When I arrived in Bangkok to start teaching, I had two big concerns: how to stretch my modest monthly salary, and how to avoid wasting hours in traffic every day. 

Like many new teachers, I assumed that living near the BTS Skytrain or MRT Metro was out of the question. Surely that was only for people earning high corporate salaries or digital nomads with flexible remote jobs. I braced myself for a long daily commute and started hunting for affordable apartments on the city’s outskirts.

But as I quickly learned, it’s entirely possible to live near public transport in Bangkok - even on a modest teaching income - and doing so can dramatically improve your quality of life. After some research, footwork, and a few hit-or-miss viewings, I found a simple but clean apartment five minutes from an MRT station for just 9,000 baht per month. And honestly? It transformed my experience of living and working in the city.

A faster commute and a calmer mind

One of the most immediate benefits was cutting down my commute time. Bangkok’s road traffic is as frustrating as its reputation suggests. Buses, songthaews and vans can turn a short journey into a long, uncomfortable ordeal - especially during peak hours or rainy season. Once I moved close to the MRT, my commute became quick, predictable, and stress-free. The air-conditioned trains arrive like clockwork, and I usually reach work within 20 to 30 minutes. The mental and physical energy I save each day has been a game changer. It means more time for lesson prep, errands, or even just grabbing a quiet coffee before class.

Everyday essentials within reach

Living near public transport also means everything else is more accessible. Grocery stores, night markets, street food vendors, gyms, and co-working spaces are typically concentrated around BTS and MRT stations. I no longer need to rely on delivery apps or jump on a motorbike taxi just to buy dinner or run errands. I’ve even noticed I spend less overall because I’m not constantly paying for short rides or impulse deliveries just to make my daily routine more convenient.

Affordable apartments do exist near the train lines

Despite what some might think, you can find apartments within walking distance of train stations for 10,000 baht or less. The trick is to be flexible about location. Instead of aiming for the ultra-trendy neighborhoods like Thonglor or Asok, I looked at areas a bit farther from the central business district but still well-connected. Places like On Nut, Phra Khanong, Bang Wa, and Huai Khwang offer plenty of low-rise apartment buildings and local-style condos with very reasonable rent. Many of these buildings aren’t advertised online, so walking around and keeping an eye out for “for rent” signs really helps. In fact, some of the best places I saw never appeared on Facebook or property apps.

Weekend getaways made simple

Another big plus is how much easier it becomes to explore the rest of the city - and even the country - when you’re close to a BTS or MRT stop. On weekends, I can hop on the train to connect to the bus terminal or take the Airport Rail Link without needing to call a Grab or plan around traffic jams. Day trips to the beach or weekends away in another city are much simpler when you’re already halfway to the bus or train station. The same goes for meeting friends, heading to Thai language classes, or checking out new cafes in neighborhoods I hadn’t explored before. Living near public transport gives you a kind of mobility and spontaneity that you don’t get if you’re stuck relying on minivans or long-haul buses just to get into town.

Safety and walkability matter

There’s also a safety and comfort factor that’s worth mentioning. Areas near BTS and MRT stations tend to be more developed, with better lighting and more people out and about at all hours. When I lived further out, I found myself walking home in the dark on quiet side streets, which didn’t always feel great, especially late at night. Now, the street outside my building is lined with vendors and convenience stores, and there’s always a stream of people coming and going. It’s a small thing, but it makes a big difference in how relaxed and at home I feel.

A better routine, a better life

Beyond the practical benefits, living near a train line has simply made my day-to-day life more enjoyable. Teaching in Bangkok can be rewarding, but it can also be tiring. Having a shorter commute, easier access to services, and the freedom to explore the city has taken a huge load off my shoulders. I no longer dread the journey to work. I can sleep a little longer, have a proper breakfast, and still arrive on time without feeling rushed or frazzled. After school, I often have the energy to hit the gym, take a Thai class, or meet up with friends - things I used to skip because I was too drained from traffic and transit delays.

Choose location over luxury

If you’re a teacher in Bangkok, or planning to become one, don’t write off the idea of living near the BTS or MRT just because your budget is limited. You don’t need a flashy condo or a downtown address. You just need to be smart about where you look, be open to older buildings, and put in a bit of effort up front. A simple, well-located apartment can go a long way toward making your teaching life in Bangkok more enjoyable, less stressful, and surprisingly affordable.

Living near the train lines doesn’t just help you get from point A to point B. It improves your entire routine and connects you more deeply to the rhythm of the city. For me, it was one of the best decisions I made - and one I’d recommend to any teacher trying to find that sweet spot between affordability and quality of life.