Answered2 years ago
How much can I expect to pay for electricity and water in a small condo in Thailand, particularly when using air conditioning?
A small question from someone (me) who might possibly retire in Thailand one day: For a small condo, how much will I pay for electricity per month (using a/c)? And how much for water?
Thx.
Edit: My question was rather vague, I know 😂.
But I was just looking for a price RANGE - and I thank all of you for giving me that!!!🙏🙏🙏
Thx.
Edit: My question was rather vague, I know 😂.
But I was just looking for a price RANGE - and I thank all of you for giving me that!!!🙏🙏🙏
Answer summary
Monthly utility costs in Thailand for a small condo can vary significantly based on electricity usage and location. Generally, expect to pay between 1000 to 3500 THB for electricity, with factors like air conditioning usage greatly influencing bills. Water bills are typically lower, averaging around 100 to 300 THB. Some comments suggest that renting might involve bills at higher rates than government prices, especially if managed by the condo owner. Potential residents are advised to clarify utility rates before signing leases.
170 repliesnewest first
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Carl *****
Follow "Dan about Thailand", he has all of the answer's.
Bent *************
Electricity not more than 2000.
Water not more than 150.
Water not more than 150.
Guy ******
If you have to ask you can’t afford it.
David *********
ballpark figure is about $50 Aus per month 1150 baht in Jomtien easy to deal directly with condo owner and only pay government rate if you rent through condo body you can pay up to twice the amount i never had a bill over 1300baht for the month including water
David *******
OPMany thanks David 🙏
David *********
@David ******
when you decide to move there if im still alive message me i have friends working at condos who can helpDavid *********
a lot of people get sucked in to pay higher than govt rates stand your ground and demand govt rate until you find one there is plenty and get someone who is Thai to bargain for you i got my monthly rent down from 14,000 baht a month to 11,500 baht per month using a Thai friend to do the talking
Tim ******
Depending on the location ( in Bangkok I paid 3k), the weather, the room dimension, the aircon type and the set temperature.
The size of the aircon (1.5 or 2 HP), inverter or not, where is it installed.
If you set 26°C you need much less power than at 22°C.
In cold seasons or daytimes or locations the power usage is very different.
So I think between 1.5 and 3k power bill a month you should expect.
The size of the aircon (1.5 or 2 HP), inverter or not, where is it installed.
If you set 26°C you need much less power than at 22°C.
In cold seasons or daytimes or locations the power usage is very different.
So I think between 1.5 and 3k power bill a month you should expect.
Klaus ******
1 kw is 4.5 baht.. Many people charge electricity and you will pay 8 baht for 1 kw...
I pay around 800 baht for my room in hotel (1 kw 4.5 baht)
I pay around 800 baht for my room in hotel (1 kw 4.5 baht)
David *******
OPKlaus ******
@David ******
this is the Truth.. The real price.. Many people charge electricity
Oliver ********
electricity costs vary a lot depending on the aircon unit and how often you use it but even at the top end for a small condo, it should be more than 5k baht/month - water is basically free - but for retirement, always remember that Thailand is still a developing country with costs and prices that should converge towards developed countries over time, so if you plan to be alive for a while, be aware that everything could be much more expensive in 10 or 20 years
David *******
OP@Oliver *******
Many thanks Oliver 🙏
Terary **********
I live on the outskirts of Pattaya, I pay about 3500 thb/month electric water. My condo is about 90sqm, and there are two of us here.
Moshi *****
If you worried about that you better not go Thailand.
Moshi *****
If you have to ask about how much water and Electric is you obviously you can't afford it. Its like when you go buy a Rolls Royce if you ask how many miles to the gallon it does, you can't afford.
David *******
OP@Moshi ****
Thanks for the thought Moshi. It happens to be wrong. I have lived in many countries around the world, including Mexico - and from the information I got in this group, it turns out that Thai electricity is about a quarter of what I paid in Mexico. That means it is indeed very affordable. Have a nice day.David *******
OP@Moshi ****
Why worried?🙂
David *******
OPGalenus ******
@David ******
how big is small? How often ac? How much water? You asked a silly questionDavid *******
OP@Galenus *****
I know my question is a bit too vague, haha.... But that's just because I don't know how big of a condo I'll buy and how much ac Ill use.... 🙂I was just curious about the price RANGE - but people have given me great info on that now!
🙏🙏🙏
Michael ********
Just paid both and our condo is 36 baht for water and electric 754 baht.
David *******
OPOnce again, I thank all of you for taking the time to give me very valuable info -- info that I will consider before buying a condo. I really appreciate all your help.
