Cost of Living in Phuket (2025) - Complete Expat Guide

Detailed breakdown of living costs in Phuket for expats and digital nomads. Housing, food, transport, and lifestyle expenses with real local prices.

December 20258 min readPhuket

Quick Facts

Cost Level: premium

Expat Friendly: 7/10

Digital Nomad Score: 6/10

Region: southern

Introduction

Phuket offers a premium lifestyle for expats living in Thailand. Located in Phuket, Phuket, this southern Thai destination is known for beaches, tourism, diving.

Monthly Living Costs in Phuket

A single expat in Phuket typically spends between ฿50,000-100,000 per month.

💰 Phuket Budget Level

Phuket is considered a premium cost destination in Thailand.

Housing and Rental Prices

Rental prices in Phuket vary by location. A basic studio starts around ฿15,000 per month.

Food and Dining Costs

Thai street food in Phuket costs ฿40-60 per meal. Local restaurants charge ฿80-150 for mains.

Transportation

Phuket has moderate transportation options. Songthaews cost ฿20-40 per trip.

Tourism Season Price Volatility

Phuket prices swing dramatically with tourist seasons. High season (November-April) sees accommodation 50-100% more expensive. Low season (May-October) offers significant discounts but some businesses close. Monthly rentals can range from ฿10,000 (low season) to ฿25,000+ (high season) for the same unit.

Beach vs. Inland Living Costs

Beachfront locations (Patong, Kata, Karon) are 2-3x more expensive. Inland areas like Phuket Town and Thalang offer better value. Patong: ฿20,000-50,000 for basic condos. Phuket Town: ฿10,000-20,000 for nice places. Rawai/Nai Harn: ฿15,000-35,000 with quieter beach access.

Transportation Realities

Phuket has no public transport. Tuk-tuks and taxis are expensive—฿200-500 for short distances. Scooter rental is ฿200-300/day or ฿3,000-5,000/month. Buying a car is common for families (฿400,000-800,000 for used). Grab exists but prices are higher than Bangkok.

Important Considerations

Transportation costs can add up quickly with no public transit. Factor in scooter or car ownership (฿5,000-15,000/month including fuel/maintenance).

⚠️ Watch Out

Transportation costs can add up quickly with no public transit. Factor in scooter or car ownership (฿5,000-15,000/month including fuel/maintenance).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Phuket expensive for expats?▼

Phuket is relatively expensive compared to other Thai cities.

What is a good monthly budget for Phuket?▼

For a comfortable lifestyle in Phuket, budget ฿60,000-120,000 per month as a single person.

Can you live in Phuket on $1,000/month?▼

Yes, $1,000 (approximately ฿35,000) is tight but possible in Phuket.

Is Phuket expensive for expats?▼

Phuket is 40-60% more expensive than mainland Thailand. Budget ฿50,000-80,000/month as a single expat for a comfortable lifestyle near the beach.

What is the best area to live in Phuket?▼

Phuket Town offers the best value and local culture. Rawai/Nai Harn are great for quieter beach living. Patong is expensive and touristy—avoid for long-term living.

How much does housing cost in Phuket?▼

Budget ฿15,000-30,000/month for a nice 1-2 bedroom condo away from the beach. Beachfront properties start at ฿40,000 and go up to ฿150,000+.