Cost of living and other interesting facts

We have slowly been learning about what we can buy and for how much. The currency in Thailand is called the baht (pronounced like "bought"). The exchange rate is obviously always in flux, but it is approximately 35 baht to the dollar.

Some things that we know:

-The campus apartments cost a little less than what non-campus apartment cost. Our first year we will be living on campus though. A studio apartment is $125/month, while a two bedroom apartment is $251/month. The school gives us $228/month for rent. So we either spend an extra $23/month out of pocket, or save an extra $103/month. It's a toss up for space or money. An extra room also means more money paid towards air conditioning the place. Either way, it's pretty inexpensive compared to the US.

-Haircuts cost between $4-5. We go to some of the least expensive places here in MN and it still costs $13!

-A gym membership costs: $257/year (compared to the YMCA which is $600/year), but we don't plan on getting a gym membership because the school has work out equipment, free weights and an Olympic size pool that we can use whenever we want.

-Water bill costs $5-6/month

-It costs $20/month to have a cell phone

-The main electrical cost is for air conditioning. But it all depends on how you use the air conditioning and the size of the place you live in. The electrical bill for an average size two bedroom apartment costs between $57-114/month

-Since most apartments in Thailand to not have the best of "cooking facilities," most people eat out at restaurants or "food stalls" (little carts on the side of the road). Food stalls are very cheap and a meal such as rice with spicy chicken or pork costs about $1. That's right folks, $1. Speaking of food, the picture above is of a floating market... I can't wait to experience the craziness of buying things there! They have everything from food to clothing to flowers to household items.

-At a restaurant, an average bill for four people (without drinks) would be between $8-14.

-A can of coke: $0.42

-A bottle of beer $1-1.85

-Movie ticket: $2.85

-6 rolls of toilet paper: $0.57

-Pair of shoes: $9

-Non air conditioned bus to practically anywhere in the city: $0.10

-Going to Thailand for the amazing experience: priceless