Sherman **********
I’ve never see anyone with a 5000 baht/month bill. I have 2 bedrooms and 72 sq meters and I run the air about 3 hours/ day and my bill is 1200/ month.
Lisa ****************
@Sherman *********
mine is usually between 3000-4000 THB/month…. maybe because I run a/c most of the time, cook daily, have computer running, etc
Kevin *******
And how long is a piece of string ?
Gregory ********
Depends on aircon—but about 2000 for elect and 200 for water
Brian *********
It will be all over the place based on where, what and you. I’m in a 2bd house in Isan. Monthly.
Electricity ~3000
Water ~60
Electricity ~3000
Water ~60
Jenny ********
I am really surprised, the electricity in Bangkok is much cheaper than Vietnam, I make bread, roast coffee, use 3 air conditioners, 2 refrigerators but the electricity bill is only 2000 baht per month. I wash a lot of water, only 200-250 baht per month , we're a 3 member family
David *******
OPMany thanks for all the useful info. I appreciate it 🙏🙏
Neil *********
I pay about 2000 baht a month for electric and 200 a month for water that’s what I’ve been paying pretty much for the last 4 years living here. That’s a 84 Sqm condo so good size. You don’t need to sleep with ac on a good fan is much better for you and your bills in any case
Edward ******
I have a very big house. I pay 5000 to 9000 a month. 3 three people. Two ACS run all night. At least one AC all day. In the winter time it can drop as low as 2,000 a month
Stuart **********
Yes agree with some of the others.ours is always between 1500bht and 2500bht.Air con,washing machine,submersible pump ans showers.
David ********
For a 28 s/qm quite a nice condo which is really 25 s/qm as it is 3 s/qm of balcony in Soi 94. I use about Bt1000 electricity a month, water Bt20 a month. I usually have 2 short showers a day and keep my room at about 26 C with A/C. When I'm there.
David ********
The place The "Rooms Hua Hin Residence". There are 2 other types of room lager.
David *******
OP@David *******
Great info, much appreciated 🙏
Robert ****
I rent a 34 sqm,
***
bath condo in Bangkok. My electric bill is 2k baht on average per month, and my water bill is 200 baht. I run my AC for approximately 22 hours per day.
James ******
@Robert ***
I have similar condo to you but 35 sq.m. water average 200 but electric government rate 600 baht on average every month. Ac on about 12 hours a day
Lothar *************
in summer i paid 1500, now in wintertime 500. in summer used ac not all day, but a lot. its important to have a modern ac.
Sasawan **********
Probably 2,000-2,500 baht if I would make a guess. In the case that you stayed home alone most of the time and cook/use the air-con during the day and night/do laundry.
Martin *********
If the air conditioners are working properly that about 1500 to 2,000 per month for both water and electricity and I keep both by air conditioners running all the time
Oliver *****
The price of electricity matters a lot.
If it is direct from pea then it’s just over 4 baht per kw.
If you are renting the landlord may charge you 6, 8 baht or even more.
You need your electricity price in writing, and pictures of the electric meter.
If it is direct from pea then it’s just over 4 baht per kw.
If you are renting the landlord may charge you 6, 8 baht or even more.
You need your electricity price in writing, and pictures of the electric meter.
David *******
OP@Oliver ****
Many thanks for that, it's useful info. 🙏
Russell *******
Government rate or not?! That makes a difference as well.
David *******
OP@Russell ******
Got it, many thanks 🙏
Tim *********
@David ******
Yes important point from Russell, some condos set their own rates for electric and water and it can be very expensive. You want somewhere with it's own meter, charged at the power supplier's standard ratesDavid *******
OP@Tim ********
Very valuable info. Thank you 🙏Tim *********
We run 1 AC about 8 hours, 1 fan 16 hours and 1 fan 8 hours. We cook with electric most days. Electric is about 1,000 most months, but can range from 850 to 1,400 in the hottest months
David *******
OP@Tim ********
Many thanks for the info 🙏
Jared *********
I have a 2 bedroom 2 bath 60sq m condo with lots of sunshine from the floor to ceiling windows on 3 walls. I keep my condo at 25 C most of the time. Running two medium efficiency AC units at 4 baht /kwh. My monthly bill is around 2400 baht.
Water cost is next to nothing. 70 -100 baht per month.
Water cost is next to nothing. 70 -100 baht per month.
