What's the avg cost of living - not extravagant? - Pattaya forum

What's the avg cost of living - not extravagant?

Member since 08 July 2012

monkeymooNew member08 July 2012 08:12:14

Hi all, new to the forum here. I'm newly disabled (walking, but chronic pain...too long to explain here!) and considering moving to Pattaya in a few years. I've been looking at condos from Heights-Holdings and they look nice. Small, but nice. Not a problem for me, I can live in (and prefer) a smaller place. Also like the "hotel" feel of the places they offer. I don't have wads of cash, however, and will be living mainly on my SS disability check. Am single female, will be in my late 40s when I move (2015ish). I'm wondering:

(1) What's the average cost of living (excluding rent) in Pattaya? I don't cook and would like to eat out most meals (but doesn't have to be fancy). I would like to have a cleaner in at least once each week as well, and help with laundry. I do like to have drinks with friends, play trivia or mah Jong, or other board games, read, watch tv/movies, and to meet and make friends with peeps from all over the world.

(2) given my physical limitations, would love to have a (legitimate) massage two or three times each week.

(3) Love a good bottle of wine or rum...

Would I be able to enjoy all of the above on less than $800/month? and,

(4) Any good/bad reviews on Heights Holdings properties? Is this a reputable company?

Any advice as to the above would be greatly appreciated!

FYI, have successfully done the expat thing before, and I'm a brave soul that thrives on travel and meeting/spending time with friends, so no worries about homesickness unless I can't get a diet coke there!

Ta,

Debs

Straydog Serial expat

Member since 21 May 2010

StraydogSerial expat08 July 2012 08:52:35

611

I think 2015 is a bit far out asking about average cost of living.聽 No one knows what will happen over the next several years to that average cost of living.

In my opinion your $800 will not be enough unless you only eat Thai food with an occasional western dish from time to time.聽 Cost of eating western food out can add up quickly.聽 Check these two site so you have an idea of food cost at various restaurants.

Heights Holdings condos that I have looked at seems to be good quality but I do feel they are over priced for the size.聽 That can also be said of other new projects.

You left out utilities and transportation cost as well as medical insurance.聽 I assume that will come out of your $800 dollars also.

monkeymoo New member

Member since 08 July 2012

monkeymooNew member08 July 2012 10:47:25

Hi, thanks for the fast reply!

No, some other expenses I left out as I'll have other funds to cover them. I'm just trying to reduce my living expenses as much as possible, stretching each dollar to give myself a semi-decent life. I do appreciate 2015 is far away, but when trying to purchase a nice condo on the cheap it's easier to understand today's costs and try to plan ahead.

Thank you for the info and the links! :-)

kaizoku Active member

Member since 03 February 2012

kaizokuActive member12 July 2012 07:50:46

For a couple, you will be OK with 1200/1500聙 a month.

Here is an exemple of uncompresible expense. You will then need to add food, gaz, beer ...

Year/Month/Day

House rent    216000 18000 592
Charge (cleaning) 9840 820 27
Charge(water+elec) 24000 2000 66
Internet    7584 632 21

Rent Scooter    24000 2000 66

Visa run 1    30000 2500 82
Visa run 2    30000 2500 82

Health insurance 48000 4000 131

TOTAL    389424 32452 1067

monkeymoo New member

Member since 08 July 2012

monkeymooNew member12 July 2012 08:10:44

Many thanks, that's a great help! It is definitely doable for me! :-)

nongnew Member

Member since 09 July 2011

nongnewMember28 August 2012 04:29:06

If you have plan to living Pattaya 2015 from now i think you should buy condo under construction (new Project) [moderated]

Alboro New member

Member since 10 November 2012

AlboroNew member10 November 2012 20:32:50

Visa run 1聽聽聽聽30000聽 2500聽聽 82
Visa run 2聽聽聽聽30000聽 2500聽聽 82

what is this? do we have to pay this for a visa each time we go back to UK? sorry Im a first timer here..

seattle99 Active member

Member since 30 May 2011

seattle99Active member10 November 2012 20:46:51

monkeymoo wrote:
Many thanks, that's a great help! It is definitely doable for me! :-)

1,200 to 1,500 Euros is equal to:

$1,525 to $1,900 USD

kaizoku Active member

Member since 03 February 2012

kaizokuActive member11 November 2012 01:17:28

Alboro wrote:
Visa run 1 30000 2500 82
Visa run 2 30000 2500 82

what is this? do we have to pay this for a visa each time we go back to UK? sorry Im a first timer here..

30 000 Baht is maybe a bit too much. All include we are closer to 20 000 Baht for 2x 6 month tourist visa. It could be a bit cheaper if you live next to laos border or if you decide to go by yourself.

Visa run 1 and 2 is for me and my wife.

Now it's a bit different as my wife has a work permit and I have a studient visa. But globaly it's the same price even a bit more I think.

Studient visa :

* Original price from Pattaya to Laos with agency 7000 Baht
* 1900 extention every 3 months = 6000 Baht
* 2000 / month for 4h tha茂 lecon per week = 24000 Baht

TOTAL : 37000 Baht

Then you should add 1000 each time you want to go out of the country (back home, trip to cambogia)

But for this money at least I have something (4h thai/week) and I don't need to go out of the country.