Furnished vs. Unfurnished Condo in Bangkok: A Complete Cost Breakdown

When searching for your perfect Bangkok condo, one of the biggest decisions you'll face is whether to go furnished or unfurnished. This choice impacts not just your upfront costs, but your entire living experience in the city.

The Real Numbers: What You'll Actually Pay

Let me break down the true costs based on current market rates:

Furnished Condo (1BR in prime areas like Sukhumvit/Silom): - Rent: 35,000-50,000 THB/month - Deposit: 2 months (70,000-100,000 THB) - Utilities: ~3,500 THB/month - Total first month: 108,500-153,500 THB

Unfurnished Condo + Basic Furnishing: - Rent: 25,000-35,000 THB/month - Deposit: 2 months (50,000-70,000 THB) - Basic furniture package: 80,000-120,000 THB - Utilities: ~3,500 THB/month - Total first month: 158,500-228,500 THB

My Professional Recommendation

For most expats, I recommend furnished condos for your first year in Bangkok. Here's why:

1. Lower upfront investment - You'll save 50,000-75,000 THB initially 2. Flexibility - Easier to relocate if the area doesn't suit you 3. Quality guarantee - Furnished units typically have better maintenance 4. Stress-free move-in - You can literally arrive with just your suitcase

When to Choose Unfurnished

Consider unfurnished only if: - You're planning to stay 2+ years in the same unit - You have specific furniture preferences or needs - You're bringing furniture from your home country - You've found a significantly cheaper unfurnished option

The Hidden Costs Nobody Talks About

Unfurnished condos often come with surprise expenses: - Internet installation: 3,000-5,000 THB - Air conditioning service: 2,500 THB - Basic kitchen appliances: 15,000-25,000 THB - Curtains and window treatments: 8,000-15,000 THB

My Final Advice

Start furnished for your first year. This gives you time to explore different neighborhoods, understand your lifestyle needs, and make connections with local suppliers. If you decide to stay long-term, you can always transition to unfurnished later with better knowledge of the market.

Ready to find your perfect furnished condo? Contact me for a curated list of properties that match your budget and lifestyle preferences.