The areas to rent in Pattaya, rents in baht, the costs to check and the rules to know before signing a lease.
To rent an apartment in Pattaya, five areas come up in almost every search: Pratumnak Hill for quiet and views of the bay, Jomtien for the beach and choice, Naklua and Wong Amat for the upscale seafront, central Pattaya for doing everything on foot, and East Pattaya for a house with a garden near the international schools. The typical home is a furnished condominium apartment, with a pool and security, rented for between 10,000 and 20,000 baht per month for a studio or one bedroom.
The market rather favours tenants. Supply is abundant, especially in Jomtien, where several years of construction have exceeded what the market could absorb, according to an analysis by The Thaiger published in August 2026. And it keeps growing: according to the Real Estate Information Center (REIC), cited by the Bangkok Post in September 2026, sales of new condominiums rose by 54.6% in the second quarter of 2026 in the Pattaya and Na Jomtien area, to 1,340 units. Some of these homes then reach the rental market.
Leases are generally signed for six months or one year, with a security deposit of one to two months' rent. Here is how to choose your area, set your budget and avoid the mistakes that cost newcomers dearly.
Between north Pattaya and Jomtien, Pratumnak hill is a quiet residential area, within walking distance of the beaches and shops. Most well-located residences have a view of Pattaya Bay, five or ten minutes on foot from Cosy Beach. Expect between 15,000 and 35,000 baht per month for a one-bedroom apartment. Rents there are often slightly higher than in Jomtien, despite the short distance, because of the elevation and the view.
More family-oriented and calmer than the centre, Jomtien appeals with its long beach, its restaurants and its relaxed atmosphere. It is the area with the widest choice, with rents from 15,000 to 40,000 baht per month depending on the amenities. It is also the area with the most recent construction: good ground for negotiating, provided you choose a building that is already well occupied rather than a project still looking for its first occupants.
In the north of the city, around Wong Amat beach, this area concentrates the upscale seafront condominiums. Rents there are among the highest in Pattaya, from 25,000 to 50,000 baht per month. According to The Thaiger, tenants in north Pattaya are mostly expats settled for the long term rather than holidaymakers.
Shops, restaurants, transport: the centre is convenient but lively, and noisy in the evening in some streets. Mid-range condominiums there start at around 20,000 baht per month. Visit at night before committing: a street that is quiet at noon can change atmosphere after sunset.
A growing residential area, East Pattaya is developing around the international schools and golf courses. You mostly find houses and villas there, more spacious, between 18,000 and 45,000 baht per month. A car or scooter quickly becomes indispensable.
The ranges below are monthly rents for furnished homes, excluding utilities and service charges:
Add water, electricity and internet, i.e. 2,000 to 4,000 baht per month on average. Air conditioning runs almost constantly in this climate: it is what makes the bill vary.
Many landlords re-bill electricity above the official rate of the public utility (the Provincial Electricity Authority in Pattaya). In Bangkok, The Thaiger records a public rate of about 4.00 to 4.18 baht per unit in 2026, compared with 7 to 8 baht charged by many landlords. Ask for the price per kilowatt-hour before signing and have it written into the lease: between two apartments with similar rents, this is often the point that makes the difference.
The first month's rent and the security deposit, of one to two months, are paid on the day of signing and handing over the keys. So plan for two to three months' rent upfront, and demand a written receipt for each payment. In return, a one-year lease often lets you obtain a 10 to 20% reduction on the advertised rent, or the inclusion of certain costs such as internet.
To get around, songthaews, those shared pick-up trucks that follow fixed routes, cost about 10 baht per trip between the centre and Jomtien. The Grab app complements the offer for taxis and motorbike taxis.
Renting a condominium for fewer than 30 days brings the property within the scope of the Hotel Act of 2004, which requires a hotel licence. Most residences cannot obtain one, and many ban short stays in their building rules. The penalties target the owner first, up to one year in prison and a 20,000 baht fine, plus 10,000 baht per day of violation, but the tenant feels the effects: a listing can disappear overnight, with no guarantee of a refund. According to The Thaiger, the inspection campaign launched in Bangkok in 2025 has extended to Pattaya. For a stay of several months, therefore, aim for a lease of at least 30 nights, signed with the owner or their representative.
As for entry, since 15 September 2026, nationals of 60 countries and territories can enter Thailand without a visa for up to 30 days, with a possible 30-day extension at the discretion of immigration (1,900 baht, form TM.7). The office may then ask for proof of residence notification (TM30). Beyond that, you need a visa suited to your situation: check the rules in force with the Thai embassy before signing a long lease.
The lease must clearly state the rent, the duration, the amount of the deposit and the conditions for its return, the water and electricity rates, and the early termination clause.
Choosing a building in Pattaya from France is difficult: two neighbouring residences can offer very different amenities, atmosphere and rules. A Remoters English-speaking property hunter based in Pattaya can search for you according to your budget and area, view the apartments, check the owner's identity and the utility rates, prepare your file and review the lease before signing. The first conversation and the quote are free.
Short answers to the questions our readers ask, written to stand on their own.
Sources cited in this article
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