How Much Does Bangkok Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Bangkok is a vibrant metropolis that offers a remarkably broad spectrum of costs, making it accessible for almost any travel style. While it is significantly more affordable than regional hubs like Singapore or Tokyo, the city's rapid development has introduced world-class luxury that rivals European capitals. Visitors can navigate the city on a modest budget of $59 / ฿1,836 per day, while those desiring five-star riverside elegance can expect to spend upwards of $330 / ฿10,282. The financial landscape is defined by the contrast between ultra-cheap street culture and high-end commercial districts. Understanding the nuances of transport and dining tiers is essential for managing a daily budget effectively in this humid, high-energy environment.
Is Bangkok expensive to visit?
Bangkok is highly affordable compared to Western cities—expect to spend between $59 / ฿1,836 and $330 / ฿10,282 per day depending on your preference for street food or luxury high-rises.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Bangkok
$59
per person /day
$135
per person /day
$330
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $177 | $406 | $989 |
| 5-Day Trip | $294 | $677 | $1,648 |
| 7-Day Trip | $412 | $947 | $2,307 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is wise to maintain a 15% buffer to cover the standard ~$7.06 / ฿220 ATM withdrawal fees and the 'plus plus' (17% combined service charge and VAT) often added to bills at mid-range and luxury establishments. Additionally, an airport taxi surcharge is mandatory when departing from the official airport taxi stands, which should be factored into your final day's expenses.
How Does It Compare?
See how Bangkok stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Bangkok
Food & Drink (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Street Food Meal (e.g. Pad Thai/Som Tum) A basic, delicious meal at a typical street stall costs roughly ~$1.88 / ฿59. | $1.89 ฿59 |
| Mid-range Restaurant Meal Price per person for a nice sit-down dinner with a drink (~$19 / ฿588). | $19 ฿591 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5L) Local brands like Chang or Singha. Cheaper in 7-Eleven (~$1.77 / ฿55). | $3.15 ฿98 |
| Iced Latte at a Specialty Cafe Bangkok has a thriving high-end coffee scene. Local coffee shops are cheaper (~$1.53 / ฿48). | $3 ฿94 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| BTS Skytrain One-Day Pass Best value for hitting multiple malls and Sukhumvit sites in one day. Not valid on MRT. | $4.73 ฿148 |
| MRT Blue Line Maximum Fare The Blue Line circles the city; $1.41 / ฿44 is the absolute maximum you'll pay for a single trip. | $1.42 ฿44 |
| Airport Rail Link (ARL) Max Fare The cheapest way to get from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to the city center (~30 mins). | $1.42 ฿44 |
| Short Tuk-Tuk Ride (negotiated) Always agree on the price before boarding. Expect to pay ~$4.71 / ฿147 for a short scenic trip. | $4.73 ฿148 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Budget 3-star Hotel (per night) Verified average price for international tourists. Shared hostel dorms are much cheaper, starting around ~$18 / ฿551. | $65 ฿2,018 |
| Mid-range 4-star Hotel (per night) Expect modern amenities and often a pool. | $127 ฿3,965 |
| Luxury 5-star Hotel (per night) Iconic riverside properties or high-rises in Sukhumvit. | $266 ฿8,299 |
Activities (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Grand Palace Combined Ticket Includes Wat Phra Kaew and Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles. Strict dress code: no shorts or sleeveless shirts. | $16 ฿492 |
| Wat Pho Entry Fee Home of the Reclining Buddha. Price includes a free bottle of water. | $9.47 ฿296 |
| Wat Arun Entry Fee The Temple of Dawn. You can take a cross-river ferry for ~$0.15 / ฿4.77 from Wat Pho side. | $6.31 ฿197 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
The dining scene is a major budget driver, where a flavorful street food meal like Pad Thai costs just $1.89 / ฿59, while a mid-range restaurant dinner averages $19 / ฿591 per person. High-end coffee culture is thriving, with specialty lattes priced around $3 / ฿94, nearly double the cost of local coffee options. Alcohol prices vary significantly, with a 0.5L domestic draft beer costing $3.15 / ฿98 in a bar, though it is much cheaper at convenience stores.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Thipsamai Pad Thai
$1.89–$4.73 / ฿59–฿148Old City · Local chain
The Superb Pad Thai with prawns (~$4.12 / ฿129) is the most famous dish.
Polo Fried Chicken (Soi Polo)
$3.15–$8.2 / ฿98–฿256Lumphini · Local chain
Order the whole chicken with garlic and sticky rice for ~$8.24 / ฿257 total.
Jok Prince
$1.42–$1.89 / ฿44–฿59Bang Rak · Street food area
Legendary smoky rice porridge; perfect for a ~$1.53 / ฿48 breakfast.
Wattana Panich
$3.15–$6.31 / ฿98–฿197Ekkamai · Local chain
They've been simmering the same giant pot of soup for over 40 years.
P'Aor Tom Yum Goong
$2.53–$16 / ฿79–฿492Phaya Thai · Local chain
The standard Tom Yum is ~$2.59 / ฿81; the 'Lobster' version is a ~$15 / ฿477 splurge.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Navigating Bangkok is cost-effective if travelers utilize the BTS Skytrain and MRT systems, with a BTS One-Day Pass costing $4.73 / ฿148 and MRT fares capping at $1.42 / ฿44. The Airport Rail Link provides the most economical transit from Suvarnabhumi Airport for just $1.42 / ฿44. While iconic, a short Tuk-Tuk ride usually requires negotiation and often costs more than air-conditioned alternatives, typically starting around $4.73 / ฿148.
