Bangkok stands as Southeast Asia's premier destination for expat families, offering world-class international schools, excellent healthcare, and modern infrastructure. The city combines ancient temples with gleaming skyscrapers, providing rich cultural experiences alongside Western amenities. Living costs are moderate with affordable local options and premium international services available. The massive expat community creates extensive support networks and activities for families. Traffic congestion and air pollution are notable challenges, but the excellent public transport system provides alternatives. Healthcare is exceptional with internationally accredited hospitals. The city's central location makes regional travel convenient, while the famous Thai hospitality ensures a welcoming environment for international families.

☀️ Climate & Weather

Monthly temperatures, rainfall, and sea conditions

35°C

Hottest (Apr)

22°C

Coolest (Dec)

Sunny days/mo avg

1647mm

Annual rainfall

Avg highAvg lowSea tempRainfall

28°

🌊 Jan

28°

🌊 Feb

29°

🌊 Mar

30°

🌊 Apr

31°

🌊 May

30°

🌊 Jun

30°

🌊 Jul

30°

🌊 Aug

30°

🌊 Sep

30°

🌊 Oct

29°

🌊 Nov

28°

🌊 Dec

💰 Cost of Living

Monthly family budget estimates (USD)

At a Glance

$800

Avg. rent /mo

$3.00

Budget meal

$25

Mid-range dinner (2 ppl)

Dining & Drinks

Cappuccino$2.62

Domestic beer$2.86

Imported beer$4.29

Water (1.5L)$0.56

Groceries

Loaf of bread$1.55

Milk (1L)$1.72

Dozen eggs$2.34

Chicken (1 kg)$3.01

Transport

Taxi flag-drop$1.00

Taxi per km$1.14

Monthly transit pass$34.29

Gasoline (per liter)$1.08

Monthly Bills

Internet$17.86 /mo

Utilities (avg.)$92.66 /mo

Gym membership$61.43 /mo

Domestic help$400 /mo

Preschool / nursery$492 /mo

Comfortable

Local-style condo in an outer BTS/MRT area, mix of street food and home cooking, public transit, mid-tier international school. A solid lifestyle without luxuries.

$4,800/mo

Rent$1,200

Groceries$500

Lifestyle & leisure$350

Transport$150

Utilities$150

Dining out$300

Healthcare$250

School fees (per child)$1,500

Domestic help$400

Established

Modern 3-bedroom condo in Sukhumvit or Sathorn, regular restaurant dining, taxi and BTS mix, established international school, weekend trips, gym membership.

$8,500/mo

Rent$2,500

Groceries$800

Lifestyle & leisure$650

Transport$350

Utilities$200

Dining out$600

Healthcare$400

School fees (per child)$2,200

Domestic help$800

Premium

Luxury house or penthouse in prime Sukhumvit/Thonglor, premium international school (ISB/NIST/Patana), private driver, fine dining, country club membership, regular travel.

$16,000/mo

Rent$5,000

Groceries$1,200

Lifestyle & leisure$1,500

Transport$800

Utilities$300

Dining out$1,200

Healthcare$700

School fees (per child)$3,500

Domestic help$1,800

Estimates for a family of four in greater Bangkok. Rent assumes a 2–3 bedroom condo or house; groceries mix local markets and imported items. School fees reflect a single child at a mid-tier international school. Domestic help is a full-time live-out housekeeper/nanny. Healthcare covers private insurance premiums. All figures in USD at approximately 1 USD = 35 THB. Bangkok is dramatically cheaper than Western capitals but costs vary widely between expat-oriented and local-oriented spending.

🌬️ Air Quality

Average monthly AQI (US EPA scale)

155

Jan

140

Feb

130

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

120

Dec

Good (0–50)Moderate (51–100)USG (101–150)Unhealthy (151+)

Yearly average AQI is 84. Best air quality Apr–Nov (best: Sep at 38). Jan–Dec air quality worsens due to heat, humidity, and dust (peak: Jan at 155). Families with children who have asthma or respiratory conditions should plan indoor activities during summer months.