4 ms·

I used to plan for every single little thing in life that could go wrong. Health insurance, identity theft, multiple credit cards and backups of important files

I used to plan for every single little thing in life that could go wrong. Health insurance, identity theft, multiple credit cards and backups of important files, pursuing higher education. That all paid off. I'm 26 now and have a net worth of $125,000 in cash and a $3,000 car. I'll tell you one thing. It feels empty. It feels like it can be gone at any moment. Lifestyle expenses start to inflate when you live and love in the city. So my networth is actually dropping a few grand every year at this point. Money and caution usually result in a conservative and decent life, but not necessarily a fun one if you thirst for adventure. My girlfriend and I dream of the day when we just quit our jobs and live in Thailand on $300 a month per person instead of wasting today at a desk! So be it if it's reckless.

stephenr 8y ago
I live in Thailand. $300 a month is going to be a pretty basic life.
- deanmoriarty 8y ago
  How much would you need to experience a "good" life? Say renting a safe apartment in a nice place, do some travelling (within the country) on the side, and eat out a significant portion of meals?
  - anoncoward111 8y ago
    $125 get's a basic 1br apartment in Chiang Mai and everything else like food and cell phone is pocket change. Biggest expense is visa runs and trying to replicate Western life halfway around the world :)
  - stephenr 8y ago
    $300USD is almost exactly 10KTHB, which is minimum wage for Thailand. I've discovered that for a lot of things, costs in Thailand aren't specifically cheaper than in western countries, there are just extra cheaper options. A lot of cheap apartments here are really studios, which have the most minimal or no kitchen at all. A lot of working-class Thai's don't really cook, they rely a lot on street vendors and/or markets for meals. I've been living in a house since we've been here so I don't know from personal experience but I looked quickly for apartments in Chiang Mai. The only things under 4K THB/month (~$120 US) are studios about 30sq.m. E.g. https://www.thailand-property.com/condo-for-rent-in-chiang-mai_3060143 https://www.thailand-property.com/condo-for-rent-in-chiang-m... A 'single serve' from one of these places locals eat from (street/market vendors) is usually around 30-40 THB (~$1US), but Thai people don't really eat big meals, so if you're used to American portions you may find you eat two serves per meal (or adjust and start snacking more during the day, as most locals do). If you want to "eat out" at a restaurant, it's going to be much more expensive. If my wife and I go to a sit-down restaurant with western-style food, it's usually around 1K THB for the meal (~$30). If you want something that's much less common and relies on more imported things, e.g. a good steak, that's going to set you back 600 THB minimum per serve. Travel will depend a lot on where you want to go, and how. Public transport is apparently pretty cheap, but you may reconsider using it once you see it. You'll also find that most tourist attractions (both private and state owned) will charge you more as a foreigner. I'm able to get around it in some places by showing my Thai drivers licence, but be prepared for higher prices. Sometimes (usually private places) you won't even see the difference because the local price will be written all in Thai, including Thai numerals (which are not common, usually they use arabic numerals like we do). My phone contract is I think 400THB a month, but I hardly use the allowance - I have unlimited VDSL at home (and work from home). I'm not sure what sort of data/call usage you'd expect to need, but a lot