David *******
OP@Jared ********
Very helpful info, thanks Jared 🙏
Stephen ********
Water and electric is peanuts. Check out medical insurance. That isnt
David *******
OP@Stephen *******
Thanks Stephen. I am just beginning to learn stuff.... Out of curiosity, what's the range for med insurance?🙏
Stephen ********
@David ******
infinitely variable depending on age and cover. And exclusions, co pay etc. Be aware they either stop cover as we age or jackup premia to price us out. A self insurance fund is better imo. As a very rough ballpark, my emergency burst appendix cost 160k bht - which I thought was cheap.
Perry *******
South and West facing condos...will use more AC.. North use the least
- Top floor uses more than lower floors.
- Interior condos benefit from their Neighbor's AC / insulation.
- Top floor uses more than lower floors.
- Interior condos benefit from their Neighbor's AC / insulation.
Russell *******
@Perry ******
good one ☝️Perry *******
Government rate vs actual rate..
-- Some condo owners/ associations MARK UP electricity, water, etc.
*** Always ask the rate before signing a lease. You want to hear " government" rate.
-- Some condo owners/ associations MARK UP electricity, water, etc.
*** Always ask the rate before signing a lease. You want to hear " government" rate.
David *******
OP@Perry ******
Very valuable info for me. Many thanks. 🙏🙏Perry *******
During the hot season, I used my AC
45 sq m condo.
1300 thb/ month = Ave electric bill
( government rate)
****
.45 sq m condo.
1300 thb/ month = Ave electric bill
( government rate)
David *******
OP@Perry ******
Many thanks 🙏🙏
Patrick *******
In a 75m2 condo, 2 people, our monthly electricity bill is between 2500-3500THB ( one A/C , either in bedroom or lounge, running practically all the time, set on 26°).
The monthly water bill is around 250-350THB ( 2 people)
The monthly water bill is around 250-350THB ( 2 people)
David *******
OP@Patrick ******
Good info, much appreciated 🙏Arnold **********
Water and electricity are very cheap in Thailand 🇹🇭
Will *********
@Arnold *********
set to increase as Thailand transitions from imported energy to self sufficiency.Arnold **********
@Will ********
won’t happen in my lifetimeWill *********
@Arnold *********
- Assuming you are going to die in the next year or so.
Kenny *****
I’m thinking about 1000b-1500b and water maybe 30b-50b. I spend 2000b-3000b for electricity and 50b-90b for water in 3bedroom 2bathroom house.
Joseph *********
I used ac rarely preferred airflow from open balcony door and fans.
Marty *********
I recommend that you get a couple of floor fans. They will substitute for the AC a good deal of the time.
Alan *********
I need to revisit my power and water as I am paying 1,800 and 280 per month in a small condo, aircon set at
*****
and only for 18 hours a day. Seems high in comparison to what is listed hereDavid *******
OP@Alan ********
Hm, interesting.... others have told me about variations in rates... Thanks for the info.Alan *********
@David ******
Apparently I'm paying govt rates so in theory I should be comparing apples with apples. Maybe I have a very inefficient AC and maybe I take longer showers than most :)
Maja ***********
I have Condo for sale in Krabi, Krabi is great for retirement .
Howard ***********
Take meeeeee
David *******
OPHoward ***********
David *******
OP
Fra *****
2000 Power 200 water
Pete *******
Budget 20k per month for a decent sized and located condo including utilities and your own WiFi and you won’t go far wrong.
AJ ****
£50
Bob *******
How long is a piece of string?
David *******
OP@Bob ******
Well, I was imagining average a.c. use, small condo...😅
Peter *******
Govt rate, Inverter AC 26⁰ on 6pm to 5am Elec 750-1,000 baht depending on time of year
James *******
$100-$120 usd only if you constantly run AC
Russell ********
@James ******
thanks, that's useful. Do you pay directly or to the condo? (Paying directly is normally cheaper than to the condo)James *******
@Russell *******
I paid at condo and at 7-11Klaus ******
@James ******
hahhbaha they charge electric to you 5 times moreJames *******
@Klaus *****
ok
Aaron *******
I have a 2 BR, 84 sq meters condo, with 3 ACs we run all the time. Just paid the quarterly electric and water bill of 7000 THB. Could be cheaper if we didn't run ACs, as I see many of my neighbors never run there's.
Aaron *******
David *******
OP@Aaron ******
Many thanks, that's good info.
Phil ******
@David ******
depends how much you use it.
David *******
OP
Simon **********
A lot depends on whether you pay the bill direct or via the landlord/building owner. I rented a studio apartment in Bangkok and the building charged for the power and it was frequently well over 1500THB per month. Now I rent a two bedroom condo and pay the bill direct and it is rarely ever over 1000THB. That's having ac on all night in the bedroom and probably 4-6 hours during the day in the living area.
