rentals Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from 8,000 to 15,000 baht per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from 15,000 to 25,000 baht per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center can range from 5,000 to 10,000 baht per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center can range from 10,000 to 20,000 baht per month.
Apartment Purchases The cost of purchasing an apartment in Krabi can range from 1.5 million to 10 million baht, depending on the size and location.
Transportation Public transportation in Krabi is relatively inexpensive. A one-way ticket on the bus costs around 20 baht. A one-way ticket on the train costs around 30 baht. Taxis are also available and the cost of a ride depends on the distance traveled.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Krabi is relatively inexpensive. A loaf of bread costs around 25 baht, a liter of milk costs around 40 baht, and a dozen eggs costs around 50 baht.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Krabi is relatively inexpensive. A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around 200 baht per person. A meal at a fast food restaurant costs around 100 baht per person.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Krabi is relatively inexpensive. The average cost of electricity is around 5 baht per kilowatt-hour. The average cost of water is around 20 baht per cubic meter. The average cost of internet is around 500 baht per month.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Krabi varies depending on the school. The average cost of preschool tuition is around 10,000 baht per month. The average cost of elementary school tuition is around 15,000 baht per month. The average cost of middle school tuition is around 20,000 baht per month. The average cost of high school tuition is around 25,000 baht per month.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Krabi

"The cost of living in Krabi is relatively affordable compared to many Western countries. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is quite inexpensive, while outside the city center, it's even cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water is also quite low. Internet services are reasonably priced and groceries are affordable, with local markets offering fresh produce at lower prices. Eating out at inexpensive restaurants is also quite cheap, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant can be a bit more expensive but still affordable. Transportation costs are also low, with inexpensive local buses and affordable taxis. Gasoline prices are reasonable. Fitness club and sports memberships are also quite affordable. Healthcare in Krabi is relatively inexpensive, with costs for a short visit to a private doctor being quite low. However, for more serious health issues, it may be necessary to travel to a larger city or even abroad. Entertainment, such as cinema tickets, are also quite affordable. Clothing and shoes are reasonably priced, with a good pair of running shoes being quite cheap. Overall, the cost of living in Krabi is quite low, making it an attractive destination for expats and retirees," said one expat living in Krabi.

Can I live in Krabi on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Krabi for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some adjustments to your lifestyle. First, you'll need to find a place to live that's affordable. I recommend looking for an apartment or house in neighborhoods like Ao Nang, Klong Muang, or Nopparat Thara. These areas are popular with expats and have a good mix of local and Western amenities. You can find a decent one-bedroom apartment for around $300-$500 a month, depending on the location and amenities.When it comes to eating out, you'll need to stick to local Thai restaurants and street food, which are not only delicious but also very affordable. You can easily find meals for $1-$3 per dish. If you want to eat at Western-style restaurants, you'll have to do so sparingly, as they can be quite expensive.Transportation is relatively cheap in Krabi. You can rent a scooter for around $100 a month, which will allow you to get around easily and explore the beautiful surrounding areas. Alternatively, you can use local transportation like songthaews (shared pick-up trucks) or tuk-tuks, which are also affordable but can be less convenient.As for entertainment and activities, there are plenty of affordable options in Krabi. You can visit the beautiful beaches, go hiking in the national parks, or explore the local markets. However, you'll need to be mindful of your budget when it comes to activities like scuba diving, rock climbing, or taking boat trips to nearby islands, as these can be quite expensive.In terms of sacrifices, you'll need to be prepared to live a more local lifestyle and adapt to the Thai way of living. This means embracing the local culture, learning some basic Thai language, and being open to trying new things. You'll also need to be mindful of your spending and prioritize your expenses, as living on $1,500 a month doesn't leave much room for splurging on luxury items or high-end experiences.Overall, living in Krabi on $1,500 a month is doable, but it requires some adjustments and sacrifices. If you're willing to embrace the local culture and live a more modest lifestyle, you can definitely make it work and enjoy your time in this beautiful part of Thailand," commented an expat living in Krabi.

Can I live in Krabi on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Krabi for a while 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. However, there might be some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll need to choose a neighborhood that's affordable but still offers the conveniences you're used to. I'd recommend looking into areas like Ao Nang or Klong Muang. These neighborhoods are popular among expats and have a good mix of local and international restaurants, shops, and other amenities. You can find a decent apartment or house for rent in these areas for around $500 to $800 per month, depending on the size and location.On the other hand, I'd avoid neighborhoods like Railay Beach or Tonsai Beach, as these are more touristy and expensive. The cost of living in these areas is significantly higher, and you might struggle to find affordable housing.In terms of transportation, you might have to rely on local options like motorbike taxis, tuk-tuks, or songthaews (shared pick-up trucks) instead of having your own car. These options are quite affordable and can help you save money on transportation costs.Eating out at local Thai restaurants or street food stalls is another way to save money, as the cost of dining out in international restaurants can add up quickly. You can still enjoy the occasional meal at a fancier restaurant, but try to make it a treat rather than a daily habit.Finally, you might have to cut back on some of the luxuries you're used to, like having a gym membership or going to the spa regularly. There are still plenty of affordable activities to enjoy in Krabi, like hiking, swimming, or exploring the local markets.Overall, living in Krabi on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, relying on local transportation, and enjoying the local cuisine, you can live comfortably and still enjoy the beautiful surroundings that Krabi has to offer," said one expat living in Krabi.

Can I live in Krabi on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Krabi for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. In fact, you might not have to make too many sacrifices at all. Krabi is a beautiful place with a lower cost of living compared to some other popular expat destinations in Thailand, like Bangkok or Phuket.When it comes to housing, you can find a nice apartment or house for rent in a decent neighborhood for around $500 to $1,000 per month. Some of the more affordable neighborhoods to consider are Ao Nang, Klong Muang, and Nopparat Thara. These areas are close to the beach and have a good mix of locals and expats, so you'll have access to both Thai and Western amenities. If you're looking for something more upscale, you might want to check out the Tubkaek Beach area, but keep in mind that it can be more expensive.As for transportation, you can rent a motorbike for around $100 per month, which is a common and affordable way to get around in Krabi. Taxis and tuk-tuks are also available, but they can add up if you use them frequently. If you prefer to drive a car, you can rent one for around $400 to $600 per month.When it comes to food, you can eat out at local Thai restaurants for as little as $1 to $3 per meal, or you can splurge on Western food at more upscale restaurants for around $10 to $20 per meal. Groceries are also quite affordable, especially if you shop at local markets and buy fresh produce.For entertainment and leisure, there are plenty of things to do in Krabi that won't break the bank. You can visit the beautiful beaches, go island hopping, or explore the stunning limestone cliffs and caves. There are also plenty of affordable gyms, yoga studios, and sports clubs where you can stay active and meet other expats.In terms of healthcare, you'll find that medical services in Krabi are generally affordable and of good quality. Many doctors and dentists speak English, and you can find both public and private hospitals in the area. It's a good idea to have health insurance, though, as some treatments can be expensive, especially if you need to be evacuated to a larger city like Bangkok.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Krabi on $5,000 a month is not only doable but also quite comfortable. You might have to make a few adjustments to your lifestyle, like eating more local food and using public transportation, but you'll still be able to enjoy a high quality of life and take advantage of all the amazing experiences that Krabi has to offer," commented an expat living in Krabi.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

SJB Global
SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

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