of packages will e.g. promote "free social network data" because that's what the majority of people use - but if you want to work from it, you'll need to allow for that. I think it'd be tough for anyone who doesn't just assimilate into a low-income Thai lifestyle to get by on less than $1K USD per month. That's still only recent uni graduate salary here. It may sound like a big jump from your original goal, but think about it this way: $1k is about $33 a day. For two people, who want to do more than just basic survival, I think anything less is unrealistic. Edit: grammar mistake, and errant K on steak cost.
  - wingerlang 8y ago
    $300 a month is very low, I spend double that on my rent+utilities alone. For two people, reasonably modern and large, you probably will spend at least $300-500 on rent. I spend maybe 900-1200 per month here (alone). I consider my lifestyle very 'comfortable-frugal'. As in I spend if I need to make myself comfortable, but I don't spend a lot on party, new 'toys' or other such 'stuff'.
DoreenMichele 8y ago
If you are worth $125k,you may be the primary thing stopping you from moving to Thailand.
- anoncoward111 8y ago
  We did it for a year and the only reason we came back is because of societal expectations regarding family and more "stable/permanent" careers :( Ah who am I kidding. We moved back for her to pursue a medical career and I just pay my half because I didn't want to be without her :')
  - DoreenMichele 8y ago
    Welp, I apparently pick up men in the wrong places because none of them are ever genuinely willing to support my career goals and dreams, much less move where I want to be. I hope you two are very happy and eventually get back to Thailand, or wherever your dream life happens to blossom and thrive. Live long and prosper.
    - anoncoward111 8y ago
      Hahahah maybe it's off-topic for this site but everyone from former bosses to current friends describe me as "feminine" and "submissive" in terms of how I speak and specifically how I am willing to "let my girlfriend shine" blah blah etc etc. Personally I am happy that I am able to make enough money to contribute my part and have the flexibility required for her to do her medical school stuff. It doesn't feel like I'm putting my life on hold. I'm in software support-- I don't feel the need to become like, a suit wearing, jetsetting CTO or etc :) Thank you so much for your kind words and I wish the best to you as well. Also, if you find the magic cure for eating too much and moving too little as a result of returning to a desk job with in-person team, please please please me know what it is because it's my #1 problem right now lol
      - DoreenMichele 8y ago
        Ah, I can possibly actually help a smidgen there. Don't count calories. Instead, work on getting nutritionally dense foods into you. I lost several dress sizes. I never counted calories. I just tried to eat healthier. I think we keep eating as long as we need some nutrient or other. We stop when our nutritional needs are met. This is why eating "empty calories" really packs the pounds on. Also, try to get some walking in, even if you "don't really exercise." (I mean sports, gym, etc.) Take the stairs, not the elevator. Park a little farther out instead of circling like a vulture looking for the closest spot. Etc.
deleted 8y ago
[deleted]
miguelrochefort 8y ago
Costs me about 20,000 baht ($600) per month in Chiang Mai: Rent: 6000 + energy bill Gym: 1000 Internet: 600 Food: 7500 (250/day) Laundry: 100 (25/load) Transport: 1000 (40/ride) Fun: 1000 Misc: 1000
csomar 8y ago
$300 will not last in Egypt let alone in Thailand. And if by Thailand you mean the big city Bangkok, well, good luck with that. SEA prices have gone through the roof. The discounts are pretty much over.

