How Much Does It Really Cost? A Middle Aged Expat's Budget in Thailand Revealed!

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  • Опубликовано: 3 дек 2024

Комментарии • 114

  • @michaeltakayama8415
    @michaeltakayama8415 День назад +5

    I'd say that you have done a great job of translating a typical middle-class American lifestyle to Thailand. I lived a very similar lifestyle here in the US, for decades, before I got tired of it and downsized.
    Your numbers are always spot on, which makes your budget a good guide for potential expats, who are thinking about bringing their existing middle-class lifestyle with them to Thailand. It is certainly a more realistic place to start than the sub-1K USD budgets from other RUclipsrs, who either assume a minimalist lifestyle (which can be a challenge to maintain over the long haul) or are making certain lifestyle compromises that many middle-class Americans are likely less willing to make (such as eating cheap street food for every meal).
    I do think that one difficulty we have as Americans, when we move abroad, is that we consider many of the items you mentioned to be "necessities" and not "luxuries" - such as living in a multi-bedroom house/condo, with a pool, or owning at least one car, or having a private gym membership, or eating out more often than eating in. When you combine this mindset with the idea of "living like a king, for under $1000", it is not really that hard to see how unrealistic budget problems can arise.

  • @gillmor2386
    @gillmor2386 День назад +4

    You live like a millionaire in Thailand. As a German engineer, I only earn $3,500 a month and could never afford such a luxurious life in expensive Thailand.

    • @RingoSG
      @RingoSG День назад

      Same. Housing + food + transportation already eat up half your salary.

    • @thanaang1455
      @thanaang1455 День назад

      3,500USD in Germany, how can you buy own home? Is this for new graduate?

    • @livingworkingoutsidebox
      @livingworkingoutsidebox День назад

      For $3500 you can still live very well there and have money left over.
      How could you live the most luxurious life on your budget you have? Mindset is 90% my friend 😊

    • @gillmor2386
      @gillmor2386 День назад +3

      @@thanaang1455 I am 56 years old and have been working as an engineer in Germany for 31 years. After deducting taxes and social benefits, I have around $3,500 left to live on.
      In Germany, wages have hardly increased in the last 20 years. Prices for houses have doubled in 10 years. If I hadn't bought a house 14 years ago, it would be impossible today. The German middle class is becoming impoverished - just like everywhere else in the world. Soon there will only be super rich people - and poor people who work for the super rich.

    • @RingoSG
      @RingoSG День назад +2

      @@thanaang1455 in Europe, we are paid way less than our US counterpart

  • @eurofitz2607
    @eurofitz2607 День назад +3

    Great break down mate.. Finally someone with a budget for people who have a bit behind them.. Not rich by any means, but not looking to scrounge, scrimp and save everywhere.
    Loved it, of course would swap some cost areas, and reduce/increase others due to being single.. But Ive always thought about 100000 baht plus accom (either own or rent) is about the monthly goal to work to (plus any vacations or trips)

  • @ShadyD365
    @ShadyD365 День назад +6

    The biggest reason I like Thailand is Buddhism. When people ask me why Thailand that's my answer.

  • @Roof_Pizza
    @Roof_Pizza День назад +4

    I recall an interview with Shaquille O'Neal, he was talking about living in his very big (tho smaller than you might think) home in Florida, he commented how even tho he had a huge house he pretty much stayed in either the kitchen or his bedroom and otherwise didn't even go into the rest of the house.

    • @jimmyellis7951
      @jimmyellis7951 6 часов назад

      He has a penthouse condo in Mexico City that is one bedroom that he prefers and he's there at least once a month lol.

  • @gregoryrobison6052
    @gregoryrobison6052 День назад +1

    Hi, I really enjoy your videos. You are real, transparent, and interesting. I resonate with and respect your pragmatic logic. Was going to mention the health insurance/ medical dental line then saw your response in another comment. Thank you, sending blessings your way.

  • @Keep_Calm_and_Carey_On
    @Keep_Calm_and_Carey_On День назад +2

    5k ish is my US budget. Due to financial idiocy I will need to trim it down by half ish for retirement. One of the reason's for looking to Thailand.

  • @tingtongfarang
    @tingtongfarang День назад +2

    Sounds like you have a great lifestyle and are happy.
    That seems to me to be the most important thing.
    Budgets are obviously going to vary for everyone but yours seems perfect for you guys👍👍

  • @mrbbkk
    @mrbbkk 10 часов назад

    I have spent 7000 in Tokyo without matching your lifestyle. Your life is great Love the new house.

