Expat Salary Comparator
Compare your UK salary against the cost of living in Southeast Asia. See how far your money goes in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, or Indonesia.
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Frequently asked questions
What salary do I need to live comfortably in Southeast Asia?▾
It varies hugely by country. In Thailand or Vietnam, a single person can live comfortably on £1,500-2,000 per month. In Singapore, you would need £3,000-4,000 minimum. Malaysia falls in between at around £1,500-2,500. These figures assume a moderate lifestyle with city-centre housing.
Is healthcare free in Southeast Asia?▾
No. Unlike the UK NHS, Southeast Asian countries generally require private health insurance or out-of-pocket payments. However, private healthcare is significantly cheaper than in the West. A good international health insurance policy costs £50-150 per month depending on coverage and country.
Do I still pay UK tax if I move abroad?▾
It depends on your UK tax residency status. If you leave the UK and become non-resident (under the Statutory Residence Test), you generally stop paying UK income tax on overseas earnings. However, UK rental income and some other UK-sourced income remains taxable. Seek specialist tax advice before relocating.
How does the cost of international schools compare?▾
International school fees in Southeast Asia range from £2,400/year in Vietnam to £9,600+/year in Singapore. Top-tier British curriculum schools in Bangkok or KL can cost £10,000-20,000/year. This is still often cheaper than UK private schools but is a significant expense compared to free UK state education.
What about currency risk when earning in GBP?▾
If you earn in GBP but spend in local currency, exchange rate fluctuations can significantly impact your purchasing power. The GBP has historically been volatile against Asian currencies. Consider using forward contracts or holding a mix of currencies to manage this risk.
Which Southeast Asian country is cheapest for expats?▾
Vietnam and the Philippines are generally the cheapest options for Western expats, followed closely by Thailand and Indonesia. Malaysia offers an excellent middle ground of affordability with modern infrastructure. Singapore is the most expensive, comparable to or exceeding London costs.
Do I need a visa to work remotely from Southeast Asia?▾
Most countries require a specific visa to stay long-term. Tourist visas typically do not permit work. Thailand offers the LTR visa for remote workers, Malaysia has the DE Rantau digital nomad visa, and Indonesia offers the B211A. Rules change frequently so check the latest requirements before planning.
How accurate are the cost estimates in this calculator?▾
The cost figures are approximate monthly averages in GBP, based on mid-2025 data for moderate-lifestyle expats. Actual costs vary by city, lifestyle, and exchange rates. Use these as a starting point for your own research, not as definitive figures.
What is purchasing power parity?▾
Purchasing power parity (PPP) compares the cost of a standard basket of goods between countries. If your money buys 2.5x as much in Thailand as in the UK, the PPP multiplier is 2.5. This calculator uses cost of living data to give you a practical PPP comparison for your specific circumstances.
Should I factor in flights home?▾
Yes, and this calculator does not include them. Budget for at least 1-2 return flights per year (£400-800 each way depending on season and destination). If you have family in the UK, this can be a significant annual cost of £1,000-3,000 or more.