LIVING UNDER $600 IN THAILAND | CHIANG MAI COST OF LIVING GUIDE

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  • čas přidán 23. 02. 2017
  • My most ambitious video, 'Living Under $600' is a cross between the ultimate guide to cost of living in Chiang Mai and a budget travel show.
    When my viewers continually asked for more information on how much they could except to spend living here, I decided it would be much more powerful to show them rather than just give advice....
    This video is both.
    For a full breakdown of absolutely everything I spent during the 30 days as well as my top budgeting tips and framework for determining your own cost of living in Chiang Mai, check out the blog post at:
    christhefreelancer.com/chiang-...
    Also, if you're coming to Chiang Mai, check out my guide for Digital Nomads here:
    christhefreelancer.com/chiang-...
    Other Links Mentioned
    ---------------------------------------
    Chiang Mai Apartment Guide
    christhefreelancer.com/finding...
    The 'Huay Kaew Waterfall' Vlog
    • HUAY KAEW WATERFALL (C...
    My Office of the Day video on Mana Coworking space
    • MANA COWORKING SPACE |...
    My Nomad Summit Video
    • NOMAD SUMMIT 2017 | D...
    --------------------------------------------
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Komentáře • 3,6K

  • @CheapCharlieChronicles
    @CheapCharlieChronicles Před 7 lety +36

    It's definitely possible. In fact you can live for under $300 per month if you cook your own food. You can buy two big bags of rice for $10 that will last the month and supplement that with vegetables and fruit purchased from the market. Not only is that a cheap diet but it is extremely healthy. You can live in a cheap room for 3,000 baht or under $100 per month.

    • @MrHwilRRR
      @MrHwilRRR Před rokem

      Wow. :D

    • @jamescasey1074
      @jamescasey1074 Před rokem +6

      You can sleep on street for free and set rat traps and collect rain water 💧

    • @Donaldperson7
      @Donaldperson7 Před rokem

      You have to add beer or vodka and redbull?

    • @deborahcurtis1385
      @deborahcurtis1385 Před rokem

      Seriously? I wondered myself at that because that's what I'd do!
      Eating out constantly gets old and it's a waste of money even if it's relatively cheap.
      Great tip! Especially if you're teaching English and on a low pay scale.
      Also what's the need to impress others by living in a luxury tower? If the power goes out it's a long way up 40 floors of stairs!

  • @dralfred2400
    @dralfred2400 Před rokem +385

    Choosing the right industry to invest is very critical, Most times, it amazes me greatly how I moved from an average lifestyle to earning over $83k per month. Utter shock is the word. I have understood a lot in the past few years to doubt that opportunities are bound in the financial markets. The only thing is to know where to focus.

    • @dralfred2400
      @dralfred2400 Před rokem

      @Peter Moore That won't bother you if you trade with a professional like Mr Tony Alin berker my coach, you may have come across him on interviews relating to bitcoin. He trades, manage trading account and offer mentorship program for clients who wish to become professional investors.

    • @canary7361
      @canary7361 Před rokem

      Wow I can't believe you guys are discussing about Mr Tony Alin berker, I once met him at a conference in California 2019, just before the pandemic. I can testify that is very good in trading..Highly recommended.

    • @macherie9554
      @macherie9554 Před rokem

      @@canary7361 Well this not my first time of seeing this name on social platform. A CNBC news host spoke highly of this man and his trading strategies. Do you know him ? if yes , did you invest with him ?

    • @canary7361
      @canary7361 Před rokem

      @@macherie9554 Yes i do, I've known him for couple of years , I'm still using his services , His management team is quite impressive so far.... with my $15,000 deposit, I made over $288,000 US Dollars profit with just 10% charge.

    • @dralfred2400
      @dralfred2400 Před rokem

      @Peter Moore It's 100% safe and legal , He’s an expert trader on stocks and crypto. I basically do nothing but collect profits, he was able to get me in early on most of these stocks and I exited just at the right time, his analysis was really on point.

  • @vicx05
    @vicx05 Před 5 lety +48

    The key is to learn Thai and embrace their culture, or at least try. The foreigners I met who speak Thai are respected by the locals and get treated like one, if you don't you'll just be treated as another outsider. Plus what's the point in living in a foreign country if you're not willing to embrace the culture? You've got to adapt where ever you go in the world to really appreciate the experience, not try to live your old life in a new place, change your perspective and learn to adapt and integrate, that's how you'll find fulfillment.

    • @ronaldp.vaillancourtjr.3019
      @ronaldp.vaillancourtjr.3019 Před 2 lety +2

      AMEN!!!

    • @haerdy1337
      @haerdy1337 Před 2 lety +4

      i really wish everybody, could think in this way - kapkhun krap.

    • @timcollins3484
      @timcollins3484 Před 2 lety +2

      I teach English privately to IELTS standards and it genuinely gives me the maximum respect for a farang.

    • @rickdalessandro721
      @rickdalessandro721 Před 2 lety +4

      Just like people who come to America should!

    • @peterkimcpams9385
      @peterkimcpams9385 Před rokem +1

      Well said and totally agree!! Cheers from Bajamar, Baja, Mexico!

  • @nathansuka5302
    @nathansuka5302 Před 3 lety +23

    I’m a native Thai and living in Chiangmai as well. I’m currently living on 600 too. You can get way more luxury out of this money. Also, you can get the price down to 300 - 400 if you want to be on budget. Firstly, be smart about where you choose the flat. Red district for foreigners where all the staff speak English is definitely not the best choice. Etc.

    • @grantusmaximus5177
      @grantusmaximus5177 Před rokem

      Hello I'm really considering about moving to Thailand would it be possible to email u so I can ask you a few things please.

    • @b.moyascko143
      @b.moyascko143 Před rokem +1

      Hello I'd really love some detailed infos too...

    • @mediaskate648
      @mediaskate648 Před 8 měsíci

      Where is the foreigner district specifically?

  • @DennisSiller
    @DennisSiller Před 7 lety +548

    Major props to you on this project. Takes quite a commitment, not to only track every single expense, but to provide quality video content for an audience on the topic. Now people have a thorough, tangible resource to set their expectations of living in CM. Bravo!

