After training, when everyone’s sitting on the ring edge wiping sweat, this question always comes up:
“Kru Chart… how much money do I really need per month to live and train here?”
Not YouTube fantasy numbers. Not influencer budgets.
I’m talking real life, rent, food, Muay Thai training fees, transport, and visa costs, on a Muay Thai DTV visa.
Let me break it down honestly, the way I explain it to my own students.
The Short Answer
For a single person on a DTV visa:
- Budget lifestyle: 35,000–45,000 THB / month
- Comfort lifestyle: 60,000–90,000 THB / month
Both are realistic. Both are common.
The difference is how you eat, where you live, and how you train.
What Actually Shapes Your Monthly Budget
Your monthly budget in Thailand comes down to four things:
- Rent
- Food
- Muay Thai training fees
- Transport
Everything else, visa fees, utilities, Wi-Fi, is usually smaller — but utilities (especially AC) can swing month to month.
Let’s put real numbers on the table.
Monthly Cost Breakdown: Budget vs Comfort
Living & Training Costs (Single Person)
| Category | Budget Lifestyle (THB/month) | Comfort Lifestyle (THB/month) | Notes |
| Rent | 8,000–13,000 | 15,000–30,000+ | Budget = shared room/outskirts. Comfort = private condo. |
| Food | 6,000–9,000 | 10,000–15,000 | Street food vs mall & café meals. |
| Muay Thai Training Fees | 8,000–12,000 | 20,000–40,000 | Group classes vs unlimited + privates. |
| Transport | 1,000–3,000 | 4,000–6,000 | BTS/MRT + motorbike taxis vs Grab daily. |
| Utilities & Visa | 2,000–3,000 | 3,000–5,000 | AC use + Wi-Fi + visa extension fee averaged. |
| TOTAL | 35,000–45,000 | 60,000–90,000 | Realistic long-stay range |
This is a realistic cost range for living in Thailand and training Muay Thai while staying on a DTV visa (figures as of 2025).
Rent: Biggest Difference Between Cheap and Comfortable
Rent is where lifestyles split fast.
Budget Rent
- Shared rooms near gyms
- Older studios
- Outskirts of Bangkok or Chiang Mai
- 8,000–13,000 THB/month
Perfect if:
- You train a lot
- You’re rarely home
- You don’t need silence or workspace
Comfort Rent
- Private condo
- Air conditioning
- Pool, gym, security
- 15,000–30,000+ THB/month
In my experience, many long-stay students eventually move here, especially if they stay longer than 3 months.
Food: Street Food vs Mall Food
Food is where Thailand saves you money, or drains it quietly.
Budget: Street Food Life
- 60–80 THB per meal
- Rice, noodles, grilled chicken, soups
- 6,000–9,000 THB/month
This is common at local gyms. It works.
Comfort: Mall & Café Life
- 150–300 THB per meal
- Western food, coffee shops
- 10,000–15,000 THB/month
Still cheap compared to the West, but it adds up fast.
Muay Thai Training Fees: The Core Cost
This is non-negotiable if you’re here to train.
Budget Training
- Group classes only
- Local gyms
- 8,000–12,000 THB/month
Good for:
- Fitness
- Beginners
- Casual long-term training
Comfort / Serious Training
- Unlimited sessions
- Better facilities
- Private sessions included
- 20,000–40,000 THB/month
This is where people improve fast, but you pay for it.
Transport: BTS/MRT vs Grab
Transport sneaks into your budget quietly.
Budget Transport
- BTS/MRT daily
- Motorbike taxis for short hops
- 1,000–3,000 THB/month
(light use; daily commuting can be higher)
Comfort Transport
- Grab cars or bikes
- Scooter rental
- 4,000–6,000 THB/month
Rainy season? Grab prices jump. BTS saves money.
Visa Costs (Often Forgotten)
DTV visa costs are not monthly, but you should average them.
- DTV visa fee: ~10,000 THB equivalent (once, varies by embassy/currency)
- Visa extension fee: typically 1,900 THB per 180 days (confirm at immigration)
Averaged monthly, it’s small, but don’t forget it.
City Matters (A Lot)
Where you live changes everything.
- Chiang Mai: often cheaper than Bangkok
- Bangkok: Balanced, best transport
- Phuket: often more expensive than Bangkok, especially for rent
Phuket looks cheap online. In reality, rent and Grab cost more.
Common Money Myths I Hear
Let’s clear these up.
“You need 500,000 THB every month.”
No. That’s proof of funds shown on bank statements (often requested as recent 3-month statements), not spending.
“Muay Thai camps are luxury-only.”
Wrong. Budget gyms exist everywhere.
“Living cheap means suffering.”
Not in Thailand, if you adapt.
What I See Students on DTV Actually Spend
From watching students for years:
- First 1–2 months: Overspend
- Month 3 onward: Settle into rhythm
- Long-term average: 45,000–65,000 THB
People who last are the ones who find balance, not the cheapest or flashiest.
Final Thoughts: The Real Cost Is Lifestyle Choice
Thailand is flexible. That’s the beauty of the DTV visa.
You can:
- Live lean, train hard, save money
- Or live comfortably, train smart, work remotely
Both are valid.
The mistake is coming with Western expectations and Thai income logic. Adjust your habits, and Thailand becomes very affordable.
Quick FAQs
Can I survive on 35,000 THB/month?
Yes, with street food and basic rent.
Is 90,000 THB/month overkill?
No, if you want comfort, privacy, and condo life.
Do Muay Thai camps save money?
Yes, training + rent bundled is often cheaper.
Is Bangkok more expensive than Phuket?
Overall, Phuket usually costs more.