What Does a THB50,000 (US$1,350) Monthly Budget Get You in Pattaya?

Pattaya is no doubt one of the most popular cities in Thailand alongside Bangkok and Phuket.

It’s also known as the entertainment capital of Thailand because of its notorious nightlife. In fact, there is a famous quote about the city that goes like this: “Good guys go to heaven, bad guys go to Pattaya.”

But Pattaya offers more than just a vibrant nightlife. Beachside condos, an affordable cost of living, convenience, and inexpensive food make Pattaya a great place to live.

In this guide, you’re going to find out everything there is to know about living in Pattaya, including the quality of life, what you will eat, how to get around, things you can do, and how much you’ll need to live here. 

You’ll also discover the kind of lifestyle that many other expats afford on a monthly budget of THB50,000 (US$1,350). 

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About Pattaya

Pattaya was once a small and peaceful fishing village in Chon Buri province. 

Now, the city has become one of the 20 most visited cities in the world. It’s also one of most popular cities for expats to live or to travel in Thailand.

While it’s known for its red-light district, Pattaya also offers plenty of activities, from aquariums to malls to even hiking. It’s also a popular weekend getaway destination for Thai families because it’s only one hour and 30 minutes aways from Bangkok.

You can find out more about the activities Pattaya has on offer later in the guide.

Pattaya is divided into two sides with Sukhumvit Road running right through the middle. The east side, or the beach side, is where you’ll find the city’s entertainment area. On the west side, however, you’ll come across residential areas, houses, and villas. 

In addition, there are also residential areas that are slightly away from the city center and can be great for those who want to live in quiet neighborhoods. 

Quality of Life

The overall quality of life in Pattaya is quite good. It’s a convenient place to live in Thailand and has plenty of things to do. 

In fact, Pattaya is one of the most developed cities in Thailand. It’s comparable to Bangkok, except Pattaya doesn’t have public buses or mass transportation. It does have taxis, motorcycle taxis, Grab, and songthaews, though. 

But since it’s also much smaller than Bangkok, Pattaya is easy to get around. No matter where you want to go inside the city, it shouldn’t take more than a 30-minute drive. 

You can also find food in every corner of the city. If you don’t want to go out to eat, you can use a delivery app to have food and groceries delivered right to your door. 

Healthcare in Pattaya is good too. You can find hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, gyms, and public parks throughout the city. 

What separates Pattaya from other cities is the nightlife. It’s not just about partying and drinking at nightclubs or walking streets. There are tons of bars, restaurants, and night markets with food, drinks, and a variety of ambiances. 

But the city isn’t perfect, there are some downsides.

• The city can be too Westernized, with most things catering to tourists. It can be even difficult to find authentic Thai food in certain parts of the city.  
• The cost of living is also among the most expensive in the country. 
• Food can be overpriced.
• Personal safety in certain parts of the city can be an issue. 
• The city can also be chaotic. 
• Some areas have tourist traps, so your chances of getting scammed are significantly higher than in most other places in Thailand. 

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Pattaya is among the highest in Thailand. It can be slightly higher than Bangkok but cheaper than Phuket. 

Still, it’s still much more affordable to live here than in many parts of the world. 

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For a single person living in Pattaya, you should have a monthly budget of at least THB40,000 (US$1,160). This allows you to rent a decent place, eat some good food, party, and travel a bit. 

But it won’t be enough if you want to go out partying every day. 

With that being said, Pattaya has a budget for all types of people, depending on how you want to live. 

For example, you can rent a barebone apartment in Nakrua for just THB5,000 or a fancy villa for more than THB100,000 a month. 

Many people spend around THB55,000 (US$1,600) to THB72,000 (US$2,100) to live in Pattaya comfortably. 

Rent

Since Pattaya offers different lifestyles for people with all types of budgets, there are various accommodations available. Prices start from THB1,000 a month and surpass THB100,000 a month.  

The price depends on accommodation type, size, facilities, and location. 

A modern condo is the most popular option among expats because they offer convenience. Most condos are fully furnished and come with a swimming pool and a gym. As a plus, the location is often good, either near a beach or a shopping mall, making it easy to get around. 

As a rule of thumb, the closer the condo is to the beach, the more expensive it will be. 

To give you an idea, it’ll cost you around THB13,500 per month to rent a 43 sqm room at Acqua Condominium Jomtien with a city view. 