    • @ChristheFreelancer
      @ChristheFreelancer  Před 7 lety +31

      Thanks Dennis. It did take a long time to produce 🙏

    • @LivingFree207
      @LivingFree207 Před 7 lety +3

      I totally agree. That was so helpful to see the breakdown of all the costs.

    • @kc4ril
      @kc4ril Před 7 lety +4

      Yeah great video, but that Denise girl seems a bit negative and annoying.

    • @kc4ril
      @kc4ril Před 7 lety +3

      Well that depends what your comparing her too, if you used to high maintenance girls who expect to get their way all the time then I guess she's not that bad.

    • @markrigsby2107
      @markrigsby2107 Před 7 lety +1

      Dennis Siller He really did his ,homework.

  • @TheBudgeteers
    @TheBudgeteers Před 7 lety +957

    woah....that was cool but dude, I lived in Thailand for 3 years and never spent more than $400 USD per month - just eat thai, drink beers once a week, enjoy the free activities like running and swimming on the beaches and i stayed in PIMP place with pool and air con too. 15,000Baht for a flat is mental! i payed 6,000 for a 3 bedroom house then upgraded to a one bedroom bungalow with pool for 8,000 and that was by myself...shit i thought Chaing Mai was cheap! This was in Chumphon btw - amazing location. great concept for your video - you're a budgeteer at heart and we love it haha :) all the best Chris!

    • @ChristheFreelancer
      @ChristheFreelancer  Před 7 lety +21

      Haha thanks guys. Not sure where that is but it sounds like a very affordable area!

    • @pockets19890
      @pockets19890 Před 7 lety +3

      Its in Koh Samui I use to live in Maenam area but Chumpon was pretty nice from what I saw of it I lived in Koh Samui in southern thailand for a year.

    • @fabriziobertoglio7342
      @fabriziobertoglio7342 Před 7 lety +11

      Yes, I think you can even live cheaper outside metropolitan Areas. I would spend 130$ A month for a very nice room in a Villa with swimming-pool in Bali near to Balangan surf spot, but outside the city

    • @LuvuluvuLaChic
      @LuvuluvuLaChic Před 7 lety +29

      I'm going to agree with you Budgeteers, I lived in Chiang Mai for two years and still living here atm and I spend around $450-500 monthly, but I live in Studio...its really does depend on what type of lifestyle you want..But I live comfortably..hang out with friends and all but I don't do western food too much..It's Thailand so I do it like the locals...

    • @LuvuluvuLaChic
      @LuvuluvuLaChic Před 7 lety +4

      Sweet I'm moving to Bali next month..

  • @andrewgarrettson1140
    @andrewgarrettson1140 Před rokem +3

    One of the best Cost of Living Abroad videos I've ever seen. I like how direct and concise you are, enabling you to also be both informative and entertaining. Good job all around and thanks for putting in the effort.

  • @covfefe5156
    @covfefe5156 Před 4 lety +8

    You cannot ignore the visa expense. It is very high and MUST be paid monthly and quarterly. The extension after the first 30 days (which was free on arrival in Thailand) is 1900 baht (62USD) for 30 more days. If you have to make a visa run to another country at the end of the second month, that is additional expense by bus or airplane (not free). Plus consider the cost of the tourist visa and lodging in the other country for the two or three days you will be there and then the cost of the Thai visa to come back to CM. You might also want to include the cost of the bribe of the Embassy staff to expedite getting your new Thai visa. (Of course, I would never consider doing that.) Excluding the cost of visas gives an extremely inaccurate picture of the cost to live in Chiang Mai.

  • @SamDustin0077
    @SamDustin0077 Před 7 lety +834

    meanwhile im living in a nyc closet for $1000 :(

    • @Greenhelix5
      @Greenhelix5 Před 7 lety +11

      Clorox Delivery Boy it's really expensive huh? Iv heard of it and wonder how anyone makes it

    • @SamDustin0077
      @SamDustin0077 Před 7 lety +47

      you would be lucky to find a place thats 1000. usually its 2-4 thousand for decent space

    • @gherkinssister
      @gherkinssister Před 7 lety +23

      Build/edit your resume and send it elsewhere! Get out while you're still sane xD

    • @TwixProHD
      @TwixProHD Před 7 lety +13

      Clorox Delivery Boy why is it so expensive in NYC ?

    • @jarvissdot7700
      @jarvissdot7700 Před 7 lety +31

      Clorox Delivery Boy come out the closet

  • @joshuafischl8819
    @joshuafischl8819 Před 7 lety +156

    Is it possible to live in Thailand on $600 per month? - Yes
    Are people comfortably sustainable on $600 per month? - Yes
    Are there many foreigners living this way right now? - Yes
    Is it 1000x better to live on $1000 per month than $600? - Absolutely
    (I spent 2 years living in Thailand on less than $600 per month and while I survived and overall had a good time, it is dreadful in comparison to a $1k+ per month budget and so on)

    • @ChristheFreelancer
      @ChristheFreelancer  Před 7 lety +23

      For me, living on $600 and $1,000 were both comfortable. It helps that I'm living a different life this time. By that, I mean that I've now quit sugar, started intermittent fasting and stopped going to coworking spaces. The reason why I stopped doing these things wasn't really about cost but it ended up saving me at least a few hundred dollars.
      If you wanted to live long-term in Thailand, you obviously need to factor in other expenses like VISAs, flights and emergency expenses. So yes, I think $1,000 is a comfortable number :)

    • @3rdJose
      @3rdJose Před 7 lety +1

      lmfao! gtfoh

    • @ytu123
      @ytu123 Před 7 lety +1

      Bangkok Banjo h

    • @jacked6
      @jacked6 Před 7 lety +8

      ytu123 people aren't comfortable with $600 a month. Completely false. To be honest its a budget for people who just want to survive and exist. No time for entertainment, out having fun, etc. Forget it.

