Monthly Breakdown for Digital Nomads, Hybrid Workers, and Travellers.

Ah — Bangkok, Thailand. A magnet for expat living, digital nomads, and returning visitors alike. But why is it so attractive?

If you’re researching Bangkok’s cost of living as a digital nomad, here’s my honest breakdown from one full month of living in the city.

From high-speed connectivity and reliable public transport to mouthwatering food and weekend island getaways — it’s no wonder I’ve returned multiple times over the years.

💰 Expenses Breakdown

🛏️ Accommodation: SGD1,700
→ 5-minute walk from Phra Khanong BTS station
🍜 Food: <SGD60/day
→ Mix of restaurants and cafes
🚕 Transport: SGD300
→ BTS day passes, airport transfers, occasional cabs
💄 Personal Expenses: ~SGD600
→ Shopping, massages, grooming, etc.

Total: ~SGD4,460 (excluding activities)

📌 I was fairly liberal in spending – if you’re on a budget, it will be much lower than this.

🏡 Where to Stay in Bangkok: Best Mid-Range Options

I’ve stayed in multiple Bangkok neighbourhoods, and honestly — 7-Eleven is everywhere, and the food mix is always solid. That said, here are some of my favourite areas:

✔️ National Stadium BTS – 10 minutes to Siam, 24/7 Don Don Donki at MBK, and a quieter Lotus nearby. One of my all-time favourites. Sadly, my usual Airbnb listing here was taken down.
✔️ Chit Lom BTS (Lang Suan area) – Quieter, upscale, and perfect for longer stays.
✔️ On Nut BTS – Slightly farther out, but packed with condos and a huge Lotus. I’d travel just for groceries.
✔️ Bearing BTS – Yes, it’s far, but the local night market and live music made me return more than once.

Should You Book an Airbnb or Long-Term Rental?

✅ Airbnb pros: Easier for short stays (1–3 months), WiFi and utilities included.
✅ Long-term rentals: Save 20–30% if you stay 3+ months and can negotiate directly with landlords.

If convenience matters more than cost, Airbnb is still a solid choice.

🍽️ Food and Grocery Expenses (SGD60/day)

I ate out 100% of the time — because it’s Bangkok. From street food to high-end Thai cuisine, it’s one of the best places in the world for a food-driven lifestyle.

My regulars included:

✔️ Lon Lon Local Diner | near Chong Nonsi BTS – Thai-fusion, always packed. Get the crispy pork with vegetables (super spicy!)
✔️ Jae Keang (Bathat Thong) | near National Stadium BTS – Traditional Thai fare. Accepts Singapore PromptPay QR — lifesaver!
✔️ Tor Charm | near Bearing BTS – Best beef boat noodles I’ve had. A hidden gem where I was the only tourist.

📌 Budget Tip: Street vendors and food courts still offer delicious meals for under SGD5.

🚕 Transport Costs (SGD300 for the Month)

Bangkok’s BTS system is a game-changer — and I made use of it daily.

✔️ Bought a BTS daily pass almost every day
✔️ Many tours/activities offered hotel pick-ups
✔️ Grab for airport transfers and late-night returns

Transport: BTS Pass

Transport: Rabbit card

📌 If you’re based centrally and use BTS daily, budgeting ~SGD300/month is safe.

📶 Internet and Workspaces (SGD25)

Same setup as always — I used SIMBA’s SuperRoam Plan from Singapore with 15GB overseas data (80 GB for APAC countries). I worked from my Airbnb (WiFi was solid), so I didn’t need co-working spaces.

If you do:

✔️ Home WiFi – Free with most Airbnbs
✔️ Coworking spaces – SGD100/month (The Work Loft, WeWork, etc.)

🎟️ Activities and Day Trips From Bangkok

🎶 Weekend Nights at Siam Square
Almost every weekend, Siam Square turns into a street festival zone — music, fashion shows, markets. Always buzzing.

🐘 Day Trip to Ayutthaya (SGD45, transport included)
I joined the UNESCO temple tour with shared transport — peaceful and educational. Great for solo travelers.

🌴 Weekend Trip to Krabi (SGD150+ flights/hotels)
Quick domestic flights make beach escapes super easy. I did island hopping, snorkelling, and lots of swimming.

📌 Tip: Choose a speedboat tour for time savings — but be prepared for bumpy waters!

🌟 Final Thoughts: Was SGD4,460 Worth It?

✔️ For a mid-to-high budget traveler, SGD4,460 gives you a full, flexible, and fun month in Bangkok
✔️ Budgeting smart? You can easily manage ~SGD2,000/month
✔️ Bangkok remains one of the best cities in Asia for digital nomads — efficient, vibrant, and full of possibilities

🙋‍♀️ Who This City is For

• Digital nomads who love walkable, transport-friendly cities
• Solo travelers seeking food, culture, and community
• Mid-range explorers who want comfort and character