David *******
OP@Simon *********
Great info, I appreciate it 🙏Lisa ****************
When I use a/c every day, I pay THB 3000-4000/month directly to the power company. Water is around THB 80-100/month… this is for a one bedroom/one bathroom, 50sq m condo in Bangkok.
Klaus ******
@Lisa ***************
is impossible I pay 800 baht monthly in my condoLisa ****************
@Klaus *****
very true… here is a snapshot of my recent monthly charges from MEA… I travel a lot, so the months that are 200+ baht I was not there, the months that are 1600+ THB, I was there for about two weeks out of the month, and the ones that are 3000-4000+ THB, I was there the entire month.Russell ********
@Lisa ***************
thanks for sharing. It's appreciated.Klaus ******
@Lisa ***************
ah 2 air conditioningLisa ****************
@Klaus *****
I run two a/c’s, cook daily and have computer/tv running. It’s about ***
what I would pay in the U.S., so I’m not complaining 😊Klaus ******
@Lisa ***************
only you pay like this in ThailandDavid *******
OP@Lisa ***************
Good info, much appreciated 🙏Fra *****
@Lisa ***************
Power really expensiveLisa ****************
Comes out to around $80-$120 USD/month, and I’m comfortable
****
😊
Paul **********
Don’t complicate - plan on spending 7000-
*****
TB/monthly all included
Nick *******
Depends on usage x the rate you will pay.
If you rent, then the unit rate will be anything from 5 bht upwards. If you own your condo then you will pay the basic government rate of around 5 bht p/kw
I pay 7 bht p/kw and we (x2) only use AC to bring the temperature down a few minutes each time, about 10 times a day. I have fans in living room then bedroom on constantly
If you rent, then the unit rate will be anything from 5 bht upwards. If you own your condo then you will pay the basic government rate of around 5 bht p/kw
I pay 7 bht p/kw and we (x2) only use AC to bring the temperature down a few minutes each time, about 10 times a day. I have fans in living room then bedroom on constantly
****
while we’re indoors. My electricity bill is around 1300 p/m.David *******
OP@Nick ******
Much appreciated 🙏
Mike *******
If your worried about your electric and water bill, maybe you shouldnt bother. ffs!!
Pierre *******
@Mike ******
Stupid Comment ! FFS , he is asking a question , no need to act like a big deal !
Paul ********
@Mike ******
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Jack ************
@Mike ******
he might be planning a reasonable budget more than worrying.
Bradley *******
Govt electricity rate is 4.18 thb per unit,condo may charge you higher than this even double
David *******
OP@Bradley ******
Thanks for the info 🙏
Andre ***********
1⁰⁰⁰00 not more
Will *********
Firstly get accimatised so you won't need the aircon (so much).
THen you need to pay your utilities directly to the provider, not through the landlord. You shouldn't get a fixed fee per month.
THen you need to pay your utilities directly to the provider, not through the landlord. You shouldn't get a fixed fee per month.
Will *********
@David ******
government minister...."no rise in electricity prices from September to December 2024, keeping rates stable at ฿4.18 per unit."David *******
OP@Will ********
Good info, I appreciate it! 🙏
Daniel ********
I pay about 1400 baht electric a month for small condo in pattaya and about 200 baht a month water
Klaus ******
@Daniel *******
you pay double price probably
Daniel *****
60 to 100 usd
Klaus ******
@Daniel ****
ahhahaha but nooo impossibleDaniel *****
@Klaus *****
maybe get one more beerFra *****
1500 to 2000 power 150 to 300 water
Brandon ************
When I lived in a 40sqm condo by myself, I paid about 100-120 baht per month for water and around 2000-3000 per month for electricity. This was with the bedroom aircon at 19 all night.
David *******
OP@Brandon ***********
Good info, I appreciate it 🙏
Dave *********
@Brandon ***********
19! You are a chilled guy Brandon 🤣
Huy ******
@Brandon ***********
"nao mak!!!"
Angelo ***********
Water is usually a flat rate to about 150THB, and from there on like 20THB per unit (I think a unit is a cubic meter, but not sure).
Electricity is completely up to your usage.
I pay 300THB (three hundred).
But I do not chill my apartment to 16C ...
Electricity is completely up to your usage.
I pay 300THB (three hundred).
But I do not chill my apartment to 16C ...
David *******
OP@Angelo **********
Useful info, I appreciate it 🙏
Natasha *******
Just a question , we also planning to come retire in 2026 in thailand . The condo's for rent on fazwaz say water & electricity N/ A .... not sure now if it's included or not .