    • @taebaik7739
      @taebaik7739 Před 7 lety +2

      without social life at night and Thai-girlfriend. There are so many single
      rooms for under 4000 bat. live like him in CM, need around $1000.

  • @Felixxxxxxxxx
    @Felixxxxxxxxx Před 4 lety +20

    Funny how you could live more luxurious life on 600 USD than what I can with my regular life in Norway on 2784 USD after taxes.

    • @letsbefreeletsbefree7183
      @letsbefreeletsbefree7183 Před 2 lety +1

      Yeah norway is expensive i live in sweden also expensive here but not like in norway but you have higher salaries in your country also :)

  • @susaetern
    @susaetern Před 4 lety +5

    395 Baht is (as of October 2019) 12.98 USD. I have relatives who work as food vendors in Pattaya who live off of half of that per day. I don't even live on 10 USD per day. Totally do-able. It's only challenging for those who have never been poor, or who don't live frugal.

  • @grantbartel
    @grantbartel Před 6 lety +8

    Really an excellent post. I've watched several digital nomad channels on CZcams and your's so far's the most genuine, informative, non-salesmanny one yet. Keep it up!

    • @pieterallenmasterblue1402
      @pieterallenmasterblue1402 Před 4 lety

      His information was 100% a load of crap Grant his living for less than $600 cost him $1,600.

  • @via403
    @via403 Před 5 lety +76

    i love when he left his keys in his room, and had to buy emergency expenses that one of the emergency expenses was coffee ahaha

    • @vincentting7488
      @vincentting7488 Před 4 lety +1

      Vincent And one roll of toilet paper, too ☝️

  • @cliffstevenson5773
    @cliffstevenson5773 Před 4 lety +10

    Very well done. A practical and candid fiscal diary, perfect for would-be travelers. Meanwhile to an aging retiree, it provides the vicarious pleasure of vigor, competence, hope, and most of all, time. You go Chris.

  • @MickDoesStuff
    @MickDoesStuff Před 4 lety +10

    Yeah eating out can be so cheap in some places that its worth getting rather than a trip to the supermarket and spending the time cooking.

  • @chrishardy3473
    @chrishardy3473 Před 5 lety +127

    Chill out on the coffee pal

    • @williamlattin
      @williamlattin Před 3 lety +1

      1AM

    • @Carlos-fi3xr
      @Carlos-fi3xr Před 3 lety +1

      williamlattin he’s. Tweeker

    • @Carlos-fi3xr
      @Carlos-fi3xr Před 3 lety +1

      ABC DEF jihadi

    • @wendybrierley5412
      @wendybrierley5412 Před 3 lety +4

      Why do you need to buy water and coffee? Make your own coffee or tea. Can't you use tap water or boiled and cooled water in old bottles?
      What a waste of money and too many plastic bottles.

    • @soulife8383
      @soulife8383 Před 3 lety +5

      @@wendybrierley5412 you're obviously not familiar with the local water 🤢

  • @geekster3092
    @geekster3092 Před 4 lety +11

    I have lived in Thailand for 17 years. I have recently moved out of the city to a rural area because it's cheaper, less crowded and so relaxing. Plus we get to grow most of our own food. Exchange rates sucks big time right now. A lot of expats are having to leave. Keep your eyes on the rates.

    • @thabangdikae7358
      @thabangdikae7358 Před 4 lety +2

      To where did you move please? I'm really looking into relocating that side so I'm gathering data as much I can.

    • @geekster3092
      @geekster3092 Před 4 lety +4

      @@thabangdikae7358 Amnat Chareon.

    • @anfrae25
      @anfrae25 Před 9 měsíci

      Why are the expats having to leave?

  • @ItsTooEasy
    @ItsTooEasy Před 4 lety +6

    I pay about $1000 a month on just rent and utilities and this man went out to eat, hang out in nightclubs with friends, and had coffee everyday for 3/5 of my budget for just my living space. Mind blown🤯‼️

    • @fredbohm4728
      @fredbohm4728 Před rokem

      Then change your habits, have a better look around.

    • @fredbohm4728
      @fredbohm4728 Před rokem

      Are you saying you spend 32,000 baht a month to live where you do? or did i misunderstand?

    • @anfrae25
      @anfrae25 Před 9 měsíci

      Where do you live?

  • @skorpianking73
    @skorpianking73 Před 4 lety +6

    Great video. I appreciate the breakdown and everything was easy to understand. Nicely organized with dope visuals. Makes really consider adding this place to my bucket list of travel. Thanks for making this vid 👍🏿Nice work🤘🏾

  • @adrianingram4201
    @adrianingram4201 Před 7 lety +100

    Nice man! You've got the travel show host voice down pat haha

  • @staindseether4220
    @staindseether4220 Před 5 lety +4

    I have seen numerous videos on this topic by a large assortment of other tubers, and yours is vastly more detailed, and informative. Many of them have a title similar to yours, but after watching I only have an idea of what a few assorted purchases at street vendors cost.
    Two enthusiastic thumbs up brother! Much appreciated!

  • @jamaalme6961
    @jamaalme6961 Před 5 lety +23

    This video definitely made me want to check out Thailand

  • @SSZaris
    @SSZaris Před rokem +2

    No matter how many countries I visit I'll never get used to having to buy water. It makes me feel very grateful for NZ's fresh water.
    Awesome video bro :)

  • @Runner656
    @Runner656 Před 7 lety +9

    Great vid on living on Chiang Mai. The thing to take away from this is that if you are in a partnership, you can afford a bit of better accommodation, although you can get cheaper places that are just as nice if you aren't living in Nimmen where I have found prices to be a bit higher. Under $600 USD is totally doable even if you are a single. Thanks for the vid and the research Chris.

    • @ChristheFreelancer
      @ChristheFreelancer  Před 7 lety +4

      Absolutely! I'm glad you understood that. Doing this as a single person is totally doable, you might just have to stay somewhere a little less nicer.