  • @thomaskelly6472
    @thomaskelly6472 4 часа назад

    Good job! Good information!

  • @livingworkingoutsidebox
    @livingworkingoutsidebox День назад +1

    $5k to 6k for the way you are living is very good. 💪 Thanks for sharing 👍

  • @WAWZDAT
    @WAWZDAT День назад +1

    Thanks for summary. I could easily afford that, but if I did half that, I would still be living twice as well as I am now in the states. I don't need much.

  • @b4bmm
    @b4bmm День назад +1

    Great breakdown and that budget is very comfortable living in Thailand for sure. It bugs me too all these people "live like a king for $x. Hey bro you aint living here like a king with $10k let alone $2k. You will spend 200k on a property to be in the realm of living like a king here, at least in Phuket anyway. Put a nice BM or Merc on the drive and you can add another 100k a month to your budget. There's you $10k gone before you do anything.
    After doing some searching online recently I can say That house really is a good deal. You don't get much in Phuket for 55k these days. Whats your plan for when that lease expires no doubt you have been seeing how the market is currently?

    • @RamzeTravels
      @RamzeTravels  День назад +1

      In debating whether we stay in it or not. I have a great relationship with the owner so I guess it’s up to us if we want to stay or try another part of Thailand.

    • @b4bmm
      @b4bmm День назад +1

      @@RamzeTravels That financial and location Freedom is what it's all about!! Ideal

  • @MrH2O1984
    @MrH2O1984 День назад +4

    I have a passive income of $4k a month but I am hoping I can keep my budget between 2.5-3k. I will also need to budge for cigars too.

    • @ShadyD365
      @ShadyD365 День назад +2

      You can easily live on that budget here. I live on $800 a month. My monthly income is around $9K. This does not take into consideration travel, medical or the very little money I spend on my gf. She has a good job and pays her way except dining out I usually pay. As for little things I’m cheap. My yearly cellphone bill was ฿1790 or $50. Rent $480. But I live in a 34 SQ meter condo. There's the difference. Headed to Vietnam on vacation for a week tomorrow. Vacation from retirement sounds ridiculous.

    • @MrH2O1984
      @MrH2O1984 День назад

      @ thanks for all that info I really appreciate it

    • @ShadyD365
      @ShadyD365 День назад

      @@MrH2O1984 sure. I've been here in Bangkok 3 years. I can answer most questions.

    • @b4bmm
      @b4bmm День назад

      @@ShadyD365 Why do you live on $800 a month if you earn $9k a month?

    • @ShadyD365
      @ShadyD365 День назад +1

      @ Fair question. When I first got to BKK I had the condo owner remove all their furniture. I purchased the best mattress I could find, big tv, sofa etc. There's nothing left to buy and where would I put it. I could rent a bigger condo but I love this area and my condo is one of the best in BKK. I don't drink/drugs/bar girls. But the $800 is a bit low probably because I forgot about Starbucks and other coffee shops. I have no budget because I already know I hardly spend anything. I was buying 3-4K of Costco gold and silver a month but with Trump elected I held off. I plan to buy some acres in Tennessee this year. Anyway I've done all the super fancy dining like he does for his wife's birthday with my ex. We actually did that as a hobby. French laundry to Alex at the Wynn and every other place in Vegas. I've been to 80 countries lived in 12. Right now I am happy owning absolutely nothing. Next spring I will go to the USA for a few months to buy land then return. I have 4 kids to visit. Also I'm cheap on myself. I grew up poor so I never waste money. I fly coach unless the upgrade is reasonable.

  • @ErezBorowsky
    @ErezBorowsky День назад +3

    We smile when people call Thailand a "third world country". Their home is "first world", yet they pay more and get less and spend months waiting for health care. The saying "no brain, no headache" or "ignorance is bliss" fits here.

  • @MichaelLowery-u3i
    @MichaelLowery-u3i День назад +4

    You have the lifestyle that I desire, but I’m single, I don’t drink, or do a lot of dumb stuff. I think I can do this for under $4000 and enjoy a similar lifestyle. I love your channel. I am asking you for advice on anything you choose to talk about so now you need a new closing statement.🤣👍🏽👑

    • @RamzeTravels
      @RamzeTravels  День назад +3

      By yourself, $4000 would be a very similar lifestyle. I know a few guys here that live on that amount.

