What's the avg cost of living - not extravagant?

5POSTS

14 years ago

Hi all, new to the forum here. I'm newly disabled (walking, but chronic pain...too long to explain here!) and considering moving to Pattaya in a few years. I've been looking at condos from Heights-Holdings and they look nice. Small, but nice. Not a problem for me, I can live in (and prefer) a smaller place. Also like the "hotel" feel of the places they offer. I don't have wads of cash, however, and will be living mainly on my SS disability check. Am single female, will be in my late 40s when I move (2015ish). I'm wondering:

(1) What's the average cost of living (excluding rent) in Pattaya? I don't cook and would like to eat out most meals (but doesn't have to be fancy). I would like to have a cleaner in at least once each week as well, and help with laundry. I do like to have drinks with friends, play trivia or mah Jong, or other board games, read, watch tv/movies, and to meet and make friends with peeps from all over the world.

(2) given my physical limitations, would love to have a (legitimate) massage two or three times each week.

(3) Love a good bottle of wine or rum...

Would I be able to enjoy all of the above on less than $800/month? and,

(4) Any good/bad reviews on Heights Holdings properties? Is this a reputable company?

Any advice as to the above would be greatly appreciated!

FYI, have successfully done the expat thing before, and I'm a brave soul that thrives on travel and meeting/spending time with friends, so no worries about homesickness unless I can't get a diet coke there!

Ta,

Debs

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monkeymoo New member

5POSTS

14 years ago

Hi, thanks for the fast reply!

No, some other expenses I left out as I'll have other funds to cover them. I'm just trying to reduce my living expenses as much as possible, stretching each dollar to give myself a semi-decent life. I do appreciate 2015 is far away, but when trying to purchase a nice condo on the cheap it's easier to understand today's costs and try to plan ahead.

Thank you for the info and the links! :-)

kaizoku Active member

96POSTS

14 years ago

For a couple, you will be OK with 1200/1500 a month.

Here is an exemple of uncompresible expense. You will then need to add food, gaz, beer ...

Year/Month/Day

House rent    216000 18000 592
Charge (cleaning) 9840 820 27
Charge(water+elec) 24000 2000 66
Internet    7584 632 21

Rent Scooter    24000 2000 66

Visa run 1    30000 2500 82
Visa run 2    30000 2500 82

Health insurance 48000 4000 131

TOTAL    389424 32452 1067

monkeymoo New member

5POSTS

14 years ago

Many thanks, that's a great help! It is definitely doable for me! :-)

nongnew Member

1POSTS

13 years ago

If you have plan to living Pattaya 2015 from now i think you should buy condo under construction (new Project) [moderated]

Alboro New member

4POSTS

13 years ago

Visa run 1 30000 2500 82
Visa run 2 30000 2500 82

what is this? do we have to pay this for a visa each time we go back to UK? sorry Im a first timer here..

seattle99 Active member

93POSTS

13 years ago

monkeymoo wrote:
Many thanks, that's a great help! It is definitely doable for me! :-)

1,200 to 1,500 Euros is equal to:

$1,525 to $1,900 USD

kaizoku Active member

96POSTS

13 years ago

Alboro wrote:
Visa run 1 30000 2500 82
Visa run 2 30000 2500 82

what is this? do we have to pay this for a visa each time we go back to UK? sorry Im a first timer here..

30 000 Baht is maybe a bit too much. All include we are closer to 20 000 Baht for 2x 6 month tourist visa. It could be a bit cheaper if you live next to laos border or if you decide to go by yourself.

Visa run 1 and 2 is for me and my wife.

Now it's a bit different as my wife has a work permit and I have a studient visa. But globaly it's the same price even a bit more I think.

Studient visa :

* Original price from Pattaya to Laos with agency 7000 Baht
* 1900 extention every 3 months = 6000 Baht
* 2000 / month for 4h thaï lecon per week = 24000 Baht

TOTAL : 37000 Baht

Then you should add 1000 each time you want to go out of the country (back home, trip to cambogia)

But for this money at least I have something (4h thai/week) and I don't need to go out of the country.