    • @leebutler299
      @leebutler299 Před 7 lety +1

      glad to hear that runner, youve reassured me a bit more, thanks :)

  • @MOTIVATIONBYDAR
    @MOTIVATIONBYDAR Před 7 lety +6

    Chris you keep outdoing yourself!! Love this man!! I am currently working on my business to take it remote and when I get to that point I have to buy you a beer in Chiang Mai or some other part of the world.

  • @adrienasselineau1086
    @adrienasselineau1086 Před 5 lety +5

    Thank you Chris for all this great content, I look forward to starting my journey in September 😁.

  • @aannggiieess
    @aannggiieess Před 4 lety +2

    A lot of effort went into this video and it totally helped me get an idea of what I'm going to be spending! Thanks for putting it out there!

  • @RedLorryYellowLorry_
    @RedLorryYellowLorry_ Před 6 lety +163

    You'd save way more if you bought a small coffee machine/ portable coffee maker and cooked your own meals

    • @sdushdiu
      @sdushdiu Před 5 lety +37

      Remember, the majority of folks watching this, as well as the poster, haven't adjusted from living with their moms.

    • @motivationtube5848
      @motivationtube5848 Před 4 lety +14

      @@sdushdiu yes cooking in your apartment is a lot cheaper, drink your own coffee and tea too. My room has fast free wifi, balcony, great view and peaceful 3600 baht a month.

    • @memegod4433
      @memegod4433 Před 4 lety +1

      @@sdushdiu very true

    • @black4432
      @black4432 Před 4 lety +11

      I can’t speak for Thailand but in Vietnam the cost between cooking at home and eating out at nice places is negligible. I guess if you really wanted to shoestring it you could but for the average person you can great quality food cheaply if you know where to go

    • @eattravellovejoy20
      @eattravellovejoy20 Před 4 lety +19

      In Thailand it's not cheaper to cook your own meals if you are only cooking for one/two people. You end up spending more on groceries or it goes to waste before you can eat it. Eating from local food stalls or from markets is super cheap.

  • @Bee24680
    @Bee24680 Před 6 lety +5

    Very well prepared and presented video. I like the way you do your analysis in the video. It is pretty objective. Good visual and sound quality too. Nice job. Thank you for the video :-)

  • @jessvan1899
    @jessvan1899 Před 4 lety +1

    Brilliant video, dude !! You give great information and give a feel for the lifestyle. Other videos like this don't give detailed info and are just boring.

  • @kevtherev8194
    @kevtherev8194 Před 5 lety +218

    This dude has NO IDEA how to travel on a shoestring, but its very enjoyable vid

    • @johandevries879
      @johandevries879 Před 5 lety +10

      15 K for rent is defo wayyy too much. Healthcare anyone???

    • @brianmck7363
      @brianmck7363 Před 4 lety

      Why you say that Kev the Rev???

    • @benjaminturk8030
      @benjaminturk8030 Před 4 lety +31

      It wasn't the idea to travel on a shoestring budget. The idea was to see what life is like at less than $600/mo. He spent extra on coffee, pizza, etc. knowing that he would make the budget. He says in the video you can make it happen at as low as $200/mo.

    • @TheWelwyn21
      @TheWelwyn21 Před 4 lety +3

      He hasn't got a clue go back home your lost

    • @benjaminturk8030
      @benjaminturk8030 Před 4 lety +11

      @@TheWelwyn21 wow... the punctuation and the "your" really speaks volumes...

  • @DovevStuff
    @DovevStuff Před 5 lety +9

    Good editing! You're a talented man.

  • @GandalfPassing
    @GandalfPassing Před 7 lety +172

    How to live on $600 by living on $1200 and cheating by halving it because you're with a partner and taking advantage of economies of scale

    • @ChristheFreelancer
      @ChristheFreelancer  Před 7 lety +25

      Not true. If we didn't split the home expenses, it would add only $243.37 to my spending. You definitely can do under $600 without splitting accomodation. Unfortunately, Denise wasn't part of the challenge so she wasn't prepared to live somewhere less nice.

    • @GandalfPassing
      @GandalfPassing Před 7 lety +7

      Chris the Freelancer no problem, it was just a bit unclear because that wasn't focused on in the video. Regardless, very nice video and I appreciate your content!!!

    • @YangSunWoo
      @YangSunWoo Před 7 lety +1

      You can technically live in Chiang mai for around 300-600 dollars a month.

    • @Keyframe5
      @Keyframe5 Před 7 lety +3

      I might head to Chiang Mai and we can spite the rent 3 ways. So it should just cost you $450/mo. lol

    • @chang112x
      @chang112x Před 7 lety +1

      true

  • @jwilliams123
    @jwilliams123 Před 4 lety +208

    "lets live on a cheap budget" *eats out every meal* lol
    I'd do less eating out and more Thai massages

    • @Sk1tz092
      @Sk1tz092 Před 4 lety +16

      eats out every meal for a dollar yeah.

    • @redsquirrel3893
      @redsquirrel3893 Před 4 lety +2

      There eating out and renting for 2 for just under what I spend to cook and rent for one in the UK and with a nicer place place pool , gym and all in the most expensive month there with people in the comments saying what they paid is expensive for the area.

    • @doyoueatrocks
      @doyoueatrocks Před 4 lety +2

      Jordan Williams Thai massage is 200/hour... I’d fit a few of those in two

    • @jwilliams123
      @jwilliams123 Před 4 lety

      @@doyoueatrocks
      A thai massage IN Thailand is 200 per hour?....never been but that seems odd. You can get a massage from a registered massage therapist with years of experience and training for less then that here. And Thailand is much cheaper from what I hear.
      Also, *too

    • @doyoueatrocks
      @doyoueatrocks Před 4 lety +20

      200 baht bro. (US$6.25)

  • @Michael9-23-15
    @Michael9-23-15 Před 4 lety +1

    Great job on this video.Thanks so much for the information.. You've helped me figure it all out.