  • @mrdoodle8748
    @mrdoodle8748 День назад +1

    That is around $100k/year Australian which seems a lot for Thailand. A comfortable life for a couple in Australia is deemed to be around $65k/year, albeit without all the trimmings that you have incorporated into your lifestyle.

    • @RamzeTravels
      @RamzeTravels  День назад +2

      Yeah we could live on this amount in most western countries but not have 10 massages, a full time dog caretaker, and 100% of food eaten out or delivered. It’s the luxuries and extras that make it extra amazing.

  • @digitalmarketer9141
    @digitalmarketer9141 День назад

    I ran a pool business, and the pool can get out of control if they come by once a week. Out of control, like chlorine is gone and algae starts to grow. If you a have "floaty" tab dispenser in your pool, take it out now! The tabs are 1/2 chlorine and 1/2 conditioner, and the conditioner lasts a long time, while the chlorine may only last a day to a week. If it's over-conditioned, the chlorine will stop working.

  • @samkeino6810
    @samkeino6810 День назад +1

    I thought you met your wife in Cuba. How did she pick up such an extravagant lifestyle!

  • @timjoygray
    @timjoygray День назад

    Happy 1st birthday Coco!!! Cutie pie!

  • @asheb3893
    @asheb3893 День назад +1

    Useful details again Ramze. Tesla insurance is interesting. How does that compare with USA?

    • @RamzeTravels
      @RamzeTravels  День назад +1

      Very similar to what I paid in Vegas for my Tesla.

  • @t.q.6639
    @t.q.6639 День назад +1

    You said you and your wife don’t cook, so how many times a day do you go out to eat or bring food back home? Also how often do you have food deliver? Curious because we also don’t want to cook, and more options with homes away from town. Do you feel it’s a chore to leave your house, and drive to eat often?

    • @RamzeTravels
      @RamzeTravels  День назад +1

      We usually eat 1-2 meals a day. In the beginning we would have food delivered 80% of the time and go out for the other 20%. These days it’s the reverse. We enjoy going out and finding new restaurants and killing a few hours doing it. That said, I have a car and we live in an area without a lot of traffic.

  • @christopherdillon8777
    @christopherdillon8777 День назад +1

    First things first, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ video!!!! Love this real numbers for like you’ve said a very unrepresented segment of the expat population - the non backpacker cheap charlie’s 😁
    We’re going to be almost identical to you with 4 cats and a serious golf habit.
    Thanks for sharing I really appreciate your content🙏🍻🍻

  • @stevejones4010
    @stevejones4010 День назад +2

    Enjoy your money and life. Wish you all the best 👍

  • @bills.1737
    @bills.1737 День назад

    Great video like always. Being 64 and single with a 3500 U.S. budget I feel like I could live a very nice life when I move there next year (hopefully)

  • @stinkypennies
    @stinkypennies День назад +5

    Do you mind if i ask how much you paid for your Tes;a?

  • @tmad1
    @tmad1 День назад +1

    I'm moving over in March just me no pets. I have a 3.5k+ a month budget. I want a nice place pool the works. Not quite middle aged anymore but close. Moving to Koh Samui to start and see where I go from there. Can't wait. Not looking for a wife or gf looking to travel. Making Thailand my home base.

  • @all4fitz
    @all4fitz 14 часов назад

    Whoaaa... From your other videos I just didn't imagine you to be one to shovel money out the door so quickly...haha.
    I spend a little bit more than that monthly in the US but I'm looking forward to cutting that expense at least in half in South Asia.
    Thanks for all the details!

    • @RamzeTravels
      @RamzeTravels  13 часов назад +1

      This is me cutting my spending in half :)

  • @mathewhunt81
    @mathewhunt81 День назад +1

    Hey brother, great video. May I ask, how much did you pay for your Tesla there? Thanks !

  • @robertnutt7861
    @robertnutt7861 День назад +3

    Thanks for the video. After seeing your videos, being a single man, I think I will probably be able to live comfortably off of half your monthly, probably add another $500 just because. Looks like I will still be able to save a lot. Look forward to meeting you and your wife in May’ish.

  • @thanaang1455
    @thanaang1455 День назад

    Tesla is pricey here 1.8 million THB with high insurance price as well.

    • @RamzeTravels
      @RamzeTravels  День назад

      It’s similar to the price in the states although no tax credit here. Insurance is the same as well. Gas costs more here than the states so it may be cheaper long term.

