How much is the cost of living in Thailand for international students?
Thailand is one of the most visited places in Asia as it has outstanding beaches, sumptuous food, friendly locals, and more. But do you know the country is home to some of the world’s best universities?
If you have fallen in love with Thailand and want to upgrade your education simultaneously, we can help!
Read on to learn more about the cost of living in Thailand for international students. We also included valuable tips and answers to frequently asked questions about studying in the “Land of Smiles.”

Tuition fees in Thailand for international students
The tuition fee is a considerable part of the cost of living in Thailand for international students. Surprisingly, the best universities in the country have reasonably-priced charges.
Here are the top learning institutions in major areas of the country, including their available programs and tuition fee.
Bangkok
Available programs: Economics, Engineering, Tourism, Social Sciences, Languages, Tropical Agriculture, and Business Administration.
Tuition fee: 2,190 EUR per semester
Phuket
Available programs: Business, Economics, Administration, Management, Culture, Hospitality, Tourism, and Languages
Tuition fee: 2,190 EUR per semester
To see the complete list of the top colleges in the country, click HERE.

Cost of living in Thailand for international students
After the tuition fee, below is a breakdown of the cost of living in Thailand for international students courtesy of Numbeo.
Accommodation
One-bedroom apartment in the city | 374.49 EUR |
One-bedroom apartment outside the city | 218.34 EUR |
Three-bedroom apartment in the city | 1,019 EUR |
Three-bedroom apartment outside the city | 582.91 EUR |
Monthly utilities
Electricity, heating, water, etc. | 64.48 EUR |
Mobile phone with a monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ | 14.18 EUR |
60 Mbps or more internet connection at your accommodation | 15.55 EUR |

Grocery items
1.5 liter of bottled water | .43 EUR |
One liter of milk | 1.48 EUR |
A loaf of bread | 1.25 EUR |
One kg of rice | 1.14 EUR |
A dozen of eggs | 1.64 EUR |
Local cheese | 15.14 EUR |
One kg of chicken fillet | 2.38 EUR |
One kg of beef | 9.91 EUR |
One kg apple | 2.41 EUR |
One kg banana | 1.08 EUR |
One kg tomato | 1.26 EUR |
One kg onion | 1.02 EUR |
One kg potato | 1.28 EUR |

Transportation
Monthly pass | 30.59 EUR |
One-way ticket | .80 EUR |
Starting rate of a taxi ride | .93 EUR |
One liter of gasoline | 1.10 EUR |

Leisure and wellness
Gym membership | 43.11 EUR |
Cinema ticket | 6.38 EUR |
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | 2.13 EUR |
McDonald’s combo meal | 5.32 EUR |
Cappuccino | 1.79 EUR |
0.5-liter local beer | 1.86 EUR |
.33 liter imported beer | 3.05 EUR |
.33 liter Coke or Pepsi | .58 EUR |
Clothing
A pair of midrange rubber shoes | 80.20 EUR |
Leather shoes | 67.88 EUR |
Jeans | 41.10 EUR |
Casual dress | 30.38 EUR |

Tips on how to budget the cost of living in Thailand for international students
The cost of living in Thailand for international students is generally reasonable, but if you are on a limited budget, below are tips you must consider:
- Your rent is one of the most significant expenses while studying abroad. Research and look for apartments or dorms near the university to reduce daily transportation costs.
- Instead of eating out regularly, opt to cook your meals. Thailand has many groceries with affordable and fresh produce.
- The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) can surely lessen the cost of living in Thailand for international students. Aside from necessities, it also discounts stimulating activities in the country for a well-balanced life.
- You may certainly work 20 hours a week and provide services in tutoring, teaching the English language, functioning as a tour guide, etc, under a work permit. The hourly pay in the country is approximately $9.27.

Frequently Asked Questions
What are the student visa requirements in Thailand?
- A passport with six months validity
- A photocopy of your passport
- Letter of acceptance from a Thai university
- Thailand Student Visa application form that you can download online
- Police clearance from your home country
- Proof of financial capability
To learn more about student visas for Asian countries, visit our Visas and Passports page.
Is it safe to study in Thailand for international students?
Aside from the low cost of living in Thailand for international students, the country’s safety certainly attracts learners to enroll. However, like other study abroad destinations, always be alert and save the emergency hotline number for assistance.
How is the transportation system in Thailand?
Metro or Skytrain surely offers good service to get around the city. Buses are also available but prone to passing congested traffic areas.

In a nutshell
The cost of living in Thailand for international students is indeed reasonable and can be reduced further by following our shared tips.
Upgrade your studies today! Schedule a free counseling session, and our team of experts will assist with your educational goals.
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About the writer
Mark has been a professional content writer for four years. He is an expert in creating articles about education and studying abroad. His writings don’t only inform; he also wants to establish emotional connections with readers.