A serviced apartment offers flexibility: monthly stays, cleaning, linen and reception included, but it usually costs more. A condo rented from a private owner is cheaper over a year and offers more choice, in exchange for a longer lease and more paperwork to handle yourself. Many newcomers combine both: a few weeks in a serviced apartment while viewing, then a condo.
When you arrive in Bangkok, there are two main types of housing: the condo, an apartment in a condominium building rented from its owner, and the serviced apartment, a whole building run by one company that rents out its units like a long-stay hotel. They can look alike in photos, but they work in very different ways.
1.What a serviced apartment is
A serviced apartment building usually belongs to a single operator. It offers furnished, equipped units, often with:
- a reception open around the clock;
- cleaning once or several times a week, linen and sometimes breakfast;
- internet and some utilities included in the price;
- stays by the night, week or month, without a one-year commitment.
It is the simplest way to arrive: you drop your bags and everything works. In return, the monthly price is generally higher than a condo of similar size in the same area, and the choice of units is limited to what the operator offers.
2.What a condo offers
A condo is a unit in a condominium owned by a private individual (or sometimes an investor who owns several). The building almost always has a pool, gym and security; the unit is usually rented furnished.
- The lease is usually one year; six-month terms exist, shorter ones are rarer.
- A security deposit and one month's rent in advance are required at move-in.
- Electricity, water and internet are paid by you, on top of the rent.
- Cleaning is not included, but it is easy to hire a housekeeper.
The main advantage is choice: there are condos in every neighbourhood, at every budget, from studios to large family three-bedrooms. Our guide Renting a condo in Bangkok explains the steps.
3.Compare the real cost
The advertised rent is not enough to compare. You need to add up what each option includes or not:
| Item | Serviced apartment | Condo |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | Usually higher | Lower for the same size |
| Electricity | Sometimes included, sometimes billed at an operator-set rate | Paid by you, at the utility or building rate |
| Water, internet | Often included | Paid by you |
| Cleaning, linen | Included (frequency varies) | Arrange it yourself |
| Move-in | Often a lighter deposit | Security deposit + rent in advance |
| Commitment | Day to month | Usually six months to a year |
For a stay of a few weeks, a serviced apartment often costs less than it seems, because nothing is added on top. Over a year, the condo almost always wins. To estimate a condo's running costs, see Electricity, water, internet: the costs to expect.
4.Depending on how long you stay
- Less than a month (scouting trip, short assignment): a serviced apartment or hotel is the obvious choice.
- One to six months: both work. Some condo owners accept short leases, often at a slightly higher rent; our catalogue has a few.
- Six months or more: a condo is almost always better value, and more comfortable for truly settling in (choosing your neighbourhood, your furniture, your routine).
5.Depending on your situation
- Single or a couple, without a car: a condo near a BTS or MRT station is the most common choice.
- With a family: family-sized serviced apartments exist, but a large condo or a house gives more space for the same budget over time.
- With a pet: many buildings, serviced or not, refuse pets. See our guide Renting with a dog or cat.
- If your employer pays: they may prefer a serviced apartment for simpler invoicing; check what your housing allowance covers.
6.The mixed approach for arriving
This is the one we recommend most often: book two to four weeks in a serviced apartment or a monthly furnished rental near the neighbourhoods you are interested in. During that time, you view condos, test your commute at rush hour and sign a lease with full knowledge. You can also shortlist remotely before arriving, with a video viewing.
7.What changes day to day
Beyond the price, the two options feel different to live in.
Arrival. In a serviced apartment, you arrive with a suitcase: sheets, crockery, internet, everything is ready. In a condo, the unit is usually furnished, but you often need to fill the gaps (linen, small appliances, utensils), open utility accounts or check who pays what, and set up internet if the owner hasn't.
Small problems. A bulb, a leak, weak air conditioning: in a serviced apartment, reception sends a technician, often the same day. In a condo, you tell the owner or their agent, who arranges the repair; how quickly depends a lot on the person. It is worth assessing during your search.
The neighbours. A serviced apartment hosts many short stays: business travellers, families in transit. A condo mixes owner-occupiers and long-term tenants, with a more stable neighbourhood feel.
Freedom. In a condo, you live as if at home: you have guests over, you decorate, you can sometimes negotiate buying a few pieces of furniture. A serviced apartment has more rules, like a hotel.
8.Questions to ask before signing
For a serviced apartment:
- Does the price include electricity, water and internet, or only some of them?
- How often are cleaning and linen changes?
- Are there extra charges (laundry, parking, guests)?
- What notice is needed to leave, and does the rate change if you extend?
For a condo:
- How much are the deposit and advance rent, and how soon is the deposit returned?
- Is electricity billed at the utility rate or the building's rate?
- What happens if I have to leave before the end of the lease?
- Who do I contact for repairs, and how quickly do they respond?
9.Myths to forget
"A serviced apartment is always more luxurious." Not always. There are very basic serviced apartments and very upmarket condos. Compare size, building age, facilities and location rather than the label.
"A condo means one year minimum, no exceptions." The one-year lease is the norm, but some owners accept six months or less, especially off-season or for a unit that has been empty for a while. It is negotiable, often for a slightly higher rent.
"Everything is included in a serviced apartment." Read the details: electricity, laundry, parking or guests may be charged extra. Ask for a full monthly estimate before booking.
"A condo means too much paperwork." With a reliable agent, the steps come down to the viewing, reading the lease, paying the deposit and the move-in inspection. We support you at every step.
10.In short
A serviced apartment buys simplicity; a condo offers choice and a better price over time. The right choice depends mainly on how long you stay and how much you want to settle in. Tell us your dates, budget and priorities: we will suggest both options, with figures.
Frequently asked questions
Can I rent a condo for one or two months?
It is possible but less common: some owners accept short leases, often at a higher rent. A serviced apartment remains simpler for under three months.
Is cleaning included in a condo?
Usually not. You can hire a housekeeper by the session or by the week; ask the building's reception or our team for trusted contacts.
Which option is cheaper over a year?
The condo, in the vast majority of cases, even after adding utilities and cleaning. Serviced apartments become competitive for stays of a few weeks.
Do I need a long-stay visa to rent a condo?
The owner mainly asks for your passport. Your right to stay depends on your visa: see our guide "Preparing your move to Thailand".
General information updated on 10 October 2026; check your contract and with the Find Easy team.
