A British man who moved to Thailand has posted a detailed breakdown of his monthly expenses that he says are all lower than the average monthly rent in the United Kingdom.
Simon, a retired psychiatric nurse from London who lives in Nonthaburi on a Thai retirement visa, published the account in a June TikTok post under the handle @skyhighthaisi. The clip, which has attracted more than 270,000 likes and some 6,000 comments, lays out rent, utilities, food, leisure and visa-related costs and quantifies how those items add up in 2025.
Simon said his largest single monthly outlay is 8,000 baht (about £170) for a one-bedroom condominium just outside Bangkok. He described the apartment as quiet and clean, and noted building amenities including a swimming pool, sauna and gym are included at no additional charge. He estimated his total monthly living costs fall between 35,000 and 45,000 baht, roughly £750 to £950.
Utilities and daily living expenses, he said in the video, are substantially lower than what many Britons pay. He listed monthly bills of about 1,000 baht (£21) for Wi‑Fi, 1,200 baht (£26) for electricity and roughly 60 baht (a little over £1) for water. Eating at local restaurants, he said, can cost as little as 150 baht (about £3) for three meals, while a “proper” coffee costs around 25 baht (50p). He added that Western-style food and imported items such as steak or pizza are more expensive and therefore less frequent in his budget.
Leisure and personal care costs were also described as modest. Simon said he pays about £2–£3 for a haircut and £4–£6 for an hour‑long massage. A night out with three Thai beers would cost about 260 baht (roughly £5.50). On visa matters, he said he pays 1,900 baht (£44) annually to renew his retirement visa and pays about 15,000 baht (£348) per year to a visa agent to handle paperwork.
The TikTok account framed the figures with the question, “So everyone online says Thailand is cheap. But how cheap is it really in 2025?” In the video, Simon concluded that Thailand is cheaper than the UK for his chosen lifestyle, but added that outcomes depend on individual choices.
Viewers on the platform responded with praise and comparative commentary. Several commenters described the account as an “honest” overview and contrasted the costs with housing and bills in the UK, Canada and other Western countries. Some noted that other expats choose destinations such as Dubai or coastal Spanish towns like Benidorm and Torrevieja for retirement, but that Thailand remains an affordable option for those seeking lower living costs.
The post highlights wider patterns among retirees and long‑term travellers who consider Southeast Asia for lower day‑to‑day spending. Experts and official figures emphasise that costs vary by location within Thailand, by lifestyle choices and by fluctuations in exchange rates, visa regulations and local prices. Simon’s figures apply to his circumstances in Nonthaburi and reflect the mix of local dining, modest accommodation and paid services he uses.
In closing the video, Simon reiterated his main point: the move offered him a more affordable and relaxed way of life compared with his experience in London, while acknowledging that affordability depends on individual preference and spending decisions.