Living in Khon Kaen: What Does THB50,000 (US$1,350) Get You?

Planning to move to Khon Kaen? Let’s see if this bustling city in the heart of the Isaan region, with its affordable cost of living and excellent healthcare, is a suitable place to live.

Khon Kaen might be a province in Thailand that many overlook, but it’s actually a fascinating city to live in. Khon Kaen is the largest and most developed city, considered the center of the Isaan region. Nowadays, it’s becoming a popular place for people to reside, offering the development of a big city, the tranquility of the countryside, and the unique charm of Isaan culture all blended together perfectly.

Just imagine waking up here, sipping morning coffee in a peaceful life, leisurely exploring tourist spots, and enjoying spicy Isaan cuisine by Kaen Nakhon Lake. It offers development comparable to other big cities, but with a more affordable cost of living, how restful would it be to come back and unwind.

Another reason that makes Khon Kaen so appealing is its advanced healthcare. For me, it’s just behind Bangkok in terms of excellence.

For expats deciding to move to Khon Kaen, let’s check if the lifestyle fits within a budget of 50,000 THBper month. Consider accommodation, living conditions, food, transportation, and places to see how convenient life will be before settling down here.

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About Khon Kaen

Khon Kaen is a big city in Northeast Thailand. Its role as a central hub allows it to blend modernity with traditional Isaan culture perfectly. The province of Khon Kaen has consistently developed and is renowned for education and medical services. Khon Kaen University is one of the top-ranked in the country, and in the medical field, there are many large hospitals. Especially the Srinagarind Hospital which has more than 1,600 patient beds, making it one of the largest hospitals in the country.

In Khon Kaen city, there’s a well-rounded modernity with large shopping malls, several hospitals, an airport, a railway station, and various activities suitable for living.

Beyond that, Khon Kaen isn’t just a big city; it’s filled with a warm and friendly way of life. The people here are very kind and the conveniences are all around. The landscape of Khon Kaen is marked by highlands and wide fields, making it easy for most people to get out and enjoy nature. With small mountains and ponds adding a refreshing atmosphere, particularly if you live outside the city, you’ll find nature right at your doorstep.

The relaxed lifestyle is perfect for those who enjoy shopping for fresh produce at the Ton Tann Market or taking a stroll at Bueng Kaen Nakhon, which is a charming and peaceful green space in the city. Importantly, Khon Kaen also has Wat Pra That Kham Kaen, a revered place and a significant landmark of the city. There are cute cafes to sit and sip coffee leisurely. If you want a simple atmosphere but still live in a well-developed big city, Khon Kaen is indeed a great choice.

Cost of living

Moving on to the most important topic about estimated cost of living that will allow you to live comfortably in Khon Kaen. This city doesn’t have a high cost of living compared to Bangkok or major tourist spots, giving you more savings or allowing you to spend on other activities you enjoy.

Here’s a rough breakdown of expenses in Khon Kaen:

• Rent: A mid-range condo or apartment in Khon Kaen is about THB7,000 – THB12,000 per month.

• Food expenses: Eating Isan food or Western food around THB5,000 – THB7,000 per month

• Transportation costs: Bus, songthaew, or motorcycle taxi, including general travel around THB1,000 – THB2,500 per month (buying your own vehicle may add expenses of THB5,000 per month)

• Utilities (water, electricity, internet): Around THB2,000 – THB3,000 per month

• Health insurance: Basic insurance for general individuals around THB1,000 – THB3,000 per month

• Entertainment and activities: Such as watching movies, travel activities, or other leisure activities around THB3,000 – 5,000 per month

• Total estimated monthly expenses: THB20,000 – THB40,000++

The remaining budget can be saved or used for other expenses such as clothing, personal items, or special trips. This budget is suitable for a comfortable life in Khon Kaen, not crowded, with flexibility in daily life. However, I recommend preparing THB25,000 per month, which will be sufficient for living in the central city of the Northeast.

Rent

Accommodation is probably the biggest expense, but in Khon Kaen, you have plenty of options. Rent is actually quite affordable and you can choose according to your budget and lifestyle. Decide how you like to live.

Condo/ Apartment

If you like convenience and don’t mind having less space, condos or apartments are a great choice. Prices for apartments start at just THB3,000 – 6,000 per month, and you can get a nice room with air conditioning. If you want fully furnished with a gym and a pool, it might go up to THB7,000 – 10,000 for condominiums. For those who love modern living with full amenities, rental prices are around THB9,000 – 15,000, depending on size, location, and luxury.