  • @johnmellyn2700
    @johnmellyn2700 День назад

    You can’t put a price on how friendly the local people are here in Thailand , I come to Thailand every year for three months and when I get back to the states it doesn’t take but half a day until I run into grumpy arrogant unhappy people ….lol . I’m here now and when I get home the end of February all I do is watch RUclips videos and think about returning to Thailand for the next 9 months

  • @doidoi5762
    @doidoi5762 День назад +1

    Thank you. What brand of Cigar from U.S ?would be good to see a video of outside of your house, neieghbourhood,what is a fancymassage to you?nice restaurant?, Without a visual its not possible to get a frame of reference.

    • @RamzeTravels
      @RamzeTravels  День назад

      I smoke 99% Cuban cigars so they don't come from the States. Look back at previous videos. I did a house tour that shows whole house and outside, I did a Lake Maprachan video that shows neighborhood and I have done a few restaurant videos.

  • @willieshoemaker8680
    @willieshoemaker8680 День назад

    I like the video thanks…
    I live in Pattaya with my girl between $3500 and $4000… with not a lot of extras like Lazada or Amazon delivery… lol.. if I go crazy online add $500-$1000

    • @RamzeTravels
      @RamzeTravels  День назад

      I like honest budgets like yours! Welcome aboard 🫡

  • @mancello
    @mancello День назад +1

    How do you actually pay these expenses out to the recipients? Do you have some kind of automated bill pay service from your Thai bank account or do you have to pay some of them in cash on a monthly basis?

    • @ShadyD365
      @ShadyD365 День назад +1

      Everyone that lives here has a Thai bank. Roughly 95% of everything I pay is through my bank app. QR code. Even street food vendors have QR codes. Utilities,rent, cell, internet. There are other ways to pay so don’t need to worry about it. As for rent and whatever you just transfer it with the app.

    • @mancello
      @mancello День назад +1

      @ShadyD365 I'm aware of the QR code payment system. I prefer an automated payment system where once I set it up I don't need to remember to do anything.

    • @ShadyD365
      @ShadyD365 День назад +1

      @ Every bank app has that.

    • @mancello
      @mancello День назад

      @@ShadyD365 Thanks .

  • @roberth7894
    @roberth7894 День назад +1

    What about medical/dental expenses? As you said, you don't really need a 6br/6bath house, I'm sure that number could be reduced.

    • @RamzeTravels
      @RamzeTravels  День назад +1

      I’ve stopped mentioning medical insurance because it varies wildly person to person based on age, coverage and if they can even get it here with preexisting conditions. It’s like guessing how long a piece of string is.

  • @JohnMarkwick-t3v
    @JohnMarkwick-t3v День назад +2

    Own condo then long term bills fall … it’s not what you spend it’s what you earn passive…. Live off investment and keep money going up , if you earn more then you spend the dream goes forever

  • @MosheMasha
    @MosheMasha День назад +1

    I thought u were leaving thailand....its ok..everyone says they are leaving but they never do haha..lovely video..thanks

    • @RamzeTravels
      @RamzeTravels  День назад +1

      I did leave for a month to see family and vacation 😜

  • @NigelPalmer-cv2fv
    @NigelPalmer-cv2fv День назад

    I wish I had about 2/3 of your budget, unfortunately I got to wait about 2 years for that with my pensions coming up! When I do I will be right there! See you then!

  • @s.trajanoski7101
    @s.trajanoski7101 День назад +1

    Based on what you spend, i believe $3500 is my number. But you guys are living very good lives. I am also leaving the USA, but not for Thailand. The cost would be similar, so i get good info from you.

  • @andrewfrechtman6536
    @andrewfrechtman6536 День назад

    What would you recommend as the minimum budget to launch a move from the US to either Thailand or Cambodia? ( Not so much the living budget monthly budget, but more start-up and getting settled in costs)

    • @RamzeTravels
      @RamzeTravels  День назад +1

      It’s impossible to estimate the cost of transportation, healthcare, and furnishing without knowing the number of people, their ages, and your budget. My advice is to add up the costs of all three categories, plus initial travel expenses and one year’s worth of your budget as an emergency fund.

  • @johnrencher442
    @johnrencher442 День назад +1

    Excellent information, for what you cost out it would be doubled in Miami, New York, LA…. Thanks

  • @nealsmith1083
    @nealsmith1083 День назад

    Thailand vs Columbia?? Pros and cons??