Accommodation Overview
Lodging offers excellent value, with budget 3-star hotels averaging $65 / ฿2,018 and mid-range 4-star properties with pools typically priced at $127 / ฿3,965. For those seeking the pinnacle of luxury in Sukhumvit or along the Riverside, 5-star hotels average $266 / ฿8,299 per night. The sweet spot for many travelers is the 4-star tier, which provides modern amenities at a fraction of the cost found in other major global cities.
Accommodation Budget in Bangkok
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Eat at shopping mall food courts, such as Pier 21 at Terminal 21, where clean and air-conditioned street-style meals are sold at prices close to $1.89 / ฿59.
- 2 Utilize the orange-flag Chao Phraya Express Boat for river transit instead of private tours to see the sights for a very low fixed fare.
- 3 Take the cross-river ferry from the Wat Pho side to Wat Arun for only $0.15 / ฿4.77.
- 4 Purchase a BTS Skytrain One-Day Pass for $4.73 / ฿148 if planning more than four trips in a single day to maximize savings in the Sukhumvit area.
- 5 Buy local beer brands like Chang or Singha at 7-Eleven for approximately $1.77 / ฿55 to avoid the $3.15 / ฿98 or higher prices at hotel bars.
- 6 Visit the Pak Khlong Talat flower market late at night or early morning for a vibrant experience with zero entry cost.
- 7 Use the Airport Rail Link for $1.42 / ฿44 rather than a taxi to avoid the airport surcharge and city traffic congestion.
- 8 Download ride-hailing apps like Grab or Bolt to see transparent pricing and avoid negotiating with taxi drivers who refuse to use the meter.
- 9 Carry a reusable water bottle and use the filtered water refill stations found on street corners for a few cents rather than buying plastic bottles.
- 10 Shop at the Chatuchak Weekend Market but remember to haggle politely, as the initial prices for tourists are often marked up by 20–30%.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
+30-50%
May, Jun, Sep
-25-40%
Mar, Apr, Oct
Peak season offers perfect 28–32°C (82–90°F) weather but crowds are intense. Visiting in May or September can save you ~$47 / ฿1,469/night on mid-range hotels, though expect heavy afternoon rain.
Events to Watch
- ● Songkran (April 13-15): Major hotel price spikes and transport fully booked
- ● Chinese New Year: +30% in Chinatown hotels
- ● Loy Krathong (November): Riverside hotels double their rates
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Explore Lumpini Park to see the large water monitor lizards and enjoy the green space.
- 2 Watch the traditional Thai dance performances at the Erawan Shrine, usually occurring throughout the day.
- 3 Walk the elevated 'Green Bridge' (Bangkok Skywalk) connecting Lumpini Park to Benjakitti Park.
- 4 Visit the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) to view contemporary art exhibitions in the main galleries.
- 5 Wander through the narrow, street-art-filled alleys of Talat Noi in the Samphanthawong District.
- 6 Admire the architecture and giant swing at Wat Suthat (note: entry to the main chapel has a fee, but the exterior and surrounding plaza are free).
- 7 Explore the chaotic and colorful stalls of the Yaowarat Chinatown district at night.
- 8 Watch the daily multimedia water fountain show at the ICONSIAM riverside plaza.
- 9 Visit the Phra Sumen Fort and the surrounding Santichaiprakarn Park for views of the Rama VIII Bridge.
- 10 Walk through the Pak Khlong Talat (Flower Market) to see millions of fresh blooms being traded 24 hours a day.
- 11 Explore the Queen Sirikit Park and its botanical gardens located near the Chatuchak market area.
- 12 Visit the Royal Elephant National Museum grounds (check current access as some courtyard areas allow free viewing of the architecture).
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Lebua Sky Bar Cocktails
Unrivaled 63rd-floor views; famous from The Hangover Part II. Drinks are ~$38 / ฿1,175.
Manohra Luxury Dinner Cruise
Restored antique rice barge experience, far more intimate than the buffet boats. Costs from ~$112 / ฿3,488.
Traditional Thai Massage at Wat Pho
The birthplace of Thai massage. Higher than street shops but world-renowned quality for ~$16 / ฿514.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Bangkok
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Bangkok and what they cost
Ayutthaya Historical Park
$1.26 / ฿39 by train
$6.94 / ฿217
$25 / ฿788
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
$38 / ฿1,182 by private taxi
$16 / ฿492
$79 / ฿2,462
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Thai Baht (THB)
1 $ ≈ 31 ฿
Yes
Widely accepted in malls, hotels, and upscale restaurants. Street food, small markets, and transport (taxis/tuk-tuks) are strictly cash-only.
Not mandatory but appreciated. Round up for taxis. ~$0.59–$1.18 / ฿18–฿37 per bag for porters. 10% is standard in upscale restaurants if not already included in the bill.
Avoid 'yellow' ATMs for better rates; stick to major banks like SCB or Kasikorn. Always choose 'Continue without conversion' to use your own bank's rate and save ~$5.89–$12 / ฿184–฿367 per withdrawal.
Expected at markets (Chatuchak, MBK) and for tuk-tuks. Aim for 20-30% off the first price. Do NOT bargain at convenience stores or for street food with listed prices.
Connectivity
eSIM: $14–$21 for 15GB (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $15–$21 / ฿477–฿661 for unlimited 5G data.
WiFi: Excellent in malls, cafés, and hotels. Even budget hostels usually offer fast fiber.
Buy an AIS or True tourist SIM at the airport for the best 5G coverage; it is cheaper than international eSIMs.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Bangkok.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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Best Time to Visit
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Where to Stay
Best neighborhoods and hotel recommendations
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Complete Cost Guide
Full budget and cost breakdown