Cost Comparison 2025

BangkokvsDublin

Thailand
Ireland

Overall

💰

+64.0%

Bangkok is 64.0%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+122.9%

Housing is 122.9% higher

Dining

🍽️

+128.6%

Restaurants 128.6% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+36.4%

Food shopping 36.4% more

Comparing the cost of living between Bangkok, Thailand and Dublin, Ireland reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Bangkok is more expensive than Dublin by approximately 64.0%. 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 Dublin by 55%. A one-bedroom apartment in Bangkok's city center costs around THB 20,000, while the same in Dublin is approximately €2,000.

Dining out in Bangkok offers significant savings compared to Dublin. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs THB 80 in Bangkok versus €15 in Dublin.

Public transportation in Bangkok is more expensive, with monthly passes at THB 1,200 compared to €120 in Dublin.

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

Grocery shopping in Bangkok is more affordable by approximately 27%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show lower prices across the board.

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 Dublin, the same lifestyle would cost around €594. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about THB 30,485 monthly in Bangkok versus €2,078 in Dublin. 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
Dublin, Ireland

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
THB 20,000
€2,000
1BR Outside Center
THB 10,000
€1,700
3BR City Center
THB 50,000
€3,800

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
THB 80
€15
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
THB 800
€80
Cappuccino
THB 80
€4
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
THB 80
€6

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
THB 50
€1
Bread (500g)
THB 40
€2
Eggs (12)
THB 50
€4
Cheese (1kg)
THB 350
€12

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
THB 30
€3
Monthly Pass
THB 1,200
€120
Taxi Start
THB 35
€5
Gasoline (1L)
THB 40
€2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
THB 2,500
€160
Internet (60 Mbps)
THB 600
€50
Mobile Minute
THB 2
€0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Bangkok to Dublin, 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 Dublin 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

Dublin

Cost of Living Index82
Rent Index78
Purchasing Power Index85

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bangkok more expensive than Dublin?

Yes, Bangkok is approximately 64.0% more expensive than Dublin overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.6x of your Dublin salary when living in Bangkok. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Dublin, you'd need about $82,000 in Bangkok for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Bangkok and Dublin?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 56%, 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?

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

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

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 Dublin, these figures are €2,294 for singles and €4,978 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Bangkok and Dublin 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 Dublin to maintain your lifestyle from Bangkok

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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