Phuket Cost of Living Guide 2025
Complete breakdown of living costs in Phuket, Thailand's premier island destination. Essential guide for expats, digital nomads, and retirees considering island life.
Monthly Budget Overview
Phuket is Thailand's most expensive province, with costs significantly higher than mainland destinations. However, it offers unparalleled beach lifestyle and international amenities.
Budget Lifestyle
฿50,000-70,000
Simple island living with basics
Mid-Range Lifestyle
฿70,000-120,000
Comfortable beachside living
Luxury Lifestyle
฿120,000-250,000
Premium villas and resort lifestyle
Ultra-Luxury
฿250,000+
Beachfront villas and exclusive resorts
Housing & Accommodation
Phuket accommodation ranges from basic apartments to luxury beachfront villas. Proximity to beaches significantly affects pricing:
- •Studio Apartment (Patong/Kata/Karon): ฿20,000-35,000/month
- •Studio Apartment (Phuket Town/Rawai): ฿12,000-20,000/month
- •1-Bedroom Condo (Beach Areas): ฿30,000-60,000/month
- •1-Bedroom Condo (Inland): ฿18,000-30,000/month
- •2-Bedroom House (with Pool): ฿40,000-80,000/month
- •Luxury Villa (Beachfront): ฿100,000-500,000+/month
💡 Pro Tip:
Best value areas: Rawai, Nai Harn, and Phuket Town. These offer good amenities at lower costs than Patong or Kata Beach.
Food & Dining
Food costs in Phuket are higher than mainland Thailand, especially in tourist areas. Local markets offer the best value:
- •Street Food/Local Stalls: ฿60-120 per meal
- •Local Restaurant: ฿150-300 per meal
- •Tourist Area Restaurant: ฿300-600 per meal
- •Western Restaurant: ฿500-1,200 per meal
- •Beachfront Dining: ฿800-2,000+ per meal
- •Groceries (Local Markets): ฿8,000-12,000/month
- •Groceries (Supermarkets): ฿12,000-20,000/month
Transportation
Phuket lacks public transportation, making scooters or cars essential for getting around:
- •Scooter Rental: ฿3,000-4,500/month (long-term)
- •Car Rental: ฿12,000-25,000/month
- •Taxi (Short Distance): ฿150-300 per trip
- •Tuk-tuk: ฿100-200 for short distances
- •Grab: ฿80-300 typical trip
- •Airport Transfer: ฿600-1,200 (depending on destination)
- •Gasoline: ฿35-40 per liter
Utilities & Services
- •Electricity: ฿3,000-8,000/month (high AC usage in tropical climate)
- •Water: ฿200-500/month
- •Internet (Fiber): ฿800-2,000/month
- •Mobile Phone: ฿400-1,500/month
- •Gym Membership: ฿2,000-6,000/month
- •Co-working Space: ฿5,000-15,000/month
Entertainment & Activities
Phuket offers world-class entertainment and activities, though at premium prices:
- •Beach Club Day Pass: ฿1,000-3,000
- •Thai Massage: ฿400-800/hour
- •Spa Treatment: ฿2,000-8,000
- •Island Hopping Tour: ฿1,500-3,500
- •Scuba Diving (2 Dives): ฿2,500-4,500
- •Nightclub Entry: ฿300-1,000
- •Cocktail at Beach Bar: ฿250-600
Areas & Neighborhoods
Premium Beach Areas (฿30,000+ for 1BR)
Patong, Kata, Karon, Surin, Bang Tao, Laguna
Mid-Range Areas (฿20,000-30,000 for 1BR)
Rawai, Nai Harn, Chalong, Kamala
Budget Areas (฿12,000-20,000 for 1BR)
Phuket Town, Thalang, Kathu
Sample Monthly Budgets
Budget Island Living: ฿55,000
Studio (Rawai): ฿18,000 | Food: ฿15,000 | Scooter: ฿4,000 | Utilities: ฿6,000 | Entertainment: ฿12,000
Comfortable Beach Life: ฿90,000
1BR Condo: ฿35,000 | Food: ฿20,000 | Car: ฿15,000 | Utilities: ฿8,000 | Activities: ฿12,000
Luxury Beachfront: ฿180,000
Luxury Condo: ฿80,000 | Fine Dining: ฿35,000 | Premium Car: ฿20,000 | Premium Activities: ฿25,000 | Other: ฿20,000
⚠️ Island Living Note:
Phuket costs are 40-60% higher than Bangkok. Factor in seasonal price variations (high season: Nov-Mar) and limited public transport when budgeting.
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