Townhouses/ small detached houses

have rental prices of around THB9,000 – 15,000 per month, depending on location and size, for example, a 2-bedroom townhouse starts at around THB9,000. Small detached houses with 2 – 3 bedrooms range from THB13,000 – 20,000++ per month. Some have a garden and family living space.

Large Detached Houses

If you want to rent a house here, for example, large detached houses (3 – 4 bedrooms or more) have rents starting from around THB15,000 – THB40,000 per month, depending on luxury and area. For example, a 3-bedroom house is THB15,000 – THB20,000++, and an especially large 4-bedroom house can be as high as THB30,000 – THB40,000++.

Food

When it comes to food, Khon Kaen never disappoints. You can find every style, every price range, and every taste you could want. Whether it’s local fare or international cuisine, there’s something for everyone.

Local Food

Local Isaan grilled dishes are a must-try for expats and are often an instant favorite. They’re easy to enjoy, with dishes like spicy papaya salad, grilled chicken, larb, goy, nam tok, or jaew hon. Friendly prices range from just THB30-THB80 per plate, offering delicious satisfaction. There are plenty of tasty Isaan food hubs, such as the Khon Kaen night market, around Bueng Kaen Nakhon, or small restaurants dotted along various streets.

However, be cautious as Isaan food in Khon Kaen tends to be quite strong in flavor and can be too spicy for many. So when you order, make sure to tell the vendor that you want it not spicy or without chili.

International Restaurants

While the number of international restaurants in Khon Kaen might not match big cities like Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, or Chiang Mai, you can still find some delicious international options here. Whether it’s Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Italian, or fusion, the prices are slightly higher than Thai food but still quite reasonable, roughly between THB150 – THB500 per plate, depending on the type and level of the restaurant.

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Café

Khon Kaen is a city with a ton of cafes, whether in the city, around the outskirts, or even tucked away in small alleys. The atmosphere is great, the coffee is delicious, and the snacks look picture-perfect. Beverage prices range from about THB60 – THB120, depending on the place and menu. It’s a perfect spot for working, reading, or just chilling with friends.

Supermarket

For those who love cooking or need to stock up on household items, there are major supermarkets that have it all, like Lotus Big C Makro or Tops Supermarket for easy, convenient shopping.

For those looking for international ingredients for cooking, whether it’s Asian or Western cuisine, there are large malls and specialty stores like Central Khon Kaen and Mahachai Group. This is a fresh and imported food store offering seafood, fresh meat, imported cheeses, and international ingredients.

Another option is Sentosa Market (Sri Chang branch), a city supermarket with fresh produce, dry goods, and frozen foods from both local and international sources.

Transportation

Getting around Khon Kaen is fairly convenient with a variety of options to suit your lifestyle.

Motorcycle

Motorcycles are a popular means of transport in Khon Kaen because they’re easy to navigate and parking is a breeze. If you rent a motorcycle for a month, it costs about THB2,500 – THB3,000. Buying one for yourself would be more cost-effective in the long run. Each costs between THB30,000 – THB50,000.

Driving precautions: Driving in Khon Kaen city isn’t too difficult. Traffic isn’t too chaotic but can be busy in the mornings and evenings. Drive carefully, study the routes well before driving, and don’t forget to get your driver’s license.

Ride-hailing apps

Nowadays, Grab and Bolt are also available in Khon Kaen, making travel much more convenient. You don’t have to spend time looking for transport. Prices vary depending on the distance but aren’t too expensive.

Taxis

Taxis are available in Khon Kaen, though not as plentiful as in Bangkok. You might need to call one from key locations like shopping malls, bus stations, or the airport. The starting fare is THB35, metered. However, some taxis, especially those from the airport or when heading out of town, may not follow the meter closely.

Therefore, some people avoid this issue by solely using ride-hailing apps.

Songthaews

It’s safe to say it’s the main public transportation in Khon Kaen. There are many lines that cover the whole city. The fare is very cheap, just THB9-THB15 per trip, depending on the distance and route. Suitable for those who want to save on travel costs and are not in a hurry.

But of course, you’ll need to know the routes to some extent. If unsure where it’s heading, ask the locals or fellow passengers. People in Khon Kaen are quite friendly.

Personal Car

If you have a personal car, traveling around Khon Kaen will be the most convenient since you don’t have to wait for public transport and you can easily get around. If buying a second-hand car, prices start from THB300,000 upwards. Try calculating whether it’s worth the investment for your use.

