A Russian travel blogger has outlined how retirees can live in Thailand on a standard Russian pension, emphasizing that long-term accommodation costs differ substantially from a short vacation budget.
Writing on her personal blog, Like Travel Travel, on the Dzen publishing platform, she explained that a retired couple with an average pension of 20,000 rubles could manage living in the Southeast Asian country, provided they take key financial caveats into account.
Housing and Rental Costs
The blogger identified home rental as the single largest expense for anyone relocating to Thailand for several months or on a permanent basis. A modestly renovated apartment situated away from the sea costs between 37,000 and 40,000 rubles per month to rent.
She noted that this rental price roughly equals the income homeowners can generate by renting out their own apartment in Russia. Such rental properties in Thailand typically include air conditioning, while the building complex provides access to a swimming pool and essential amenities for a comfortable daily lifestyle.
Food and Market Prices
Food quality and pricing in Thailand offer major advantages for budget-conscious residents. The blogger advised shoppers to buy fresh fruits and vegetables at local open-air markets, while sourcing all remaining grocery items from supermarkets.
Tropical items including mangoes, pineapples, passion fruit, papaya, and bananas are sold at very low prices. Two large mangoes cost an average of 30 baht, or about 80 rubles, while a kilogram of bananas also costs 80 rubles.
For meat buyers, beef tenderloin cuts for steaks cost 550 baht per kilogram, which equals roughly 1,400 rubles and remains relatively cheap. Eating out is equally affordable, with a large single portion of a meal at a local eatery costing between 60 and 100 baht, or 160 to 270 rubles.
Medical Expenses and Healthcare
Medical care in Thailand is relatively expensive, making health insurance a strict necessity for long-term travelers. A comprehensive medical insurance policy for an extended stay starts at 20,000 rubles.
For travelers staying for just a couple of months, policy costs decrease to between 3,000 and 5,000 rubles per person. Having reliable coverage protects retirees against unexpected hospital bills that could quickly drain their living budget.
Changing Travel Trends
The advice comes as an increasing number of Russian pensioners swap traditional summer stays at country cottages for extended trips across Asia. Thailand has long been a favored destination in Southeast Asia for international travelers seeking warm weather and affordable living.
Recent industry reports show a growing preference among older travelers for long-duration Asian tours lasting anywhere from 21 to 90 days or longer. By renting out property back home, retirees are finding new ways to fund extended stays abroad.
