Opening a barbershop in Thailand is a realistic way to run your own business, but you need a clear picture of upfront and ongoing costs. Rents and costs vary by city—Bangkok and Phuket are generally more expensive than Chiang Mai, Pattaya or smaller cities—and by the size and fit-out of your shop. Everything in this guide is in Thai baht (THB / ฿). For licensing and legal steps, see How to start a barbershop.
How much does it cost to open a barbershop in Thailand: quick answer
Small barbershop (1–2 chairs): ฿180,000 – ฿550,000. Medium (3–4 chairs): ฿550,000 – ฿1,350,000. Premium (Bangkok): ฿2,200,000+. These figures include equipment, rent (deposit plus first months), fit-out, licences and working capital.
Rent and premises: what to expect in Thailand
Rent is one of the biggest fixed costs. Prime streets and city centres cost more; suburbs and smaller cities are cheaper. Below are indicative monthly rents.
- Bangkok (Sukhumvit, Siam, Silom, Thong Lor, Ekkamai): ฿15,000 – ฿55,000+ per month.
- Bangkok (other areas): ฿8,000 – ฿28,000 per month.
- Chiang Mai (Nimman, Old City, Maya area): ฿8,000 – ฿30,000 per month.
- Phuket (Patong, Kata, Chalong, Phuket Town): ฿12,000 – ฿45,000 per month.
- Pattaya, Hua Hin (prime): ฿10,000 – ฿38,000 per month.
- Smaller cities: ฿4,000 – ฿18,000 per month.
Landlords often ask for 1–2 months’ deposit and advance rent. Factor in at least 2–3 months’ rent for deposit and first payments.
Equipment and licences
For a 1–2 chair setup, expect roughly ฿70,000 – ฿220,000 on chairs, mirrors, clippers, scissors, wash basins and basic furniture. Licences and registrations can add ฿8,000 – ฿35,000. More detail: how to start a barbershop.
Management software
Barbería Club helps you manage appointments and clients from day one. You can try Barbería Club for free.
Cost breakdown by shop size (THB)
| Item | Small | Medium | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment | ฿70,000 – ฿220,000 | ฿195,000 – ฿480,000 | ฿480,000 – ฿960,000 |
| Rent (deposit + 2 months) | ฿28,000 – ฿110,000 | ฿56,000 – ฿195,000 | ฿95,000 – ฿285,000 |
| Fit-out, licences, marketing | ฿25,000 – ฿80,000 | ฿50,000 – ฿155,000 | ฿85,000 – ฿270,000 |
| Working capital | ฿28,000 – ฿85,000 | ฿56,000 – ฿170,000 | ฿112,000 – ฿255,000 |
| Total (THB) | ฿180,000 – ฿550,000 | ฿550,000 – ฿1,350,000 | ฿1,350,000 – ฿2,200,000+ |
Profitability and ways to save
Typical gross margin for a well-run barbershop in Thailand is 55–70%. Break-even often occurs within 6–12 months if location and pricing are right. To keep costs down: consider second-hand equipment, negotiate rent, use low-cost marketing (Google Business Profile, Line, Instagram) and efficient booking software.
Local SEO and visibility in Thailand
Claim and optimise your Google Business Profile (name, address, phone, hours, photos, services). Use keywords like “ตัดผมชาย [พื้นที่]” or “barbershop [เมือง]” on your site and listings. Encourage Google reviews for local ranking.
Frequently asked questions
How much money do I need?
A small barbershop usually needs ฿180,000–฿550,000; a medium one ฿550,000–฿1,350,000. A premium shop in Bangkok can exceed ฿2,200,000.
Is it profitable?
Yes. With a good location and operations, many barbershops hit break-even within 6–12 months.
What licences do I need?
Register your business, obtain a business licence from the district office, and comply with health regulations. Full steps: how to start a barbershop.
How much does the owner make?
An owner who also cuts might earn ฿22,000–฿65,000 per month in a small shop. With 3–4 barbers, owner income often reaches ฿50,000–฿115,000 or more per month.
Opening a barbershop in Thailand step by step
For licensing and legal requirements, see our guide: How to start a barbershop.