🇹🇭 Bangkok vs 🇯🇵 Tokyo
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇹🇭
Bangkok
Thailand
$1,169–$1,851/mo
฿40,310 – ฿63,828 / month (local)
🇯🇵
Tokyo
Japan
$2,708–$4,287/mo
¥404,179 – ¥639,851 / month (local)
Tokyo is 132% more expensive
Bangkok wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Bangkok (USD) | Tokyo (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $877–$1,364 | $2,031–$3,159 | 🟢 Bangkok |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $463–$731 | $1,072–$1,692 | 🟢 Bangkok |
| Utilities | $37–$71 | $85–$164 | 🟢 Bangkok |
| Groceries | $185–$278 | $429–$643 | 🟢 Bangkok |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $24–$44 | $56–$102 | 🟢 Bangkok |
| Public transport (monthly) | $46–$56 | $107–$130 | 🟢 Bangkok |
| Internet & Mobile | $15–$24 | $34–$56 | 🟢 Bangkok |
| Gym membership | $17–$32 | $39–$73 | 🟢 Bangkok |
| Cinema ticket | $7–$9 | $16–$20 | 🟢 Bangkok |
| Monthly total (single) | $1,169–$1,851 | $2,708–$4,287 | 🟢 Bangkok |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing6.9 / 10 · 4.9 / 10
Bangkok▲ better
Tokyo
Safety8.2 / 10 · 9.6 / 10
Bangkok
Tokyo▲ better
Healthcare8.2 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Bangkok▲ better
Tokyo
Education7.8 / 10 · 7.5 / 10
Bangkok▲ better
Tokyo
Environment8.6 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Bangkok▲ better
Tokyo
Economy6.9 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Bangkok
Tokyo▲ better
Culture7.5 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Bangkok
Tokyo▲ better
Internet7.9 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Bangkok▲ better
Tokyo
Who should choose which city?
Choose Bangkok if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Tokyo
- ✓Food
- ✓Healthcare tourism
- ✓Value
- ✓Remote work
Choose Tokyo if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Tokyo offers vs Bangkok
- ✓Safety
- ✓Transit
- ✓Food
- ✓Finance
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Full Bangkok guide
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Explore Bangkok →📊
Full Tokyo guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Tokyo →