Table of Contents
Thailand’s economy in 2025 is projected to have a GDP of $545.341 billion, with an inflation rate of 0.8%. The country has a population of 70 million and uses the Thai Baht (THB) as its currency. The average monthly income in 2025 is estimated at 16,000 THB, reflecting a modest 1.8% increase from the previous year.
From 2010 to 2025, income levels have steadily risen. In 2010, the average monthly income was 9,000 THB, growing at a consistent pace. By 2020, it reached 14,000 THB, and by 2024, it was 15,715 THB. The growth rate has slowed in recent years, with a smaller 1.8% increase in 2025 compared to earlier years.
Living costs have also increased gradually over the years. In 2010, the cost of living per month was 12,000 THB. By 2015, it reached 14,000 THB, and in 2020, it stood at 16,000 THB. In 2025, the estimated cost of living is 17,000 THB, marking a minimal 0.6% rise from the previous year. This slower increase aligns with Thailand’s low inflation rate.
Housing costs take up the largest portion of expenses, accounting for 40% of the total living cost in 2025. The average monthly housing expense is 8,000 THB. Over the years, housing costs have increased steadily, from 4,800 THB in 2010 to 6,800 THB in 2025. The growth rate has slowed significantly in recent years, with just a 0.6% rise in 2025.
Food expenses account for 25% of total costs, amounting to 5,000 THB per month in 2025. The cost of food has grown gradually from 3,000 THB in 2010 to 4,250 THB in 2025, following a similar trend as housing costs. The price increase in 2025 is minimal at 0.6%.
Transportation costs amount to 2,000 THB per month, or 10% of total expenses. Utility costs, including electricity, water, and internet, total 1,500 THB, representing 7.5% of expenses. Healthcare expenses are 1,000 THB per month, while entertainment costs and miscellaneous expenses each total 1,500 THB per month.
Thailand’s economy has experienced stable income growth and rising living costs, though the rate of increase has slowed in recent years. The low inflation rate in 2025 has contributed to the modest rise in expenses, ensuring that purchasing power remains relatively stable.
Let’s take an in-depth look at Thailand’s economy, income levels, and living costs from 2010 to 2025. Get detailed insights on rent, food, and other expenses.
Country Overview Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Capital | Bangkok |
| Population | 70 million (2025) |
| Currency | Thai Baht (THB) |
| Official Language | Thai |
| GDP (2025)⤤ | $545.341 Billion |
| Inflation Rate (2025) | 0.8% |
| Average Monthly Income | 16,000 THB |
Living Cost Per Month (Per Person) Breakdown (2025)
| Expense Category | Cost (THB) | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | 8,000 | 40% |
| Food | 5,000 | 25% |
| Transportation | 2,000 | 10% |
| Utilities | 1,500 | 7.5% |
| Healthcare | 1,000 | 5% |
| Entertainment | 1,000 | 5% |
| Miscellaneous | 1,500 | 7.5% |
| Total | 20,000 | 100% |
Income Per Month (Per Person) Table (2010-2025)
| Year | Income (THB) | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 9,000 | – |
| 2011 | 9,500 | 5.6% |
| 2012 | 10,000 | 5.3% |
| 2013 | 10,500 | 5.0% |
| 2014 | 11,000 | 4.8% |
| 2015 | 11,500 | 4.5% |
| 2016 | 12,000 | 4.3% |
| 2017 | 12,500 | 4.2% |
| 2018 | 13,000 | 4.0% |
| 2019 | 13,500 | 3.8% |
| 2020 | 14,000 | 3.7% |
| 2021 | 14,500 | 3.6% |
| 2022 | 15,000 | 3.4% |
| 2023 | 15,500 | 3.3% |
| 2024 | 15,715 | 1.4% |
| 2025 | 16,000 | 1.8% |
Living Cost Per Month (2010-2025) (Per Person)
| Year | Living Cost (THB) | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 12,000 | – |
| 2011 | 12,300 | 2.5% |
| 2012 | 12,600 | 2.4% |
| 2013 | 13,000 | 3.2% |
| 2014 | 13,500 | 3.8% |
| 2015 | 14,000 | 3.7% |
| 2016 | 14,400 | 2.9% |
| 2017 | 14,800 | 2.8% |
| 2018 | 15,300 | 3.4% |
| 2019 | 15,700 | 2.6% |
| 2020 | 16,000 | 1.9% |
| 2021 | 16,200 | 1.3% |
| 2022 | 16,500 | 1.8% |
| 2023 | 16,700 | 1.2% |
| 2024 | 16,900 | 1.2% |
| 2025 | 17,000 | 0.6% |
Breakdown of Housing Cost Per Month (2010-2025) and Food Cost Per Month (2010-2025)
Based on the 2025 percentages:
- Housing (40% of Living Cost)
- Food (25% of Living Cost)
Housing Cost Per Month (2010-2025)
| Year | Housing Cost (THB) | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 4,800 | – |
| 2011 | 4,920 | 2.5% |
| 2012 | 5,040 | 2.4% |
| 2013 | 5,200 | 3.2% |
| 2014 | 5,400 | 3.8% |
| 2015 | 5,600 | 3.7% |
| 2016 | 5,760 | 2.9% |
| 2017 | 5,920 | 2.8% |
| 2018 | 6,120 | 3.4% |
| 2019 | 6,280 | 2.6% |
| 2020 | 6,400 | 1.9% |
| 2021 | 6,480 | 1.3% |
| 2022 | 6,600 | 1.8% |
| 2023 | 6,680 | 1.2% |
| 2024 | 6,760 | 1.2% |
| 2025 | 6,800 | 0.6% |
Food Cost Per Month (2010-2025)
| Year | Food Cost (THB) | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 3,000 | – |
| 2011 | 3,075 | 2.5% |
| 2012 | 3,150 | 2.4% |
| 2013 | 3,250 | 3.2% |
| 2014 | 3,375 | 3.8% |
| 2015 | 3,500 | 3.7% |
| 2016 | 3,600 | 2.9% |
| 2017 | 3,700 | 2.8% |
| 2018 | 3,825 | 3.4% |
| 2019 | 3,925 | 2.6% |
| 2020 | 4,000 | 1.9% |
| 2021 | 4,050 | 1.3% |
| 2022 | 4,125 | 1.8% |
| 2023 | 4,175 | 1.2% |
| 2024 | 4,225 | 1.2% |
| 2025 | 4,250 | 0.6% |
Conclusion
Thailand has experienced consistent economic growth from 2010 to 2025. While the cost of living has risen moderately, it remains an affordable country compared to many Western nations. The steady increase in wages helps balance affordability for residents and expatriates alike.
Sources:
World Bank – Data.worldbank.org
Numbeo – Numbeo.com
OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) –Oecd.org
IMF (International Monetary Fund) – imf.org
Statista – Statista.com
