Bangkok on a budget: daily costs 2026
How much a trip to Bangkok, Thailand costs per day: where you sleep, eat, get around and what you do. Estimates in US dollars with today's THB rate.
Daily costs by category
| Per person per day | Backpacker | Mid-range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $14 dorm | $28 ($55 room) | $110 ($220 room) |
| Food & drink | $12 | $30 | $80 |
| Local transport | $4 | $10 | $30 |
| Activities & sights | $5 | $20 | $60 |
Hostel dorm bed, street food & markets, public transport, mostly free sights. Mid-range and comfort room prices are per room per night, shared by two.
Trip budgets for Bangkok
| Trip length | Backpacker (1) | Mid-range (2) | Comfort (2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 days | $105 | $525 | $1,680 |
| 5 days | $175 | $875 | $2,800 |
| 7 days | $245 | $1,225 | $3,920 |
| 14 days | $490 | $2,450 | $7,840 |
Book for less
Flights to Bangkok
- From Chiang Mai
- From Phuket
- From Bali
- From Kuala Lumpur
- From Penang
- From Singapore
- From Hanoi
- From Ho Chi Minh City
- From Da Nang
- From Siem Reap
- From anywhere else
Best time to visit
November to February (cooler and drier). March to May is very hot; June to October brings afternoon rain and lower hotel prices.
Money-saving tips
- Use the BTS Skytrain, MRT and river ferries instead of taxis in traffic; the Chao Phraya Express boat costs very little.
- Eat at street stalls and food courts in malls, where a full meal is often a few dollars.
- Book hotels near a BTS or MRT station so you rarely need taxis.
Free things to do
- Walk around Chinatown (Yaowarat) at night for the street food scene.
- Relax in Lumphini Park, with its monitor lizards and outdoor gym.
- Watch the sunset over the river from the public piers.
Events & festivals near Bangkok
Compare Bangkok with
- Bangkok vs Chiang Mai
- Bangkok vs Phuket
- Bangkok vs Bali
- Bangkok vs Kuala Lumpur
- Bangkok vs Penang (George Town)
- Bangkok vs Singapore
Questions
How much does a day in Bangkok cost?
As a rough guide: about $35 per day for a backpacker, $88 per person per day mid-range (two people sharing a room), and $280 per person per day for a comfortable trip. Flights are extra.
How much money do I need for 5 days in Bangkok?
For one backpacker about $175; for two people mid-range about $875 in total, excluding flights. Add a 10% buffer.
When is the best time to visit Bangkok?
November to February (cooler and drier). March to May is very hot; June to October brings afternoon rain and lower hotel prices.
What currency is used in Bangkok?
THB. Use the live converter on this page and pay in local currency when given the choice.
These are planning estimates based on typical prices, checked 2026-10-11. Prices vary by season, neighbourhood and how you travel. Always check the final price when you book. How we estimate