  • @NickNakorn
    @NickNakorn Před 7 lety +4

    A great video that very much chimes with my own experience living in the southern suburbs of Bangkok for 6 months. Luckily, my Thai sister pointed me in the right direction and I found a large one-room plus bathroom and balcony in a modest but clean block about 10 minutes walk from the Sky-train. I paid 1,000 Bht a month plus 500 Bht for internet and a one-off payment of 600 Bht for a fridge. I went without air-con and that saved a lot on electricity. As I was on the 6th floor, there was usually a good breeze and the internal corridors were all open to the air at each end and there was a large vent over the front door too. As I live in the UK normally, it took a few days to get used to the heat but I got so used to it that I actually felt chilly at night sometimes. I spent £2,500 in total for 6 months including a visa run to Laos. Cheers.

  • @MarkFreedom
    @MarkFreedom Před 7 lety +3

    Best Chiang Mai video I have seen. Mad props.

  • @azuadeeazmin2483
    @azuadeeazmin2483 Před 4 lety

    Nice vid. Plus the analysis at the end is a breath of fresh air in youtube

  • @kohchangtai7820
    @kohchangtai7820 Před rokem

    An excellent video, even for those not on a budget. Thanks for taking the time to make it.

  • @Felixxxxxxxxx
    @Felixxxxxxxxx Před 6 lety +5

    This is very well made . Thank you!

  • @rfpeace
    @rfpeace Před 7 lety +10

    Not what I was thinking when you said "favorite at the end of a massage" LOL!
    cheers mate!
    ron:)

  • @CGF101
    @CGF101 Před 5 lety +62

    U spent half of the budget on coffee lol

  • @GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand

    Great to get your perspective on living in Chiang Mai ❤️ Thanks for sharing 🙏

  • @maximthibodeau4534
    @maximthibodeau4534 Před 7 lety +29

    Router is free with AIS... and internet cost 600b per month and is very fast. Also, if u're on a budget, buying in *bulk* in Makro, like water, toilet paper, etc, is a must. Edit: Overall, very well made video! I need to say tho that you have a girlfriend (non-thai), which help you a lot in term of utilities bill and rent (split). If someone is alone, he will need to spend 7.5k on rent (so a lot less nicer condo), and the cost of utilities, transportation, etc, will be higher (because not split, especially internet, electricity and transport, excluding Songtaew), so he won't be able to eat as much foreign food then u did. Overall, 600 usd is possible and not that hard, but for someone alone he will need to make some adjustment to make it doable cause ur GF help reduce some of ur cost. p.s: 15k for a condo in Nimman area... so expensive... and so small. You can't barely cook. For 15k u'll have a very nice house (100 square meter+), with everything you need, but obv not in Nimman area. Funny how 2/3 of ur expense is rent/utilities, and yet ur condo is small and basic, it's not a critic just a observation of how bad the market is (very pricey).

    • @casualsuede
      @casualsuede Před 7 lety +2

      Marco Polo your property taxes sre $50 a month? and your car insurance is $30 a month? what is your home insurance cost?

    • @QualityKush
      @QualityKush Před 7 lety +4

      but you live in a desert..

    • @80bccaveman87
      @80bccaveman87 Před 6 lety

      This guy here is the real deal. He know what his doing ;)

  • @BobfromHolland
    @BobfromHolland Před 7 lety +7

    Awesome project! I think it would be beneficial to turn this video into multiple episodes. Short videos with regular upload schedules tend to gain traction faster.

  • @TravelLit
    @TravelLit Před měsícem

    Chris!!! This video was gold, you need to update it 7 years later! I remember coming to CM after this and been traveling ever since! Cheers!

  • @lluiszardoya
    @lluiszardoya Před 4 lety +1

    This is 100% your best video dude. Thank you so much. I’d love to see a video about how you do your taxes!!

  • @rickgolden2396
    @rickgolden2396 Před 4 lety +6

    Three years now in Costa Rica and I love it!

    • @alexlee4220
      @alexlee4220 Před 4 lety

      Rick Golden After a few years, I will be heading there myself.

    • @rickgolden2396
      @rickgolden2396 Před 4 lety

      @ It is safer here than other places like the States! You need to use your head and don't call attention to yourself by wearing gold chains and expensive jewelry. Most criminals only want things they can resale like phones or cameras.

  • @iLoveTurtlesHaha
    @iLoveTurtlesHaha Před 7 lety +22

    Ok, fuck it. You've convinced me. I'm going to make iOS apps and move to Thailand. With just $1000 I can live happy.... Also, subbed.

  • @mitchellbarnow1709
    @mitchellbarnow1709 Před 4 lety +2

    This video is over three years old, but CZcams just recommended that I watch it today. This was Chris before CrossFit! 💪🏽💪🏽

  • @eCommerceParadise
    @eCommerceParadise Před 3 lety

    Wow 3 years later and this video has got 2 million views. Awesome work Chris 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

  • @47Agsurfer
    @47Agsurfer Před 7 lety +57

    Look here, The drinking habit is killing the budget. I guess coffee and hot cappuccino are like a western thing/idea, so it cost more. Almost the same price as a full meal. On top of this, the guy is a coffee addict which doesn't help. 2-3 cups a day? I never really get the people that swear by Starbucks. Nothing but over-rated and expensive sugar drink. I guarantee you the "local" coffee cost fraction of that.

    • @sshlubb243
      @sshlubb243 Před 5 lety +10

      Yea, 47 I told this guy starbucks and his coffee addiction is blowing his budget...And get rid of the chick...She's dead weight!

    • @vandamme3911
      @vandamme3911 Před 5 lety

      @@sshlubb243 haha

    • @badlandskid
      @badlandskid Před 5 lety

      Starbucks sux

    • @mattivirta
      @mattivirta Před 5 lety

      starbuck who need ower prize chain shit shop, no newer go in shop.

    • @ElLuiso2010
      @ElLuiso2010 Před 5 lety

      I would say that's it now so much about the drinks at Starbucks themselves, but the ambiance

  • @VagabondLifestyles
    @VagabondLifestyles Před 7 lety +33

    Awesome Chris! Best video journal on living in Chiang Mai I've seen so far. Great Job ;-)

  • @PASSPORTKING2106
    @PASSPORTKING2106 Před 4 lety

    best travel music ive ever heard from a travel vid hands down!