For a beachfront condo, such as AERAS on Soi Jomtien 17, you’ll pay more than THB30,000 a month for a 44 sqm room. 

If you have the budget, you can pay THB50,000 a month and get a 72 sqm panoramic seaview condo at Andromeda, with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a bathtub, which is considered as a luxurious item in Thailand.  

If you’re on a budget, there are also less expensive options available. For example, getting a 35 sqm room at Park Lane Condominium can cost you only THB8,000 a month. But facilities may not be as new as those in modern condos. 

If you want more space, you can rent a house instead. A two-bedroom house in Pattaya in a convenient location starts at THB15,000 per month and runs over THB100,000 per month for a villa. 

There are cheaper options but houses in lower price ranges might be in poor condition or in inconvenient areas. 

Pattaya is now a renter’s market. It’s possible to negotiate the rent down another 10 percent to 20 percent from the list price. Short-term rentals are also easy to find. 

There are also plenty of English-speaking real estate agents available in Pattaya who can quickly help you find a property. If you need help finding a good agent, just fill out this form.

Food

Pattaya is a foodie’s paradise. Food is extremely easy to find, prices are affordable, and there are tons of great restaurants.  

No matter which part of Pattaya you live in, you shouldn’t have any problem finding good food to eat, from local cuisine to international food. 

In fact, whatever kind of food you’re craving, from street food to fine dining, you will find it in Pattaya. 

If you’re on a budget, you can go to a food court in Terminal 21 Pattaya that sells Thai food for less than THB50 per meal. 

Or if you’re busy and don’t want to go out, you can use an app to have food delivered right to your door. 

But there are two main cons when it comes to food in Pattaya.

• First, while it’s easy to find a great restaurant, finding a simple meal in a local shop isn’t easy, especially when you live in touristy parts of the city. 
• Second, food prices in Pattaya are quite high by Thai standards. On average, you should expect to pay at least THB70 per meal at a local shop. At restaurants, you’ll pay around THB300 to THB400 per meal. 

Because of these reasons, your cost of food in Pattaya is going to be around 20 percent to 25 percent higher than in most cities throughout Thailand. 

Transportation

Pattaya is a small city with plenty of public transportation, making it easy to get around. 

Songthaews, or modified pick-up trucks, are a main way to get around Pattaya. They cover most parts of the city and cost about THB10 per trip. They are known as the “baht bus” among expats. 

You can also use a ride-hailing app such as Bolt or Grab to get around. It should cost you around THB100 for a 7-kilometer ride. 

Motorcycle taxis and car taxis can be found in malls and tourist areas. They operate on a fixed rate. You should negotiate the price before taking one. If you’re not sure how much to negotiate, you can compare prices with those found on ride-hailing apps. 

In addition, Pattaya is only one and a half hours away from Suvarnabhumi Airport, making it easy to fly home or to other cities in Thailand. 

Still, the best way to get around in Pattaya is to have your own vehicle. You can buy a used motorbike for less than THB20,000. 

But be careful when riding motorcycles in Pattaya because there are many reckless or inexperienced drivers.

If driving at night, you need to be extra careful, especially near the red-light districts. A majority of accidents at night are caused by drunk drivers in these areas. 

Healthcare

Healthcare in Pattaya is also good in terms of quality and quantity. 

The quality of private healthcare in Pattaya is comparable to that of Bangkok. Bangkok Hospital Pattaya and Jomtien Hospital are top-tier private hospitals that can treat all types of ailments. They are also the most expensive options in Pattaya. 

Visiting a doctor here should cost you at least THB2,000 to THB3,000 per visit. And hospitalization costs can easily exceed THB30,000 per night.

For more affordable options, you can visit Pattaya Memorial Hospital and Pattaya International Hospital. They are popular choices among expats who are on a budget or without health insurance, but still want to get treatment in a private hospital. Facilities at these places, however, can be older. 

When it comes to public healthcare, you can visit Pattaya City Hospital or Bang Lamung Hospital. Being government hospitals, they are significantly cheaper than private hospitals but are also much more crowded. You may also need to bring someone who can speak Thai with you. 

Also, the quality of treatment at these government hospitals may not be on par with private hospitals. 

Other than that, it’s still easy to find clinics, dentists, and pharmacies throughout Pattaya. 

