The cost of living well in Bangkok.

Our verdict. Bangkok suits a family that wants a large Asian capital, an international school and three-star dining at about a quarter of London's cost. Bangkok Patana School charges THB 1,014,000 for Year 12, and Sorn, Thailand's only three-star restaurant, THB 7,800 a head. Prime homes trade at about US$1,120 per square foot on Savills' index. The drawback is twofold: foreign income earned since 2024 is taxed at up to 35% once it reaches Thailand, and the nearest major marina is at Jomtien, near Pattaya, with no published tariff. Next to Kuala Lumpur, a prime square metre costs four times as much.

1. A prime family home, rented2026£67k

   US$89,556 a year · Savills prime residential rent US$0.80 per sq ft per week x10.764 = per sqm per week, x52 weeks x200 sqm (prime rent for a 200 m² home)

   Savills Research, Spotlight: World Cities Prime Residential Index H1 2026 (tables: Prime residential capital values / rents as at June 2026), June 2026 (H1 2026 index)

2. Senior school fees, two children2026-27£45k

   THB 1,014,000 a year a child · Bangkok Patana School, Year 12 annual tuition (Year 13: THB 749,000, no Term 3 fee)

   Bangkok Patana School, School Fees Announcement 2026/27, Academic year 2026/27

3. Membership at a leading golf club2026—

   — a year in subscriptions · joining THB 850,000 · Alpine Golf & Sports Club membership, secondary-market sell price; joining only, annual dues not published

   Thai Golf Centre (Golf Course Membership Exchange Center), Checked 20 Oct 2026

4. A berth for a 20 m yacht—

   The nearest major marina, at Jomtien near Pattaya, publishes no tariff.

5. A full-time housekeeper or nanny2026£5,077

   THB 228,000 a year · Full-time maid or nanny, THB 18,000-20,000 a month (midpoint 19,000 x12); a Thailand-wide range from an expat guide

   Thailand Starter Kit, Maid or Nanny in Thailand: Cost, Work Permits, and Where to Hire, Published 2 September 2026

6. Tasting menu for two, twice a month2026£8,336

   THB 15,600 a dinner · Sorn (3 Michelin stars, Thailand's only three-star), Classic Menu THB 7,800 x 2, food only

   Sorn reservations on TableCheck; Michelin Guide Thailand, Checked 20 Oct 2026

Figures are published prices, fees and surveys as dated, converted to pounds at the stated rates. They change, vary by home, school year and membership, and are a guide, not a quote. Nothing here is financial, tax or legal advice.

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Pounds at ECB reference rates (Gulf currencies at their dollar pegs) rates of 2026-10-20.