    • @RamzeTravels
      @RamzeTravels  День назад

      ruclips.net/video/EBXpm2VxGb4/видео.html

  • @hondainsight421
    @hondainsight421 День назад

    What do you think insurance would be in a $4000 car ? As much as I like a Tesla I think I can get by wit a used Mazda

    • @ShadyD365
      @ShadyD365 День назад

      Have you ever driven over here? Plan to live in Bangkok?

    • @RamzeTravels
      @RamzeTravels  День назад +1

      It would probably be a third of my cost and possible less if you didn’t want full coverage.

  • @chrishammond7079
    @chrishammond7079 День назад

    For me, I prefer value for money and to work to a senable budget and to integrate and embrace true realistic thai culture and live like a normal thai on average income this way you truly appreciate the realites of life here, so a Western budget here in Thailand ,is a,privilege life style nothing, wrong with that if that is what you want,
    Personally, I chose not to waste money on an extravagant way of life here
    We are all different

    • @RamzeTravels
      @RamzeTravels  День назад +1

      One man’s waste is another man’s comfort. This is why we are all unique and special.

  • @p.c.h.6721
    @p.c.h.6721 День назад +1

    What's the name of that neighborhood?

  • @JosephStransky-qw7zv
    @JosephStransky-qw7zv День назад +1

    Cost of living is so much based on your lifestyle....

  • @louis20122
    @louis20122 День назад

    For me as a single person, probably around $2,000 USD a month is plenty to live comfortably. I don't need a house (condo is okay), no maid service, no cigar, no dogs, no pool.

    • @RamzeTravels
      @RamzeTravels  День назад +4

      That would be minimum I would recommend. Sometimes single guys have many expenses I don’t have. 😉

    • @colinshurey976
      @colinshurey976 День назад +1

      ​@@RamzeTravels and that cost can run away from you pretty
      Coming from some one who enjoys company now and again
      And worth every $$

    • @lancemided3251
      @lancemided3251 День назад +2

      @louis 20122 If you are over 50 or have any health issues you will need about 50% more than your 2 k USD budget as a reserve to self insure.

  • @mattlawrence7130
    @mattlawrence7130 День назад

    You are living a very suburban lifestyle which is exactly what I am trying to get away from. You are also young and married which strongly influences your choices. One thing I want to find that you didn't mention is a gym and trainer, I'm looking for one that meets my preferences. It's a good video that helps me define my priorities.

    • @RamzeTravels
      @RamzeTravels  День назад

      That’s for the young comment 🙏 Gyms average $20-$100 a month in Thailand and trainers can be had for $10-$20 an hour.

    • @mattlawrence7130
      @mattlawrence7130 День назад

      @@RamzeTravels I know, I went to a few when I was there over the summer. I'm just grouchy because I can't find one that is a good match for what I am looking for. Thais seem to be in love with machines and don't really like free weights.

  • @Walk-retirement-travel
    @Walk-retirement-travel День назад

    Taking a foreign country trip and trying to fill it with going everywhere honestly is a big mistake. For trips under 30 days Just pick one place and enjoy that city. If you pick Bangkok you won’t even see it all. If you pick Pattaya you will see a great deal of it. Both might cost you the same. Trying to see it all just isn’t realistic and in my opinion your trip is going to be extremely tiring

  • @dimplypaprika7693
    @dimplypaprika7693 День назад

    But wait -- i thought i could live like a king for $1000/mo in Thailand????😢

    • @lannyjr1042
      @lannyjr1042 День назад +2

      $1k is more than enough if you live modest life. And no girls😂

    • @dimplypaprika7693
      @dimplypaprika7693 День назад +1

      ​@@lannyjr1042
      I don't necessarily want a 'modest' life. I want a life similar to what i have now in San Francisco. It can be a bit more modest, but i didn't work my whole life too live in poverty. I want it to be rewarding.

    • @colinshurey976
      @colinshurey976 День назад +2

      You can live for $1000 a month
      But if you can afford more you will enjoy more

  • @noklekpui
    @noklekpui День назад +2

    I don't spend 70000 baht to live a nice lifestyle in an expensive Western country, I have a nice 2024 car,good health insurance and go on multiple vacations.
    I have stayed in Thailand multiple times for more than a month and I know that 70k baht is more than enough.
    99% of people move to Thailand to save money and not completely overspend

    • @RamzeTravels
      @RamzeTravels  День назад +8

      I respect and appreciate other people’s choices and lifestyles but it isn’t mine. My home and its related expenses costs me 70K a month. I would only live half way around the world from my native country if I could live way better.