In case there’s a healthcare service that you can’t find in Pattaya, you can take a day trip to Bangkok. 

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Social Life

You can find all types of people in Pattaya, from locals to tourists to digital nomads to retirees.

Since Pattaya is notorious for its red-light district, a majority of expats who come here are party lovers who want to explore Pattaya’s nightlife. 

But it’s still possible to find an expat community outside of these areas, depending on where you go and what kind of people you want to meet. 

A great way to meet new people in Pattaya is to take up yoga, cycling, tennis, swimming, Muay Thai, and more. 

Activities 

Being the entertainment capital of Thailand, there are tons of things you can do in Pattaya that aren’t just about nightlife.

Here’s a list of popular attractions.

• Aquariums: Pattaya has many aquariums available from Dolphinarium, Underwater World, and Monster Aquarium. 
• Beaches: While Pattaya beach is not that clean, there are better beaches nearby, including Jomtien Beach and Wong Amat Beach. If you want to try water activities, you can take a 40-minute ferry to Koh Larn.
• Muay Thai: There are a lot of places where you can train Muay Thai in Pattaya, from fitness Muay Thai to fighting Muay Thai. A popular gym with expats who don’t always want to fight is O. Sansuk Muay Thai Gym. You can also watch Muay Thai fights at MAX Muay Thai Stadium. 
• Museums: There are many great museums in Pattaya for both history and the arts. Popular museums include Sanctuary of Truth, Arts in Paradise, Baan Thai Food Museum, Museum of Art, and Mini Siam.
• Sporting activities: Go-karts, rock climbing gyms, bungee jumping, paragliding, darts, golf, and other sports can be found throughout or nearby Pattaya. 
• Water parks: Pattaya is home to many water parks, including Grande Centre Point Space Waterpark, THE WAVE, Pattaya Water Park, and Columbia Pictures Aquaverse. 

Note that Pattaya has many more things to do than what’s on the list above. You can live in Pattaya for many years and still not see or do all there is in the city. 

In addition to that, there are more places to go in Pattaya every year as the city keeps expanding and developing. 

Beaches

While Pattaya is known for many things, beaches aren’t one of them. Gone are the days of Pattaya’s peaceful and quiet beaches. 

Now beaches in Pattaya are known for being busy, and they regularly suffer from water pollution due to poor sewer management.

While the beaches are easy on the eyes, you might not want to swim or enjoy water activities in them. 

Still, if you’re looking for a good beach, you can go to Wong Amat Beach in the north of Pattaya or Jomtien beach in the south of Pattaya. They are much larger than Pattaya’s beaches and have a lot of nice beachside restaurants. 

Or you can take a 20-minute speedboat ride to Koh Larn. It’s a moderate sized island with many good beaches. 

Education and Family Life

You might be surprised to discover that Pattaya can be an interesting option for families because there are many family-friendly activities and good international schools at various budgets and with many curriculums. 

Here’s a list of popular international schools in Pattaya:

• Hastin School (Oxford International Curriculum (OIC)
• Mooltripakdee International School (British Based Education) 
• Phoenix Wittaya School (Cambridge Curriculum)
• Odyssey International School (International Curriculum) 
• Regents International School Pattaya (English National Curriculum) 

If an international school is out of your budget, there are also private schools with English programs such as Sawangboriboon Wittaya School and Satit Udomseuksa School. 

Since Pattaya is a popular weekend destination for Thai families, there are many places you can take your kids to. These include Pattaya Sheep Farm, Pattaya​ Dinosaur Kingdom, Monster Aquarium Pattaya, Dolphinarium Pattaya, HarborLand Pattaya, and many more.  

But the red-light district is still the main concern for many expat parents. 

Job Opportunities

Pattaya has a lot of job opportunities, mainly in the fields of hospitality, real estate, tourism, and teaching.

Other than that, you may need to have your own remote work or business or live on your pension as far as earning an income in Pattaya goes. 

It’s also good to know that in Pattaya, like most parts of Thailand, salaries are lower than what you’d find back home. 

Nightlife

In addition to the red-light district, there are many things to do in Pattaya at night. 

There are many cozy beachside restaurants along Jomtien beach that have affordable seafood and a great ambiance at night. 

You can also find plenty of rooftop restaurants and classy bars near North Pattaya Road. Pubs and restaurants can be found throughout the city. 

