Is Bangkok’s cost of living as cheap as people say? Here’s how they compare globally
How Thailand's City of Angels stack up against other cities in the world for affordability
When it comes to relocating abroad, affordability plays a major role in choosing where to go. For many, Bangkok represents an ideal balance between comfort, culture, and cost, but how does it truly compare to the rest of the world when it comes to monthly utility expenses?
A recent study conducted by Remitly analysed 40 global cities to find out which destinations offer the lowest living costs for new residents. Their findings show that Bangkok not only boasts some of the most affordable utility costs globally but also ranks as the most cost-effective city for relocation overall.
Is Bangkok cheap for the cost of living?
| Section (Click to jump) | Short Summary |
|---|---|
| Bangkok ranks 5th globally for the cheapest utility bills | Bangkok places surprisingly high on a global ranking of affordable utilities, which is far cheaper than many major cities. |
| How about relocating to Bangkok? | Bangkok isn’t just cheap for utilities; overall relocation costs make it one of the easiest cities to move to. |
| What contributes to Bangkok’s low cost of utilities? | Climate, infrastructure, and urban design all play a role in keeping monthly utility expenses manageable. |
| Comparing Bangkok to other popular expat destinations | When stacked against global hotspots, Bangkok consistently stands out for cost-effective living. |
| Practical advice for new arrivals | From housing tips to budgeting and paperwork, here’s what newcomers should know before settling in. |
Bangkok ranks 5th globally for the cheapest utility bills
According to the study, utility bills in Bangkok average just US$568.32 for a six-month period. This includes essential services such as electricity, water, heating, cooling, and waste removal. When compared to major cities across the globe, Bangkok ranks as the 5th most affordable for utility costs.
Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 cities with the lowest utility bills over six months:
| Rank | City | Country | Six-month utility cost (US$) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mexico City | Mexico | US$219.36 |
| 2 | Kuala Lumpur | Malaysia | US$360.18 |
| 3 | Taipei | Taiwan | US$450.72 |
| 4 | Istanbul | Turkey | US$458.70 |
| 5 | Bangkok | Thailand | US$568.32 |
| 6 | Vancouver | Canada | US$614.46 |
| 7 | Toronto | Canada | US$640.26 |
| 8 | Málaga | Spain | US$816.54 |
| 9 | Valencia | Spain | US$843.48 |
| 10 | Budapest | Hungary | US$859.68 |
While Mexico City takes the top spot, Bangkok remains highly competitive, especially when taking into account the city’s quality of life and vibrant lifestyle.
How about relocating to Bangkok?
What makes Bangkok particularly attractive is that utility bills are only part of a larger picture of affordability. The same study by Remitly found that Bangkok ranks as the most cost-effective city to relocate to globally, with an average total relocation cost of US$4,808. This figure includes six months’ rent, a rental deposit, visa fees, groceries, transport, utilities, internet, and essential furnishings.
This cost is significantly lower than in many Western cities. For instance, relocating to New York City would cost approximately US$25,787, which is about five times more than in Bangkok. Even cities like Zurich (US$23,416), London (US$21,997), and Dublin (US$18,847) demand a much higher financial commitment from newcomers.
What contributes to Bangkok’s low cost of utilities?
Several factors make utilities more affordable in Bangkok:
- Tropical climate: Bangkok’s year-round warm weather reduces the need for heating, a major cost in colder countries.
- Efficient infrastructure: The city benefits from a well-developed energy and water supply network that helps keep operational costs lower.
- Urban density: High-density living means resources can be delivered more efficiently, reducing costs per household.
However, it’s worth noting that air conditioning use can drive up electricity bills, especially during the hottest months. Expats should be mindful of their energy consumption habits if they want to keep bills low.
Comparing Bangkok to other popular expat destinations
Here’s how Bangkok stacks up against other cities in total relocation costs, according to Remitly:
| Rank | City | Total relocation cost (US$)* |
| 1 | Bangkok, Thailand | US$4,808 |
| 2 | Kuala Lumpur | US$4,823 |
| 3 | Budapest | US$6,417 |
| 4 | Mexico City | US$6,679 |
| 5 | Taipei | US$6,901 |
| 6 | Istanbul | US$7,406 |
| 7 | Athens | US$7,495 |
| 8 | Tokyo | US$8,400 |
| 9 | Málaga | US$8,906 |
| 10 | Valencia | US$9,209 |
*Numbers converted from Pounds to American Dollars on November 17
Despite its reputation as a major global city, Bangkok’s overall affordability makes it an ideal choice for expats, digital nomads, and remote workers.
Practical advice for new arrivals
While Bangkok’s low costs are appealing, new arrivals should still plan carefully. Eva Borislavova, CEO of Remitly Europe Ltd, shared a few relocation tips:
- Be flexible with accommodation: Consider short-term stays first to get a feel for different neighbourhoods.
- Triple-check documents: Ensure all vital paperwork (e.g., identification, proof of funds, job offer letters) is in order.
- Understand your take-home pay: Focus on net income after taxes and any local contributions.
- Plan for ongoing costs: Luggage shipping, furnishing your home, and setting up essentials can add up.
- Build your community: Connect with local expat groups early, as it makes all the difference.
These insights offer a helpful overview of global relocation costs, and Bangkok’s high placement shows it remains a go-to destination for those seeking an affordable yet exciting new chapter abroad.
In short, while the phrase “Bangkok is cheap” might sound like a cliché, when it comes to essential living costs like utilities, the numbers continue to back it up.
For related articles, also see:
- Bangkok dominates World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025 with three hotels in top 10
- Top 20 staycation hotels in Bangkok (2025)
- Where is Bangkok’s most expensive land? Here are the top 10 locations
The Thaiger key summary
- Bangkok ranks 5th globally for the cheapest utility bills, at US$568.32 for six months.
- It is the world’s most affordable city to relocate to, averaging just US$5,295.
- Climate, infrastructure, and density help keep utilities low compared to global cities.
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