Renting Your First Condo in Bangkok: How Much Money Do You Need?
Short answer
Plan on about 3 times the monthly rent on signing day: a 2-month security deposit plus 1 month's rent in advance. For example, the median 1-bedroom condo on DooAsset rents for ฿29,500 a month, so you would need about ฿88,500, not counting moving costs or things for your new home.
Summary of this article by the DooAsset team · Updated
What you pay on signing day
Most condo leases in Bangkok ask for two payments when you sign:
- A security deposit of 2 months' rent. The owner holds it against damage and returns it when you move out, under the terms of the lease.
- 1 month's rent in advance. This covers your first month in the unit.
Together that comes to about 3 times the monthly rent. Some owners ask for a larger or smaller deposit, so read the terms in the listing and confirm them with the owner before you transfer any money.
Real examples from DooAsset listings
This table uses the 1-bedroom condos listed for rent on DooAsset as of 24 Sep 2026. It shows the median, the middle value, so a few very expensive units do not pull the figure up.
| Area | Median rent, 1-bedroom condo | Signing-day money (3×) | Listings used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ekkamai | ฿30,000 | ฿90,000 | 26 |
| Thonglor | ฿30,000 | ฿90,000 | 15 |
| Phrom Phong | ฿26,000 | ฿78,000 | 15 |
| Asok | ฿29,000 | ฿87,000 | 27 |
| Sathorn | ฿30,500 | ฿91,500 | 20 |
| Silom | ฿30,000 | ฿90,000 | 9 |
Monthly costs to budget for
- Electricity and water. Some units charge the official utility rates; others charge a per-unit rate set by the owner. Each listing shows its electricity and water rates.
- Internet. Tenants usually arrange and pay for it themselves.
- Common-area fees. The owner normally pays these, but ask to make sure they are included in the rent.
Checklist before you transfer money
- Ask for documents showing that the landlord owns the unit or has the owner's authorization to rent it out.
- Read the lease for the rental period, the renewal terms and how the deposit is returned.
- Photograph the condition of the room and furniture on move-in day, and send the photos to the owner for the record.
- Get a receipt or proof of payment every time you pay.
Every listing page on DooAsset has a move-in cost calculator, so you can compare units before you book a viewing.
Last updated · written by the DooAsset team · figures may change as listings open and close each day