  • @wesparsons5331
    @wesparsons5331 Před 2 lety

    Great vid, glad I subscribed earlier and caught this one👍

  • @carmelaresuma6775
    @carmelaresuma6775 Před 7 lety +3

    This breakdown is on point. We spent about the same per person in a month in Chiang Mai living a similar kind of lifestyle. I wish we tried the Fried Chicken Lady though! Developed a solid addiction to the khao soi vendor across the street from the PromT condo. Can't wait to go back.

  • @robaitken6984
    @robaitken6984 Před 7 lety +11

    I live in Chiang mai, one of the best no BS, blogs on the costs, I live out of the city centre, so food and accommodation is far cheaper, Chris did a good job, on his blog

  • @bhrncic
    @bhrncic Před 4 lety +1

    Thanks so much for taking the time and effort for making this video. Super useful!!!! :)

  • @urbanart7325
    @urbanart7325 Před 3 lety +2

    Motivational video. "Food for thought" in more ways than one.

  • @haurqermereggbertswartz6777

    Thank you for the awesome video that answers all of my questions.

  • @josef6999
    @josef6999 Před 7 lety +30

    Eating out everyday all that nice food with a very comfy accommodation and a pool. for only 600 dollars a month . u can't even live like that in the us for 600 dollars a week!

    • @connieh7690
      @connieh7690 Před 7 lety

      DeadlyIllusionz o

    • @Gamenetreviews
      @Gamenetreviews Před 5 lety +2

      He’s not telling the whole story though. Visa would average 60 a month, insurance would average 60 a month. New clothes would average probably 60 a month. Things like computer repairs and extras like that 60 a month.
      Plus the cost of his rent was cut in half.
      If you did that yourself it would cost like 850 a month minimum, plus you would have a worse apartment. And you would still making basic sacrifices like losing the workspace he had at the beginning, getting a personal motorbike or not.
      I think you really need 1k a month to actually live like that. Which he was, also his GF obviously has income and they are splitting things.

    • @StephenAlexanderVideos
      @StephenAlexanderVideos Před 5 lety

      Completely agree even in the most affordable places you can't do that

    • @jomontanee
      @jomontanee Před 3 lety

      @@Gamenetreviews No, you don’t need 1k. When you can get familiar with the town/city you can find the apartments with less monthly rent fee. And if you can cook meals and make your own coffee it is even cheaper. 18000 THB or 600 US can be reachable.

  • @ikikatabudoacademy-okinawa1688

    Hi chris
    Very impressive Documentary
    Thank you for all your hard work in presenting this video

  • @SAVEDBYTHEBLOOD75
    @SAVEDBYTHEBLOOD75 Před 5 lety +9

    I can't wait to go to Thailand. Im so excited.

    • @ganifit5069
      @ganifit5069 Před 5 lety

      My Flight Attendant Life when are you going? I’d love to hear about your travels😃

    • @llluminatixx7
      @llluminatixx7 Před 3 lety

      @Mark Anthony *white superiors

  • @carltonslaine7756
    @carltonslaine7756 Před 5 lety +5

    Love this video gets to the point very good and by the way love the music very chilling to listen to suites this video big massive thumbs up from me carlton from EnglandU.K.

  • @udishomer5852
    @udishomer5852 Před 6 lety +17

    The living expenses mentioned here do not include:
    1. VISA costs (VISA runs or Education VISA or whatever)
    2. Clothing / shoes
    3. Medical costs (travel insurance / medical insurance / going to the doctor / buying medicine)
    4. Plane ticket to/from Thailand
    5. Buying / replacing gadgets (mobile phone / camera / laptop / etc)
    6. Household items (linens, towels, electric fan, pots/pans, utensils, glassware, etc)
    Over a period of a few years, these items can add up to at least $200-300 a month.

    • @taraynb2753
      @taraynb2753 Před 5 lety +4

      Udi Shomer your list is kinda irrelevant. If one is living a simple or minimalistic life they need to be buying shoes and clothes all the time and also phone chargers aren’t really expensive and don’t break that much yearly

    • @aiahzohar5636
      @aiahzohar5636 Před 5 lety +3

      @@taraynb2753 Not irrelevant at all. I read on a Thai visa website (US) that foreigners should have medical insurance for a long stay (6-months+). And the visas to Thailand are 6-months, not a full year, unless you're on a work or school visa. Not only do these cost money, but you have to factor in the cost of flights to Thailand and between Thailand and wherever else you have to go next (for other visa applications...). Six months pass very quickly, especially with obligatory visa runs. And then there are incidentals & variable costs, like the unofficial foreigner taxes, any legal or other professional services you might need, and transportation expenses.

    • @mattivirta
      @mattivirta Před 5 lety +3

      @@taraynb2753 2 year not need buy new clothes and shoes anywthink. why buy ? no need. need only t-shirt and trouses.and normal human have luggage many shirt,trouses,clothes and shoes,him come there, i has living last 7 year now thailand and no has need buy shoes anythink this time. why buy if no need.same shirts, have 20 shirt in luggage and 7 trouses no need more. last 7 year.

  • @HUGO70R
    @HUGO70R Před 4 lety +3

    thank you for being honest you are one of the few who say the truth

  • @paulduffy8983
    @paulduffy8983 Před 3 lety

    Awesome video. I just accepted a job in Chang Mai today and will be moving in August so this was really helpful. Thanks!

  • @myless.threatt6068
    @myless.threatt6068 Před 5 lety +6

    Not bad, Chris! I lived there for 10 years and could easily do this.

    • @nofood1
      @nofood1 Před 5 lety

      10 years legally? How ?

  • @cliffworks748
    @cliffworks748 Před 7 lety +38

    Chris, I notice your budget does not allow for medical situations that may arise.

    • @ChristheFreelancer
      @ChristheFreelancer  Před 7 lety +16

      You noticed correctly.

    • @lovelyastridd
      @lovelyastridd Před 7 lety +1

      Cliff Works oh boy! hahaha be safe out there!

