How much does it cost to live in Hua Hin? Well… how long is a piece of string? It‘s quite easy to live on a limited income, but it’s also easy to splurge.
But since we can’t live off Big Macs, let’s break down the living expenses in Hua Hin.
Accommodation
Affordable housing in Hua Hin is easy to get by. One-bedroom apartments in the heart of the town typically range from 5,000 to 15,000 baht (approximately USD160 to USD480) per month, while larger apartments with more luxurious features can command rents of up to 30,000 baht (USD960) or more.
Go slightly out of town and houses and villas available from as low as 10,000 baht ($320) per month, up to a few hundred thousand baht. Prices vary significantly depending on the location, amenities, and type of property.
Utilities such as electricity and water are relatively cheap in Thailand. If you don’t use your airconditioning much, expect to spend 1,000 to 2,000 baht USD 30-60) per month; (much) more if you can’t live without the cooled air across your 10-bedroom estate.
Tip: newer airconditioning units are much more efficient than those 10+ years old.
Eating
Hua Hin caters every taste and budget. Local street food stands and traditional Thai restaurants provide great meals for as little as 50 to 150 baht (USD 1,60 to 3,20) per dish.
Expect to pay between 200 to 500 baht (USD 6.40 to USD 16) for a meal at a pub or mid-range restaurants. Western-style dishes, such as pasta, steaks, and seafood, are also widely available, with prices ranging from 150 to 400 baht (USD 4.80 to USD 12.80) per dish.
And of course, you can splurge at high-end restaurants for a multitude of the above.
Order by Grab or Foodpanda and you’d pay a small delivery fee.
The cheapest food can be found at local markets, but of course, it requires cooking and cleaning.
Drinking
Buy a can of beer at the supermarket for 40 baht (USD 1.30) or spend up to 200 baht for the same beer at a five-star hotel (USD 6.40).
Due to import taxes, wine is expensive. A half-decent bottle sets you back 700 baht (USD 20) in a supermarket (!), and 3,000 baht (USD 85) and upwards for champagne. Depending on the restaurant, expect a price multiplier of 2x or 3x.
Transportation
Hua Hin’s transportation infrastructure is well-developed, making it easy to get around town and explore the surrounding areas. Most common and convenient are taxis, which can be hailed on the street or through the app Grab. The Southeast Asian equivalent of Uber. Expect rides from as little as 50 baht (USD 1.60).
Go local (or rather, touristy) and try a songthaew. The ubiquitous pink pickup trucks converted into shared taxis, provide a convenient and affordable mode of transportation. Fares typically range from 10 to 40 baht (USD 0.32 to USD 1.28) per trip depending on the distance traveled.
Tuk-tuks, the three-wheeled taxis, offer a more personalized experience but are slightly more expensive, with fares starting around 50 baht (USD 1.60).
For longer journeys, buses and trains connect Hua Hin to neighboring cities and Bangkok. Bus fares range from 50 to 200 baht (USD 1.60 to USD 6.40) depending on the destination, while train tickets start around 100 baht (USD 3.20).
Or rent your own car from THB 15,000 per month (USD 420) or a motorbike at THB 3,000 per month (USD 85).
Activities
Hua Hin boring? Think again. The town offers a diverse range of entertainment and leisure activities to suit all interests. From cheap spas (from 200-300 baht for a massage; USD 3.20 – 4.80) to high-end spa treatments (few thousand baht) and a decent nightlife.
Golf enthusiasts can enjoy several world-class golf courses in the area, with green fees ranging from 1,000 to 4,000 baht (USD 32 to USD 126) per round – excluding caddy fee.
Explore the surrounding national parks and natural attractions, such as Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park (THB 200 entrance fee; USD 5.60) and Koa Takiab, known as Monkey Mountain (free).
Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy snorkeling, diving, and kayaking, with prices for activities ranging from 500 to 2,000 baht (USD 16 to USD 64) depending on the duration and type of activity.
Healthcare
Hua Hin boasts a well-established healthcare system, with several hospitals and clinics providing quality medical services. Public hospitals offer basic medical care at minimal costs, while private hospitals and clinics cater to those seeking more specialized care or a higher standard of facilities.
For expats and retirees, several international health insurance providers offer comprehensive coverage for a range of medical needs. Monthly premiums typically range from 1,000 to 5,000 baht (USD 32 to USD 160) depending on the age and health status of the insured.