Bangkok now 10th most expensive Asian city for expats

Bangkok is now number 10 on the list of the most expensive Asian cities for expatriates.

For the first time, the Thai capital is now featuring high on the list of the most expensive locations for expats relocating to Asia. Average rental charges have soared this year due to landlords taking advantage of a huge increase in the number of Chinese expats arriving to live and work. The average monthly charge for an unfurnished three-bedroomed condo is now US$3,880, as against US$4,215 for a similar property in first-world Singapore.

The survey, conducted by ECA International, also puts the rental increases down to an influx of tourists, again from China, as well as a surge in foreign investment in the country, even although media reports suggest overseas investment is showing a downturn. It’s true the Thai capital has been attractive to multinationals looking for a base in Southeast Asia, but so far it’s mostly newly globalising Chinese firms who’re taking on premises in Bangkok.

Expats in the city generally cluster in a comparatively small central area where short-term rentals recently converted from long-stay properties are easily available. Hong Kong is still the world’s most expensive residential location, with average monthly rentals now at US$10,929 as against New York and Tokyo's second and third places on the international listing. In the Asian sub-listing, Hong Kong is again in the top spot, followed by Tokyo, Shanghai, Seoul, Yokohama, Beijing, Mumbai, Singapore, Osaka and Bangkok at no.10.