    • @cliffworks748
      @cliffworks748 Před 7 lety +2

      also noticed you don't munch on snacks or consume much alcohol, good on ya, if one were a single man there'd be expenses entertaining prospective partners and if they were local you'd be expected to foot the bill entirely :-)

    • @Ben-et8wh
      @Ben-et8wh Před 7 lety +1

      there is many many other lifestyles also cliff, this guy is just challenging himself to live under $600 a month. When I was living in Thailand there was months I spent $100 usd living in the jungles and then there was months where I would spend $1500usd

    • @cliffworks748
      @cliffworks748 Před 7 lety +5

      yup i lived in a thai laotian musical convoy over 100 people one year, we camped out at a different
      remote thai temple nightly, traveled by funky old bus, very low cost of living but very primitive lifestyle

  • @SaranyaMileyFan
    @SaranyaMileyFan Před 4 lety

    Thanks!!! Im going to thailand next year for a few months and im planning to go to chiang mai for 1 month because ive never been to chiang mai before. This really helped!

  • @mizpike1683
    @mizpike1683 Před 4 lety +4

    Goodlord things have really changed since I was there! I went to High School (ISB) in Bangkok from 1968-71. Use to take the train up to Chiangmai with friends for.. ah.. fun. Haha! Ohhhh the good old daze! But damn! In those daze $600 a month.. we had a huge house with maids, a driver, all our clothes had made. With hundreds left over. I sooooo miss Thailand. I haven’t been back but a lot of my friends go at least once a year. And I still have friends that live there. I can’t believe that you are spending so much. It’s cheap to live there. Well.. thanks for the memories. You don’t show enough pictures though. A pool!?? There are pools everywhere fgs! Get out and experience the people and land. I’d that all you do is eat? I was going to clubs at 14! Haha! Fun times! WhoopWhoop!! Have fun! Noooo.. a efing uber?! Seriously ?! Goodlord! I quit ! Tired of watching you eat. You really are missing the Real Thai experience! Bummer dude! Peace! ✌️

  • @carlt0nsharple
    @carlt0nsharple Před 3 lety +4

    That food looks amazing!

  • @edfdsfsddsgfdsgsd5525
    @edfdsfsddsgfdsgsd5525 Před 6 lety +5

    I have been living in chiang mai last 7 years. My rent is 2500thb + water 100thb + electric about 1000thb, internet 800thb, phone 200thb, food 10-15 000thb (thai, japanese, westerns, israelian, mexican etc.), gasoline (motorbike 300-500thb), tuk tuk (when drunk) 0-1000thb,cigarette 1800thb, alcohol 4000-16 000thb, VISA including everything per month about 4000thb and insurance 4000thb. That make about 37 200thb what is about 1200usd. VISA including everything per month about 4000thb. Then come everytime some extra what need to or want to buy and sometimes dentist cost, motorbike repair etc. About 1500usd is my spendings in one month and i living very small room and i buy everything (water heater, freezer, aircon, tv, matress etc. to there by myself.

  • @KulotskiTV
    @KulotskiTV Před 4 lety

    This is really good. Thanks for sharing! Will let you know once I tried living in Chiang Mai too.

  • @dillingersam588
    @dillingersam588 Před 3 lety +1

    Awsome video
    Great infos
    Thank you for posting 😀

  • @_jamesbradley__
    @_jamesbradley__ Před 5 lety +7

    Thank you for your detailed analysis. I appreciate your effort in making this vid.😎👍🏻

  • @slugerknot
    @slugerknot Před 4 lety +25

    "It may not look that great" may not have been the kindest way to describe the food you were just served by the guy standing 1 foot behind you. Otherwise, very informative video.

  • @juliegriffin8538
    @juliegriffin8538 Před 5 lety

    Great job. Solid info Chris. Cheers

  • @robertwestling2467
    @robertwestling2467 Před 3 lety +1

    Really informative video. As a single guy, I could totally do that.

  • @paultkc
    @paultkc Před 5 lety +9

    Thanks Chris, I plan to retire to Chiang Mai in a few years, this is a very informative and inspiring video

  • @iriebeatzvideo
    @iriebeatzvideo Před 7 lety +138

    Ive lived in Thailand for 8 years and don't spend any where near this much. If he had bought his own food at the market and done some cooking he wouldn't have this crazy overhead. The room is insane price he could of got a house an grown some food. All this working outside an coffee etc total waste of money. You can live in Thailand for $400 a month with a car and fibre internet if u cook your own food.

    • @iriebeatzvideo
      @iriebeatzvideo Před 7 lety +25

      he literally does all the most expensive things, shopping at tops, using grab taxi wtf crazy

    • @dandonofrio8441
      @dandonofrio8441 Před 7 lety +20

      I was just going to say this... he eats out for every single meal. That's hardly living on a budget

    • @iriebeatzvideo
      @iriebeatzvideo Před 7 lety +22

      Yeh man I could live for 2 weeks on his 2 day food budget. And eat better. The portions he got where tiny, can barely be keep up to 3000 calories with that. Didn't even once get spiralina or quinoa.. that would of killed his budget.
      I lived this way with a wife for years and no problem financially because we don't waste it. Its best to invest money and not ever use this phrase disposable income. Even though I retired at 25, I've never had a disposable income.
      Any money you can afford should be allocated to dividend and index funds, or carry trades so that a continual income stream can be achieved in my opinion. Don't live like this guy you will work forever and end up broke. Buy companies, invest and compound. Buy timed deposits and use the futures market. Do not wait for your opportunity, grab it and make it yours!

    • @iriebeatzvideo
      @iriebeatzvideo Před 7 lety +10

      This is scraping the surface. I have a house, 2 min from beach, large garden with grow tunnel, 3 hydroponic setups, office, fibre internet, 2 kitchens, 4x4 truck, and a wife to provide for (she don't work). Running cost $350~430 per month (depends if we go on a island holiday)
      its very cheap when u speak some Thai and cook your own food. Biggest expense is eating out, and u get a tiny portion so you have to eat out often. Much easier to just cook one big meal a day even.

