Cost Comparison 2025

BangkokvsDoha

Thailand
Qatar

Overall

💰

+30.0%

Bangkok is 30.0%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+57.1%

Housing is 57.1% higher

Dining

🍽️

+85.7%

Restaurants 85.7% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+9.1%

Food shopping 9.1% more

Comparing the cost of living between Bangkok, Thailand and Doha, Qatar reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Bangkok is more expensive than Doha by approximately 30.0%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Bangkok are lower than in Doha by 36%. A one-bedroom apartment in Bangkok's city center costs around THB 20,000, while the same in Doha is approximately QAR 7,000.

Dining out in Bangkok offers significant savings compared to Doha. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs THB 80 in Bangkok versus QAR 35 in Doha.

Public transportation in Bangkok is more expensive, with monthly passes at THB 1,200 compared to QAR 200 in Doha.

Purchasing power in Doha is notably stronger, meaning residents can afford more goods and services with their local salaries compared to Bangkok.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Bangkok can expect to spend approximately THB 8,710 per month (excluding rent), while in Doha, the same lifestyle would cost around QAR 1,876. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about THB 30,485 monthly in Bangkok versus QAR 6,566 in Doha. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Bangkok, Thailand
Doha, Qatar

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
THB 20,000
QAR 7,000
1BR Outside Center
THB 10,000
QAR 4,500
3BR City Center
THB 50,000
QAR 14,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
THB 80
QAR 35
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
THB 800
QAR 200
Cappuccino
THB 80
QAR 20
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
THB 80
QAR 50

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
THB 50
QAR 6
Bread (500g)
THB 40
QAR 4
Eggs (12)
THB 50
QAR 10
Cheese (1kg)
THB 350
QAR 40

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
THB 30
QAR 8
Monthly Pass
THB 1,200
QAR 200
Taxi Start
THB 35
QAR 10
Gasoline (1L)
THB 40
QAR 2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
THB 2,500
QAR 300
Internet (60 Mbps)
THB 600
QAR 350
Mobile Minute
THB 2
QAR 1

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Bangkok to Doha, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Doha to Bangkok requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Bangkok

Cost of Living Index50
Rent Index35
Purchasing Power Index40

Doha

Cost of Living Index65
Rent Index55
Purchasing Power Index100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bangkok more expensive than Doha?

Yes, Bangkok is approximately 30.0% more expensive than Doha overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

How much salary do I need in Bangkok compared to Doha?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.3x of your Doha salary when living in Bangkok. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Doha, you'd need about $65,000 in Bangkok for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Bangkok and Doha?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 46%, which can significantly impact your entertainment budget. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Doha offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Doha provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Bangkok if you prioritize cultural experiences, or Doha for better value.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Bangkok vs Doha?

In Bangkok, a single person needs approximately THB 18,710 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about THB 55,485. In Doha, these figures are QAR 6,376 for singles and QAR 15,566 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Bangkok and Doha in 2025 shows significant differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Doha to maintain your lifestyle from Bangkok

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-15 • Data sourced from multiple providers