Eastern Seaboard Cost of Living Guide 2025
Complete guide to living costs in Thailand's Eastern Seaboard - Rayong, Chonburi, and surrounding areas. Perfect for expats working in industrial zones.
Regional Overview
Thailand's Eastern Seaboard is an industrial hub with growing expat communities in Rayong, Chonburi, Sriracha, and surrounding areas. Costs are moderate with good infrastructure and proximity to Bangkok.
Budget Lifestyle
฿30,000-45,000
Basic comfortable living
Mid-Range Lifestyle
฿45,000-75,000
Comfortable expat living
Luxury Lifestyle
฿75,000-130,000
Premium industrial expat living
Executive Level
฿130,000+
High-end expatriate packages
Housing & Accommodation by Area
Rayong Province
- •Studio Condo: ฿8,000-15,000/month
- •1-Bedroom: ฿12,000-25,000/month
- •2-Bedroom House: ฿20,000-40,000/month
- •Serviced Apartment: ฿25,000-50,000/month
Chonburi & Sriracha
- •Studio Condo: ฿10,000-18,000/month
- •1-Bedroom: ฿15,000-30,000/month
- •2-Bedroom House: ฿25,000-50,000/month
- •Executive Housing: ฿40,000-80,000/month
Laem Chabang & Map Ta Phut
- •Industrial Area Housing: ฿12,000-25,000/month
- •Company Accommodation: Often provided by employers
- •Expat Compounds: ฿30,000-60,000/month
💡 Pro Tip:
Many international companies provide housing allowances or company accommodation. Check with your employer before searching independently.
Food & Dining
The Eastern Seaboard offers excellent seafood and local cuisine, with growing international food options catering to the expat community:
- •Local Street Food: ฿40-80 per meal (excellent seafood)
- •Seafood Restaurants: ฿150-400 per meal
- •International Restaurants: ฿300-700 per meal
- •Expat-Friendly Venues: ฿400-1,000 per meal
- •Hotel Restaurants: ฿600-1,500+ per meal
- •Local Market Groceries: ฿6,000-10,000/month
- •Tesco/Big C Groceries: ฿10,000-18,000/month
Transportation
Transportation in the Eastern Seaboard primarily relies on private vehicles, with limited public transport options:
- •Car Rental: ฿12,000-25,000/month (most common for expats)
- •Scooter Rental: ฿3,000-4,500/month
- •Company Transport: Many employers provide shuttles
- •Taxi/Grab: ฿100-300 typical trips
- •Bus to Bangkok: ฿120-250 (2-3 hours)
- •Songthaew (Local): ฿15-30 per trip
- •Gasoline: ฿35-40 per liter
Utilities & Services
- •Electricity: ฿2,000-5,000/month (moderate AC usage)
- •Water: ฿150-400/month
- •Internet (Fiber): ฿700-1,800/month
- •Mobile Phone: ฿400-1,200/month
- •Gym Membership: ฿1,500-4,000/month
- •Maid Service: ฿3,000-8,000/month
Healthcare
Healthcare facilities are adequate with some international-standard hospitals in the region:
- •Doctor Visit (Private): ฿700-1,800
- •Specialist Consultation: ฿1,200-2,800
- •Dental Cleaning: ฿1,000-2,500
- •Health Insurance: ฿2,000-15,000/month (often provided by employers)
- •Emergency Transport: ฿1,500-5,000 (to Bangkok if needed)
Entertainment & Lifestyle
- •Golf (18 holes): ฿1,000-2,500 (several good courses)
- •Thai Massage: ฿300-600/hour
- •Beach Day Trips: ฿500-1,500 (Koh Samet, nearby beaches)
- •Expat Bar/Restaurant: ฿150-400 per beer
- •Weekend Bangkok Trip: ฿2,000-5,000
- •Diving/Snorkeling: ฿2,500-4,500 per day
Major Employers & Industries
Petrochemicals & Energy
PTT, Chevron, Thai Oil, IRPC - Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate
Manufacturing
Ford, GM, Hemaraj, Amata - Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate
Logistics & Port Operations
Laem Chabang Port, logistics companies, shipping lines
Sample Monthly Budgets
Entry-Level Expat: ฿50,000
1BR Condo: ฿18,000 | Food: ฿15,000 | Car Rental: ฿15,000 | Utilities: ฿5,000 | Entertainment: ฿7,000
Mid-Level Manager: ฿75,000
2BR House: ฿30,000 | Food/Dining: ฿20,000 | Car: ฿18,000 | Utilities: ฿6,000 | Activities: ฿15,000 | Savings: ฿10,000
Senior Executive: ฿120,000
Executive Housing: ฿50,000 | Fine Dining: ฿25,000 | Premium Car: ฿22,000 | Golf/Activities: ฿15,000 | Other: ฿8,000
🏭 Industrial Living Benefits:
- • Many employers provide housing allowances or accommodation
- • Company health insurance often included
- • Strong expat community with organized activities
- • Good infrastructure despite being outside Bangkok
- • Easy weekend access to beaches and Bangkok
⚠️ Considerations:
Limited public transport means car ownership/rental is almost essential. Air quality can be affected by industrial activities. Entertainment options are more limited than Bangkok, but the strong expat community compensates with organized events and activities.
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