What will your life actually cost?

Pick a city and the options that match how you plan to live, not the cheapest scenario or the wishful one.

City

BangkokChiang MaiHo Chi Minh CityDa Nang

Accommodation

StudioFurnished, good area1 bedroomModern building2 bedroomsRoom for a partner or office

Food and drink

Mostly localMarkets and street foodMixedLocal plus western cafésMostly westernRestaurants and dining out

Getting around

Walk and publicBTS, MRT, busesRideshareGrab for most tripsOwn vehicleMotorbike or car

Health insurance

BasicHospital onlyStandardInpatient and outpatientComprehensiveFull cover including dental

Lifestyle

QuietBooks, walks, home cookingSocialBars, cafés, short tripsActiveTravel, gym, events

Estimated monthly cost in Bangkok

A$0/month

A$0 a year

AUD, 2026 mid-range estimates, utilities included. Your neighbourhood, habits and the exchange rate will move these numbers.

Move to SEA

Honest guides for moving and retiring to South East Asia. Written by Felix Harris, an Australian living in South East Asia.

General information only. This is not legal, migration, tax or financial advice.