In addition to that, you can enjoy a chilled night out at Pattaya Marina Night Market or Pattaya Tree Town Night Market, or enjoy a party on a cruise. 

A word of advice about the red-light district in Pattaya: it can be hardcore, so enter at your own risk. 

Community

Pattaya’s international community is a mix of short-term and long-term expats. You will find people from all walks of life living in Pattaya, from digital nomads to retirees. 

Still, retirees are still among the biggest group of expats in Pattaya. And not all of them stay in Pattaya for the nightlife. It’s more about the convenience, weather, location, facilities, and good healthcare. 

Weather and Air Quality

Pattaya’s weather is good almost year around, with an average temperature of 24 degrees Celsius (75.2 F) to 31 degrees Celsius (87.8 F) throughout the year. It can be slightly hotter from March to April and cooler from December to February. 

It can rain heavily in Pattaya during the monsoon season between June and October. 

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When it comes to air quality, it’s normally good except from December to February. During these months, the AQI index can shoot up to 120 on a bad day. But the air won’t be as polluted as in the north of Thailand.

In fact, most places in Thailand suffer from air quality problems during this time of the year. 

Floods

Pattaya suffers from flash floods after heavy rains, which normally last a few hours. 

While the city has been trying to fix this problem for many years, it seems like it won’t be remedied anytime soon. 

Flood-prone areas include:

• Pattaya-Naklua Road 
• Pattaya Beach Road (from Pattaya Beach Soi 1 to Pattaya Beach Soi 6/1)
• Bongkot Soi
• Sukhumvit-Pattaya Soi 15 
• Sukhumvit Road (around Sukhumvit-Pattaya Soi 69, Soi 83, and Soi 85)
• Railway Road (from Khao Noi Soi to before Khao Talo Soi)
• Sukhumvit Road (from the mouth of Sukhumvit-Pattaya Soi 83 to the mouth of Sukhumvit-Pattaya Soi 85)

So, you should keep this in mind when looking for a place to live in Pattaya. 

Safety

While you may hear or read in the news about the mafia in Pattaya or the city’s safety standards, issues mainly occur in the red-light district. And even there it’s unlikely you will be involved. 

Still, there are some problems with petty theft in tourist areas. 

Other than that, Pattaya is a safe place to live. There are more safe zones in the city than dangerous zones. 

Popular Neighborhoods

Here’s a list of popular neighborhoods you should check out if you want to live in Pattaya. 

• Central Pattaya: This is a convenient area if you want to stay up all night and enjoy partying. You can walk to many places from here. But it can be expensive. Some condos may have noise issues. You may hear music all night long. And it’s hard to find a beachside condo in this area. There are also tons of tourists.
• Phra Tamnak Hill: This area is slightly south of Pattaya. It’s a popular area for those who still want to live close to the beach in a quieter environment but not far from the city center. It should be the first area you check out if you want to live in Pattaya. 
• Jomtien Beach: Jomtien Beach is on the south of Phra Tamnak Hill. While it may not be as convenient as the two aforementioned areas, it can be more relaxed with fewer tourists. Also, you have more choices of beachfront condos in this area. 
• East Pattaya: A residential area with a lot of options for houses and villas. The cost of living also tends to be lower since it caters more to locals in Pattaya. It also has less problems with flooding. But it can be far from beaches and less convenient overall. 

Lifestyle With a THB50,000 Monthly Budget

With a monthly budget of THB50,000 (US$1,350 or EUR1,520), you can live comfortably in Pattaya. Here’s the lifestyle you could afford. 

• You can rent a 35 sqm fully furnished condo in the north of Pattaya or Phra Tamnak area. It’s close to the beach with plenty of food and restaurants nearby. Pattaya is also just 10 minutes away. 
• Eating at local shops is going to be your main choice for daily meals. You can also eat at a nice restaurant a few times per week. 
• You can enjoy drinks and socializing a few times per week.  
• You won’t need to rely on public transportation. Instead, you can buy a used scooter to get around the city easily. 
• When it comes to healthcare, you can buy a mid-tier health insurance plan (such as Luma Health). With it, you should expect to be covered for hospitalization fees at standard private hospitals in full. 
• You still have THB5,000 left a month for traveling around Thailand or nearby areas. 