Or if you don’t feel like buying a car, renting a car is another great option.

Walking/Bicycling

Khon Kaen is not very suitable for walking or cycling, as it is a large province with very hot midday weather. Hence, walking or cycling is only suitable for those who enjoy exercising or live in areas where amenities are nearby.

The good news is that Khon Kaen has bike lanes in some areas, and the sidewalks are quite decent in many spots.

Long-distance travel

Khon Kaen is a travel hub in the northeast region, making trips to other provinces or even to Bangkok super convenient. Here, they have the Khon Kaen Airport with direct flights to Bangkok (Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi) and Chiang Mai, or other provinces. The ticket prices often have promotions, so booking in advance can get you great deals.

Additionally, there is Khon Kaen Railway Station which is a major station with trains running to Bangkok and other provinces in the northeast.

Public buses Khon Kaen Bus Terminal (BKS 3) is a large bus hub with buses running all over the country.

But the main downside is that Khon Kaen has no direct flights abroad, so most people usually fly to Bangkok first before catching a flight to another country.

Healthcare

Health is very important, and Khon Kaen has full-fledged health facilities, including hospitals, fitness centers, and parks.

Hospitals

Hospitals are a highlight of Khon Kaen. For me, healthcare in Khon Kaen is the best in Thailand, only second to Bangkok. Many top Thai physicians graduated from Khon Kaen University, which has one of the country’s famous medical schools. Plus, here you have many large hospitals both public and private hospitals, fully equipped, rivaling Bangkok.

Srinagarind Hospital It’s the teaching hospital of the Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University. This public hospital offers comprehensive services for both general patients and specialized care. It’s renowned for its research and standard treatment at the national level. However, sometimes you might have long waiting times due to the high number of patients, and beds might not always be available.

as for Khon Kaen Ram Hospital This is the largest private hospital in the northeastern region, featuring modern technology and comprehensive services. Located in the city center, it offers faster services than public hospitals and provides comfort for patients. However, the medical fees are significantly higher than those at public hospitals.

Ratchaphruek Hospital This private hospital has a warm atmosphere and provides personalized care, emphasizing quality and comprehensive care. It meets the international JCI standards and offers excellent service. Sometimes, though, patients may have to wait because of its popularity. The medical costs are comparable to Khon Kaen Ram Hospital.

Bangkok Hospital Khon Kaen Another popular private hospital in Khon Kaen, it can treat almost all diseases and features modern technology, known for its cleanliness and very good service. However, the medical costs are quite high if you want to go to this hospital. It is better to have health insurance.

In addition, in downtown Khon Kaen, there are several large pharmacies with the Faculty of Pharmacy Khon Kaen University Pharmacy serving as a training ground with standards. For general disease clinics and dental clinics, there are many scattered throughout the city, ready to provide health care services. It’s suitable for those who want healthcare near home without visiting a major hospital.

Exercise

In Khon Kaen, there are many fitness centers ranging from fully equipped ones that are open 24 hours, like Fitster Club the largest gym in Isan, as well as local gyms with affordable packages starting from about THB600 – THB1,000 per month. There are also parks ideal for outdoor exercises such as Bueng Kaen Nakhon which features running tracks and exercise areas, as well as Bueng Thung Sang that was recently beautifully renovated, with various sports fields in Khon Kaen University open for public use too.

For those who enjoy yoga or Pilates, there are several studios to choose from to enhance flexibility and relaxation. All these make taking care of your health and exercising in Khon Kaen more convenient and varied.

Social Life

Since Khon Kaen isn’t yet a popular spot for expats, the expat community here isn’t very large. They are mainly found around universities and downtown areas where there are international restaurants, cafes, and bars. They organize language exchange events and meetups in a warm atmosphere. To connect, you might have to look for events both online and onsite through websites like Meet Up or social media groups specifically for expats in Khon Kaen on Facebook, X.

You can also meet up at coffee shops or parks, or enjoy local bars, clubs, and festivals.

Activities

Khon Kaen is full of diverse activities, cultural landmarks, and natural tourist attractions. You’ll never be bored here—there’s so much to explore!

