Where did time go? If you’ve checked in here lately, you might have noticed things have been quiet since 2022. A lot can happen in a few years, like changing countries, growing from a family of three to a family of four, and navigating life in New York City. Before we dive into a special look back at everything we’ve been up to while living in Thailand, let’s talk about the present.

From Thai baht to US dollars is indeed one giant leap in cost of living! But whether we’re in the affordable Northeast Thailand (Issan) or expensive NYC, the non-negotiable rule remains the same: being practical and living below our means is necessary.

How do we manage to make ends meet and actually thrive in one of the most expensive cities in the world for almost half a year? Our journey didn’t start overnight; it’s a rhythm we’ve built through years of adapting, planning, and keeping things grounded.

Before making our way to the US, my husband and I taught in Thailand for several years, where our firstborn was born. We rented a two-story house in the city of Roi Et for 4000 Thai baht (approximately $121) with a rent that never went up the entire time we were there. Thailand’s low cost of living gave us the breathing room to save and invest for the future. Since we earned the same salary, we split everything right down the middle 50-50. It built a foundation of teamwork that we still rely on today.

When we eventually moved to the United States, we first lived and later rented in my in-law’s house just outside of New York City. Eventually, we made the move directly into the city in early 2026 to be closer to our jobs and cut down on commute times.

Balancing life, work, and family in New York City requires a mix of strategy and simple habits.

1. We have work. It is the anchor that keeps everything running smoothly.
2. We mostly cook at home. Dining out in the city adds up fast. Home-cooked meals keep our budget on track and our bellies happy.
3. We rarely pay for movie theaters. Instead, we borrow DVDs from the public library for free.
4. We drive a used car, but we skip expensive monthly garages by taking full advantage of free street parking. My husband just needs to move the car on designated street cleaning days.
5. Along with the car, we rely on walking and taking the subway to get around the city affordably and efficiently.
6. We embrace the free green spaces. Parks are completely free, and we take advantage of them since we like to walk and hike. These days, my husband and daughter zoom around on their e-boards while I push the newborn’s stroller.
7. We practice mindful spending. We are always on the hunt for a good, if not the absolute best, deal on goods and services. Every bit of savings counts!

City life can be fast-paced and pricey, but with a bit of teamwork and smart budgeting, it’s possible to carve out a wonderful, balanced life here. Please stay tuned for more updates and travel stories from Getawaysaps!