Life in Pattaya A New Beginning Under the Sun
Pattaya is a unique mix of beaches, modern condos, street food, nightlife and tropical island escapes.
Whether you're visiting for a few weeks or planning a long stay — this page gives you the best places, tips and hidden gems.
🍜 Best Food
The best Thai street food, cozy breakfast spots and our favorite restaurants across the city.
✈️to Pattaya
Start your journey the easy way — we help with flights, transfers & your first days in Pattaya.
Climate & Seasons
Pattaya enjoys a tropical climate — warm and sunny almost every day.
Hot Season: March to May — average 33°C, perfect for beach life.
Rainy Season: June to October — short tropical showers, but still plenty of sun.
Cool Season: November to February — ideal temperatures around 28°C and crystal-clear skies. Even during the “rainy season,” showers are short and refreshing — most days stay bright and warm.
Why retirees love Pattaya
Affordable living: Modern condos with sea views often cost less than rent back home.
Excellent healthcare: International hospitals with English-speaking staff.
Convenience: Shopping, restaurants, and entertainment within walking distance.
Friendly community: Easy to meet locals and expats from around the world. It’s not just a place to retire — it’s a place to enjoy life again. Vibrant nightlife: From live music bars and rooftop lounges to lady bars, sport bars, quiet beach cafe's. Pattaya offers relaxed evenings for every taste.
Safe and welcoming: Pattaya is one of Thailand's safest cities for foreigners. Streets are lively, locals are helpful, and most areas are wll-lit and patrolled, even late at night.
Retirement Visa (Long Stay Visa)
Thailand offers a special retirement visa (Non-Immigrant O or O-A) for foreigners aged 50 and above. Requirements are simple and transparent: Minimum age: 50 years. Proof of income or savings: around 800,000 THB (±21,500 EUR) in a Thai bank, OR monthly income of 65,000 THB (±1,700 EUR). A combination of both is also possible + Valid health insurance. Most retirees renew this visa yearly, with help from a local agent, and the process is straightforward once you’re settled. Tip: You can enter on a tourist visa, explore first, then switch to a retirement visa once you decide to stay. If you need help; ask us for a good visa agency we can recommend.
Living in Pattaya
From peaceful beachside condos to vibrant city apartments, Pattaya offers a home for every lifestyle.
At Move2Pattaya.com, we connect you with trusted local agents and real opportunities to find your ideal long-term stay.
Imagine waking up to the sound of the ocean, enjoying breakfast by the beach, and ending your day at a cozy bar or rooftop restaurant — that’s not a dream, that’s everyday life in Pattaya.
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Cost Of Living
One of the biggest advantages of living in Pattaya is how far your money goes.
Daily life — from transport to healthcare — is not only cheaper than in Europe, but often higher in quality.
Here, comfort, sunshine, and freedom don’t have to come with a high price tag.
| Product or service | Pattaya | Average European city |
|---|---|---|
| Condo rent a month (1bedroom) | € 250 - € 400 | € 800 - € 1200 |
| Utilities (elec-water-internet) | € 50 - € 80 | € 200 - € 300 |
| Thai meal / Western dinner | € 2 - € 4 / €10 - € 20 | € 20–€ 30 / € 50–€ 100 |
| Beer (bar) / Coffee | € 2 / € 1.5 - € 2 | € 4–€ 7 / € 4 – € 6 |
| Local transport ride / Taxi | € 0.50 – € 1 / € 2 – € 3 | € 3 – € 5 / € 25 – € 50 |
| Haircut / Massage (1h) | € 5 / € 8 – € 10 | €20 – € 40 / € 50 – € 80 |
| Mobile internet 100GB max speed | € 12 – € 15 | € 25 – € 30 |
| Gym membership | € 15 – € 20 | € 25 – € 40 |
| Groceries (monthly for 1 person) | €150 – € 200 | € 450 – € 600 |
| Health insurance (private/month) | € 90 – € 150 | € 150 – € 200 |
Prices are indicative and vary by lifestyle, season, and location.
Health & Hospitals
Thailand is known for its excellent healthcare — modern, clean, and remarkably affordable.
In Pattaya, you’ll find several international hospitals and clinics with English-speaking doctors and European standards of care.
A regular doctor visit costs around € 20–€ 40, and even complex treatments are a fraction of European prices.
Private health insurance is available from € 90 - € 150 per month, giving you access to top facilities such as Bangkok Hospital Pattaya, Pattaya International Hospital, and BPH Clinic.
For retirees, it’s comforting to know that world-class care is right around the corner.
Laundry & Cleaning services
Doing laundry in Pattaya is simple, quick, and affordable — you don’t even need your own washing machine.
Many condominium buildings offer on-site laundry services, where washing and drying your clothes costs around € 8– € 10 per load.
If you prefer to do it yourself, you’ll find self-service laundry shops all over town — modern, clean, and easy to use.
A full wash and dry for about 15 kg of clothes costs only € 4, and everything is done within an hour.
With so many convenient options, having your own washer and dryer is simply unnecessary — life in Pattaya stays light and easy.
Safety & Community
Pattaya is a safe and welcoming city, home to a large international community of expats and retirees.
Most residents find the atmosphere relaxed and friendly, with locals known for their hospitality and helpfulness.
You’ll meet people from all over the world — many who came for a holiday and decided to stay.
Neighborhoods are lively but secure, and everyday life feels comfortable both day and night.
Join community groups, expat clubs, or charity events, and you’ll quickly feel at home under the tropical sun.
Entertainment & Lifestyle
Life in Pattaya is never boring — whether you enjoy quiet beach walks, fine dining, or vibrant nightlife.
The city offers excellent restaurants, modern shopping malls, open-air markets, and relaxing beach cafés.
For active days, there’s golf, tennis, yoga, gyms, and watersports, while evenings bring live music, rooftop bars, and international shows.
From sunrise to sunset, Pattaya combines tropical comfort with endless ways to enjoy life — at your own pace.
Transport
Getting around Pattaya is easy and affordable.
The city’s famous baht buses run 24/7 along the main roads for just € 0.5 – € 1 per ride, making them the most popular way to travel.
You can also use motorbike taxis, Bolt (Thailand’s Uber), or private taxis for longer trips.
Renting a scooter costs about € 70 – € 90 per month, giving you the freedom to explore nearby beaches and attractions.
Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport is only about 1.5 hours away, connecting Pattaya conveniently to the rest of the world.