Temples and Cultural Arts

Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon, also known as Phra That 9 floors, located by Bueng Kaen Nakhon in Wat Nong Wang Phra Aram Luang. This striking architectural piece stands 80 meters tall and was built to celebrate the 50th anniversary of King Rama IX’s coronation. Inside, it is divided into 9 floors with a museum and paintings that depict the life and culture of Isan people. From the top of the stupa, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of Khon Kaen city. Meanwhile, Wat Pa Saeng Arun is a peaceful forest temple with a serene atmosphere, perfect for practicing dharma and meditation.

Additionally, there isHong Moon Mang in Khon Kaen city, is a museum showcasing the history, culture, and lifestyle of Khon Kaen people. It offers an in-depth insight into Isan’s stories and identity in one place, including the Cobra Village in Amphoe Nam Phong not far from Khon Kaen city. Known for its thrilling local snake-catching and snake-performing shows, nearly every household raises cobras. The villagers also perform snake shows and cobra boxing, offering tourists a fun and exciting experience.

Nature

In Khon Kaen, there are Bueng Kaennakhon and Bueng Thung Sang, which are well-known green spaces. They have running tracks and exercise areas, as well as large spaces for various activities. The atmosphere here is great in the evening; it’s a favorite relaxation spot for the locals, and there’s also the Ubolratana Dam, a large dam with a nice atmosphere, perfect for sitting, fishing, or even rafting for leisurely relaxation. Phu Kao-Phu Phan Kham National Park, which features viewpoints, waterfalls, and caves, as well as Phu Pha Man National Park, known for its cliff shaped like a curtain and bat caves where you can watch bats fly out in the evening.

Additionally, there is Nam Phong National Park, and Ba Luang Waterfall, which is a waterfall amidst the lush forest, perfect for relaxing and enjoying natural water play. These places can be visited year-round, especially during the rainy season when the nature is lush and exceptionally beautiful.

Shopping

As for shopping in Khon Kaen, there’s the Central Plaza Khon Kaen, the largest shopping mall in the province, offering a wide range of stores from famous brands to local shops. It also has a variety of restaurants, featuring Thai, international cuisines and fast food, along with cinema and other facilities.

Fairy Plaza is an older mall that, while not as large as Central, offers a variety of shops and restaurants. Meanwhile, the Khon Kaen Night Market is a hub for tasty, affordable foods. Evening brings a lively atmosphere, and there’s Ton Tann Green Market, an enjoyable night market with good vibes, featuring food, goods, clothing, and live music.

There’s also Train Market which is a large night bazaar with second-hand items, antiques, collectibles, and a variety of food and drinks, making it a fun spot to shop and eat in the same area.

Other Activities

Khon Kaen offers a range of fun activities, like Isaan cooking classes where you can try making the food yourself. Key festivals throughout the year include the International Silk Festival, Loy Krathong, and Songkran on Khao Niew Road, all bursting with color.

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For nightlife enthusiasts, there are pubs, bars, chill-out spots, and karaoke centers mainly around Lang Muang Road, Prachasamosorn Road, and near Khon Kaen University, making city life here fun and diverse.

Education and Family Life

If you have a family or are planning to start one, Khon Kaen is also a great city to raise a family.

Education

Khon Kaen has international schools and bilingual schools suitable for expats, such as Khon Kaen University Demonstration School – International Program which focuses on innovation and uses English in teaching, or Khon Kaen Vithes Suksa Bilingual School which follows the Cambridge curriculum and has foreign teachers, offering students an international learning environment and preparing them confidently for global education.

Even though the options for bilingual or international schools may not be as plentiful as in larger provinces, the quality of schools in Khon Kaen is quite good.

Family Life

Family life in Khon Kaen is safe and comfortable. The city has all the necessary amenities, including schools, hospitals, and parks, ideal for raising children. The cost of childcare is not as high as in big cities like Bangkok, offering reasonable and good value expenses. The community in Khon Kaen is strong, with locals helping each other, making new families and expats feel supported and warmly integrated into the lifestyle.

However, what’s lacking is a substantial family community for expats, which isn’t very large yet.

Job Opportunities

Working life in Khon Kaen for expats is mostly centered around teaching English in schools or tutoring institutes. Another group often runs their own businesses related to tourism and services. Since Khon Kaen is a city with many tourist attractions and activities, there are good opportunities to open shops, cafes, or services that cater to international tourists visiting the local community and offer tour guiding work.

Weather and Air Quality

Khon Kaen experiences three distinct seasons: summer from March to May, which is hot and sunny, especially during the day, while the nights are cool as is typical for Northeastern weather.