    • @lamoinette23
      @lamoinette23 Před 7 lety +6

      it's good advice. money is not disposable. you are really spending the money from your future now, if you live like that. cheers.

  • @acupofcourageibyjohanna8771

    I just mad an updated version of the COST OF LIVING in CHIANG MAI in 2020 - and spent around $1000 in Nimman area. You can check ou the video here: czcams.com/video/GPssFHWCPWY/video.html

  • @jasonmacdonald78
    @jasonmacdonald78 Před 4 lety +2

    I LOVE CHIANG MAI ❤
    CANT WAIT TO GET BACK THERE IN A CPL MONTHS!!!!
    ps... I let your ads playout for your expenses

  • @natf7409
    @natf7409 Před 7 lety +3

    Chris, great vid! How did you make/get the short animation clip representing Thailand? Thumbs up from me!

  • @beckyraskin3280
    @beckyraskin3280 Před 3 lety +3

    This was the best traveling video I've seen! I appreciate the financial details because it's important for westerners to "stick together" (i mean with each other). It seems many of us pay exorbitant prices for things BECAUSE ITS CHEAP FOR MANY, but not all, westerners. The rich jack up the prices for all the rest of us - just like in the good 'old USA. So, when someone offers you a beautiful rental (that seems way too cheap) please just take it! For the 99 percent.

    • @OleLeik
      @OleLeik Před 3 lety

      Do you really have that low standards When things seems way to cheap in Thailand (and elsewhere for that matter) it's a reason for it. And in the land of scams, corruption and questionable contracts chances are that you soon enought will pay a great deal for it at the end if you take on such offers without critical thoughts thereof. People are getting themselves in big trouble after seeing stuff like this, showing up and finding that the real cost of living is much higher than they expected, their $600 budget not sustainable and things goes fast downhill from there without reserves and a safety net to catch the fools.Not that the guy making the claim gives a damn abut it.

  • @NAKDTV
    @NAKDTV Před rokem

    Thanks Chris, Amazing content and very Informative.
    -Tyler McCann

  • @aronstern8960
    @aronstern8960 Před 3 lety

    Very very helpful video. Well done!

  • @swedendive
    @swedendive Před 6 lety +5

    This video was so calm and professional done! And great calm jazz music!
    When you say dollar, is it USD or AUD?

    • @ChristheFreelancer
      @ChristheFreelancer  Před 6 lety +1

      USD

    • @swedendive
      @swedendive Před 6 lety +1

      Chris the Freelancer thats really low living cost. Have you been in Cebu City (Philippines)? It would be interesting to know about living cost there to. And internet connection and speed (for online business).

  • @arynnakaoka6375
    @arynnakaoka6375 Před 4 lety +30

    you can't divide rent by 2 , you'd still have to pay it if you were alone... and that's 1 bed.

    • @tuomasvalta
      @tuomasvalta Před 4 lety

      Yep. He also shared transportation costs and some other expenses.
      I don't know how he found these fancy affordable restaurants. I ended up always paying up a lot more than him.

  • @lilmissstayready8291
    @lilmissstayready8291 Před rokem

    This was exactly what I needed!!! Thank you!!! :-)

  • @jasonstallworth
    @jasonstallworth Před 5 lety +1

    Wow dude, I LOVE Chiang Mai!! Even 2k a month is far less expensive that what you have to make in the US to love decent.

  • @michaelsin4176
    @michaelsin4176 Před 4 lety +3

    Life is beautiful in chiangmai..awesome...🤩

  • @peggyhill7283
    @peggyhill7283 Před 5 lety +3

    I like the video except when you were listing daily cost they were all listed in local currency. Would have enjoyed much more if U.S. currency was included like you did occasionally in the lower left-hand corner. Thank you for sharing. Cheers!

  • @MegaBurnzie
    @MegaBurnzie Před 2 lety

    Thank you.......Loved this video.......How does the tipping work in Chaing Mai??????? How much did you spend on tipping

  • @DineshPadisetti
    @DineshPadisetti Před 2 lety

    Thanks for doing this, it's very helpful...

  • @harrythoman1916
    @harrythoman1916 Před 5 lety +5

    I'm about to retire from my government job at 55 years old and I'm going to be living on 1800usd a month so it's nice to know that there is some place I can afford to live.

    • @mueksz
      @mueksz Před 5 lety +1

      Come to Mexico!

    • @pieterallenmasterblue1402
      @pieterallenmasterblue1402 Před 4 lety

      Go to Vietnam it is way better than Thailand and cheaper plus the laws here are against you from day one.

    • @Spikespeak
      @Spikespeak Před 4 lety

      At current exchange rates, you don't have enough pension to get a retirement visa.You need 65,000 THB a month to qualify. You'd have to make visa runs (leave the country) every couple months.

    • @Mike198526sexy
      @Mike198526sexy Před 4 lety

      Thailand and Philippines would be great for u. U can easily live on $550 and less.

    • @marthag908
      @marthag908 Před 3 lety

      Come.to.Home.to.kalasin.i can find.cheap.room for you and plus internet Free 🙋🏻‍♀️👼🏼😀

  • @Connief1990
    @Connief1990 Před 7 lety +37

    Coffee cost as much as dinner...👀

    • @dialogueexchange8848
      @dialogueexchange8848 Před 6 lety +2

      That's true. It can be even more. It's about 120B for anything at Starbucks, but you can get lunch for 50 at the food court in the mall. Massage is about 250B.

    • @jonathantan2469
      @jonathantan2469 Před 5 lety +3

      Starbucks is expensive in Thailand & other parts of SE Asia. It's seen by locals as a luxury place, and you can often see wealthier locals hanging out there.

    • @michaelclark3192
      @michaelclark3192 Před 5 lety +5

      Starbucks is a rip off everywhere, that's why it failed in Australia. It's the same price here in Taipei where you can get a whole meal for this at most traditional restaurants here.

  • @jerryrn5571
    @jerryrn5571 Před 4 lety

    Good job 👏🏼, nicely informative

  • @gwrestling
    @gwrestling Před 3 lety +2

    Ha! Liked when Denise gave him some well deserved sas toward the end.