stephenr 8y ago

I live in Thailand. $300 a month is going to be a pretty basic life.

deanmoriarty 8y ago
How much would you need to experience a "good" life? Say renting a safe apartment in a nice place, do some travelling (within the country) on the side, and eat out a significant portion of meals?
- anoncoward111 8y ago
  $125 get's a basic 1br apartment in Chiang Mai and everything else like food and cell phone is pocket change. Biggest expense is visa runs and trying to replicate Western life halfway around the world :)
- stephenr 8y ago
  $300USD is almost exactly 10KTHB, which is minimum wage for Thailand. I've discovered that for a lot of things, costs in Thailand aren't specifically cheaper than in western countries, there are just extra cheaper options. A lot of cheap apartments here are really studios, which have the most minimal or no kitchen at all. A lot of working-class Thai's don't really cook, they rely a lot on street vendors and/or markets for meals. I've been living in a house since we've been here so I don't know from personal experience but I looked quickly for apartments in Chiang Mai. The only things under 4K THB/month (~$120 US) are studios about 30sq.m. E.g. https://www.thailand-property.com/condo-for-rent-in-chiang-mai_3060143 https://www.thailand-property.com/condo-for-rent-in-chiang-m... A 'single serve' from one of these places locals eat from (street/market vendors) is usually around 30-40 THB (~$1US), but Thai people don't really eat big meals, so if you're used to American portions you may find you eat two serves per meal (or adjust and start snacking more during the day, as most locals do). If you want to "eat out" at a restaurant, it's going to be much more expensive. If my wife and I go to a sit-down restaurant with western-style food, it's usually around 1K THB for the meal (~$30). If you want something that's much less common and relies on more imported things, e.g. a good steak, that's going to set you back 600 THB minimum per serve. Travel will depend a lot on where you want to go, and how. Public transport is apparently pretty cheap, but you may reconsider using it once you see it. You'll also find that most tourist attractions (both private and state owned) will charge you more as a foreigner. I'm able to get around it in some places by showing my Thai drivers licence, but be prepared for higher prices. Sometimes (usually private places) you won't even see the difference because the local price will be written all in Thai, including Thai numerals (which are not common, usually they use arabic numerals like we do). My phone contract is I think 400THB a month, but I hardly use the allowance - I have unlimited VDSL at home (and work from home). I'm not sure what sort of data/call usage you'd expect to need, but a lot of packages will e.g. promote "free social network data" because that's what the majority of people use - but if you want to work from it, you'll need to allow for that. I think it'd be tough for anyone who doesn't just assimilate into a low-income Thai lifestyle to get by on less than $1K USD per month. That's still only recent uni graduate salary here. It may sound like a big jump from your original goal, but think about it this way: $1k is about $33 a day. For two people, who want to do more than just basic survival, I think anything less is unrealistic. Edit: grammar mistake, and errant K on steak cost.
- wingerlang 8y ago
  $300 a month is very low, I spend double that on my rent+utilities alone. For two people, reasonably modern and large, you probably will spend at least $300-500 on rent. I spend maybe 900-1200 per month here (alone). I consider my lifestyle very 'comfortable-frugal'. As in I spend if I need to make myself comfortable, but I don't spend a lot on party, new 'toys' or other such 'stuff'.

DoreenMichele 8y ago

If you are worth $125k,you may be the primary thing stopping you from moving to Thailand.

anoncoward111 8y ago
We did it for a year and the only reason we came back is because of societal expectations regarding family and more "stable/permanent" careers :( Ah who am I kidding. We moved back for her to pursue a medical career and I just pay my half because I didn't want to be without her :')
- DoreenMichele 8y ago
  Welp, I apparently pick up men in the wrong places because none of them are ever genuinely willing to support my career goals and dreams, much less move where I want to be. I hope you two are very happy and eventually get back to Thailand, or wherever your dream life happens to blossom and thrive. Live long and prosper.
  - anoncoward111 8y ago
    Hahahah maybe it's off-topic for this site but everyone from former bosses to current friends describe me as "feminine" and "submissive" in terms of how I speak and specifically how I am willing to "let my girlfriend shine" blah blah etc etc. Personally I am happy that I am able to make enough money to contribute my part and have the flexibility required for her to do her medical school stuff. It doesn't feel like I'm putting my life on hold. I'm in software support-- I don't feel the need to become like, a suit wearing, jetsetting CTO or etc :) Thank you so much for your kind words and I wish the best to you as well. Also, if you find the magic cure for eating too much and moving too little as a result of returning to a desk job with in-person team, please please please me know what it is because it's my #1 problem right now lol
    - DoreenMichele 8y ago
      Ah, I can possibly actually help a smidgen there. Don't count calories. Instead, work on getting nutritionally dense foods into you. I lost several dress sizes. I never counted calories. I just tried to eat healthier. I think we keep eating as long as we need some nutrient or other. We stop when our nutritional needs are met. This is why eating "empty calories" really packs the pounds on. Also, try to get some walking in, even if you "don't really exercise." (I mean sports, gym, etc.) Take the stairs, not the elevator. Park a little farther out instead of circling like a vulture looking for the closest spot. Etc.

deleted 8y ago

[deleted]

miguelrochefort 8y ago

Costs me about 20,000 baht ($600) per month in Chiang Mai: Rent: 6000 + energy bill Gym: 1000 Internet: 600 Food: 7500 (250/day) Laundry: 100 (25/load) Transport: 1000 (40/ride) Fun: 1000 Misc: 1000

csomar 8y ago

$300 will not last in Egypt let alone in Thailand. And if by Thailand you mean the big city Bangkok, well, good luck with that. SEA prices have gone through the roof. The discounts are pretty much over.