The rainy season runs from June to October, bringing heavy rainfall and humidity, while some areas may experience flooding. Winter stretches from November to February with cool, pleasant weather and a slight chill in some regions, perfect for travel. Overall, the air quality is good, but during the dry season, there may be temporary PM 2.5 dust issues from sugarcane burning. However, this is not a year-round problem and usually lasts only a short time.

However, the weather can be a major concern for expats living here because daytime temperatures in summer can soar over 40°C, making outdoor activities difficult. Fortunately, it is much cooler and more comfortable at night.

Flooding

The advantage of Khon Kaen is that even though it generally experiences heavy rainfall during the rainy season, making the weather humid, according to recent news and information, severe flooding in Khon Kaen city center is not frequent. Mostly, there are water-logged areas in places where the drainage system might not be sufficient or low-risk zones. Occasionally, there may be flooding from sudden heavy rain events.

If you’re planning to live here, make sure to check for flood-safe areas.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Khon Kaen is lively and diverse. Starting with bars and chill vintage-style hangouts like Hidden Town which offers live jazz music, or 69 Rooftop Bar that provides a beautiful 360-degree city view and a variety of cocktails.

Additionally, there are popular pubs and clubs like Rusty Social Club that focus on a mix of music for dancing fun, and Kaenkaew Live House which blends Isan culture with contemporary style, including Sri Chant Road which is lined with beautiful restaurants and bars, a hotspot for relaxed and socializing people in the city. This keeps Khon Kaen vibrant at night, although most venues mainly cater to Thai tourists.

Disadvantages of Khon Kaen Province

Khon Kaen might not be suitable for everyone. Let’s take a look at some drawbacks of this province.

• Hot daytime weather: This is a major downside of Khon Kaen, as well as other provinces in the Northeast. The daytime weather is very hot and sunny, so much so that even the breeze feels warm.
• No sea: Khon Kaen is quite far from the sea, so if you want to go to the beach, it’s best to fly to Phuket. Seafood here might not be as fresh.
• Development is centered in the city: Once you leave the city, it feels like other provinces where there’s not much to do.
• Small expat community: The expat community in Khon Kaen is still quite small, but I think it will grow in the future.

Popular areas

Khon Kaen is quite a large province with many interesting areas, each having its own charm and unique character. Depending on your lifestyle and budget, try exploring them.

City Center/Suburban Area

This area is the hub of Khon Kaen’s development, featuring shopping malls, hospitals, offices, restaurants, and cafes. It’s ideal for those who enjoy convenience and urban lifestyle.

Just Outside the City Center (such as around Muang Gate intersection, Kalpapruek Road)

This area is not too far from the city center but is more peaceful and private. It’s perfect for those who seek tranquility but still want easy access to the city. There are many hidden gem restaurants and chic cafes. Personally, I find this area the most livable because it’s not hard to get into town and isn’t as hectic as the city itself.

Khon Kaen University Area

A lively and vibrant area filled with restaurants, cafes, dormitories, and various shops, suitable for students, faculty, or anyone who enjoys a university atmosphere.University There are plenty of budget-friendly dining options.

Rural/Outskirts

If you’re a family person or a retiree who loves peace and quiet, enjoys being surrounded by nature, or wants to get into farming, rural or far-out areas are great options. Land and accommodation prices are much cheaper than in the city, but you might need a car for convenience.

Lifestyle with a Budget of THB50,000 per Month

From my assessment, I think a budget of THB50,000 per month is plenty enough to live comfortably in Khon Kaen.

• Rent: Nice apartments/condos: THB5,000-THB10,000 or rental houses, townhouses, standalone houses, resort accommodations starting from THB9,000-THB30,000 (if staying at a resort, it might exceed the budget)

• Food expenses: Enjoy good food, with delicious local and international cuisine for THB9,000 per month

• Transportation costs: Motorbike rental/ride-hailing apps/public transportation: THB4,000

• Utilities (water, electricity, internet): THB2,000

• Phone bill: THB500

• Personal expenses (clothing, personal items): THB3,000

• Entertainment/recreational activities: Going to cafes, watching movies, partying with friends: THB5,000

• Health care/fitness: Gym/yoga/health check-ups: THB2,000

• Savings/emergency fund: THB16,500 (You’ve got quite a bit left!)

• Total: THB50,000 (if you spend it all and include the remaining money)

See? With a budget of 50,000 THB, you can live comfortably in Khon Kaen and even have money left over to save or invest in things you enjoy.