Here’s a cost breakdown: 

Expense	Cost (Baht)
Rent	15,000
Food	15,000
Transportation	3,500
Health	3,500
Utilities	3,000
Social Activities	2,500
Visa	500
Travel	5,000
Misc.	2,000
Total	50,000

Trade-offs

• This budget is mainly for single people living in Pattaya. If you have a family, you need to have at least THB30,000 more in your budget if you want your kids to study at a good bilingual school. For international schools, you need around THB150,000 a month at a minimum. 
• If you need a bigger condo or one located near the beach, your cost of rent is going to be at least THB25,000 a month. 
• If you want to party or eat out at nice restaurants almost every day, you should have a budget of at least THB80,000 a month. 
• If you retire in Pattaya, your healthcare costs can be more expensive. You may need to add at least THB7,000 more to your health budget. 
• This budget won’t be enough if you want to have a car. 

It’s possible to live with a monthly budget of THB40,000 or less by renting a cheaper condo in a less convenient are, eating out less frequently, and relying on local shops more. 

Should You Live in Pattaya? 

While Pattaya can be a good option, it may not be suitable for everyone. Let’s take a quick look at the pros and cons of living in Pattaya to help you decide whether the city is suitable for you. 

Pros

• An entertainment capital with a lot of things going on all the time.
• It’s very convenient. Food is easier to find. Plenty of expat services. And easy to get around. 
• Lots of things to do at night.
• You can live here easily without having to learn Thai.
• There are tons of international foods available. Cozy restaurants and cafes can also be found all throughout the city.
• Healthcare is also good. You have many choices of quality hospitals with plenty of English-speaking healthcare services. 
• Weather is good almost all year round. 
• Chilled atmosphere in certain locations.
• There are many good golf courses nearby. 
• Only one and half hours away from Bangkok, making it easy to get to the capital.

Cons

• Nightlife can be dangerous.
• Cost of living is among the highest in Thailand.
• Occasional floods during the rainy season. 
• The city can be crowded with tourists. 
• Heavy traffic during weekends and long holidays.
• The city can be too developed for those who are after a laid-back lifestyle. 

Alternative Neighborhoods

If you want to live near Pattaya but have a lower budget or want to live a quieter life, here’s the neighborhoods you should check out: 

• Bang Saray: Bang Saray is further south of Pattaya. The cost of living is much cheaper. It’s possible to find a beachside condo for less than THB10,000 a month. But activities are limited. It’s good for those who want to live a simple life. 
• Sattahip: Sattahip is south of Bang Saray. It’s a developed area with a Thai Navy base. Since land prices are still low, there are affordable houses for rents in good gated communities. Weather is also better than that of Pattaya. You will find many Thai-foreigner couples living here. 
• Ban Chang: A district in Rayong only 40 minutes from Pattaya. The cost of living is much more affordable. And you can find good houses for rent for less than THB15,000 per month. There’s also a community for retired expat as well. 
• Sri Racha: Sri Racha is located north of Pattaya and is often overlooked because it’s not as well known among expats. But it’s convenient to live here. The cost of living is also more affordable than in Pattaya.

Related articles:

• What Does THB 50,000 (US$1,350) A Month Get You in Sriracha?

Pattaya Vs. Other Beach Cities 

Let’s compare Pattaya and other popular beach cities in Thailand. 

• Pattaya vs. Phuket: Both cities are convenient places to live with similar costs of living, food, and facilities. But Phuket has far better beaches and water activities than Pattaya. On the other hand, it’s much easier to get around Pattaya. And Pattaya also has better healthcare options. 
• Pattaya vs. Hua Hin: You can expect a completely different lifestyle between Pattaya and Hua Hin. Hua Hin is much more laid back and may even have better weather than Pattaya. So, if you like a life filled with constant excitement, live in Pattaya. If you want a simpler life, Hua Hin is for you.
• Pattaya vs. Rayong: Both have a different vibe. While the expat community in Rayong is limited at the moment, there are more things to do during the day. But nightlife in Rayong can be limited. On the other hand, there are many things to do in Pattaya at night. 

Related article:

• What Does 50,000 Thai Baht (US$1,350) A Month Get You in Rayong?

Now, on to You

Living in Pattaya isn’t just about the nightlife and red-life district. Pattaya offers much more. In addition, the city keeps expanding and developing every year. 

It’s expected that there will be many more things to do in Pattaya in the future.