Fra *****
@Natasha ******
not includedNatasha *******
@Fra ****
.....thank you, will have to redo the budget
Bjørn ***************
I was thinking I used ac to much,,,but payed bill today at 1500 thb,total for electricity and water
Михайло ********
@Bjørn **************
same 1000-1500 THB every month! 10 THB per 1 Unit
Rok ********
Depends whether government rate (around 5 baht per 1kWh or condo management’s rate up to double that. Water rates very cheap.
Keith ************
1,000 to 1,700 baht for electricity. That's running A/C almost all the time. 200 or so for water for one person.
Mike *********
@Keith ***********
I agree with your figures. Some people must leave everything running all the time!!As an aside, I found that my overheads for electric dropped hugely when I had the windows replaced by double glazing. Made a huge difference. Cheers
Gábor **********
@Keith ***********
using AC between midnight and 9 am... 1600-1800 baht. I saw 3-5000 baht bills in a studio. ( government price)
Michael ******
From a condo owner, depends how much aircon you use, and condo Size of course, for instance l hardly use aircon maby accasionaly at nite in my two bedroom large condo around 1200 to 1500bahy per month.
Lee ******
@Michael *****
my two bedroom is about $70/month for electric. I sleep with the a/c on most nights.
Robert ***********
@Michael *****
. How much do you pay for your large condo if I may ask
Larry ***********
Arnold **********
@Robert **********
it’s depends on where you are buying and if it’s new or old and if it’s near the beach,there is a big difference in prices
Robert ********
Robert ***********
@Arnold *********
Monthly rental?Arnold **********
@Robert **********
they go from 2 m up to 30 mRobert ***********
@Arnold *********
I prefer to rent at first. Could you give me an estimate of pricing for a 2 BR decent condo? Thank youMichael ******
@Robert **********
lt needed refurbishment, so total was 5 million baht give or take a few thousand baht.Now value is 6 million.
Robert ***********
@Michael *****
. Thank you
Stephen ********
About 1500฿ electric and about 150฿ water. Obviously will depend how long you use AC for and how long you shower for
Lili ********
@Stephen *******
do u need hot or cold shower in Thailand?Stephen ********
@Lili *******
need or want? 🤣 I like my shower lukewarm.
Darren **********
@Stephen *******
that’s not an accurate electric bill during the hot season expect closer to ฿5000Robert ********
@Darren *********
Really?We have 3 bedrooms in the house and pay about 200-2500. Aircon is running day and night - at least 1, sometimes 2.
We paid 3500 when we had a storage room and a 50sqm roof and concrete added behind the house.
Dave *******
@Darren *********
for small condo more like large one sorry. Ps even then you would have to be running them a lot
Janin ******
@Darren *********
, in our house we have 2 fridges and 3 freezers, cooking with electric, poolpump runs 6 h. a day, 1 aircon 8 h. a day, and 12 hours a fan. Our bill is 5400 baht! ….
Ian ********
@Darren *********
my two aircons on all time cost me 2000 baht and im in a 2 bedroom condo
Stefanie *********
@Darren *********
it depends on so much. In my current house I pay about 5k for large 3 bedroom house, and we love our AC. In my last place it way waaaay more as the house wasn’t well designed.
Leo *******
@Darren *********
I was using a ac on a night only and my bill was around 1000 per month.
Kenny ********
@Darren *********
He said small condo. I have 58sm and I run a/c during hot season most all day and night and my bill has never been over 1900 for electric and 250 water for two people. Been here for 10 years. View tally 5c.
Michael ********
@Darren *********
It depends how much aircon you use and wether you pay government rates or Condo management rates, 5000 baht would be the Condo Management, government rate more like 1500 to 2000 baht.
Erik ***********
@Darren *********
All depends on if you´re on the Governmental grid (PEA, MEA) or not. If not you are out of luck. On the «grid»: 30+sqm, 2 A/c´s, 2 adults, some minor cooking, hot water and all that, max. B1.500,-. Water between B 200-360.
Olivia ********
@Erik **********
yes that’s a right amount for 1 bedroom condoDarren **********
@Erik **********
maybe for a condo but not for a house.Stephen ********
@Darren *********
it's accurate for me. In 5 years I've only had 1 bill close to 5000฿. And it was a tenant that ran that bill up.Stephen ********
@Darren *********
if you read the OP, he ask about a small condo, not a house 🤷♂️Darren **********
@Stephen *******
maybe for a condo but not for a house.Activity
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