The Real Cost of Living in Phuket: What You Need to Know Before You Pack Your Bags (April 2025)

So you’re daydreaming about moving to a tropical island. You imagine lazy beach mornings, cheap Thai food, and cocktails under palm trees. But the big question hits: what’s the actual cost of living in Phuket? Let’s break it down, real-talk style.

How Much Does Life in Phuket Really Cost?

Cost of living in Phuket isn’t as cheap as it once was, especially post-pandemic. Still, it’s more affordable than London, Sydney, or New York. And it’s got charm. But you’ll want numbers, so here we go.

Monthly living costs in Phuket:

  • Solo expat: 22,980 (THB), not including rent
  • Family of 4: 80,723 (THB), not including rent

That’s basic food, transport, utilities, gym, healthcare. Rent is its own beast.

Rent in Phuket: Central vs. Coastal

Housing in Phuket is a mixed bag.

  • 1-bed flat in Patong: ฿18,605
  • 3-bed villa in Rawai: ฿60,000 – ฿80,000
  • 1-bed outside city: ฿15,687.50
  • Electricity, water, garbage: ฿4,000/month average

Want air con full-time? Add another ฿1,500-2,000.

Eating Out & Grocery Shopping: Local or Western?

Thai food is your budget’s best mate.

  • Street pad thai: ฿50
  • Local restaurant meal: ฿150
  • Western brunch: ฿400-600
  • Fancy 3-course dinner for 2: ฿1,200

Grocery costs in Phuket:

  • Milk (1L): ฿67.86
  • Eggs (12): ฿74.33
  • Cheese (1kg): ฿637
  • Apples (1kg): ฿107

Want imported hummus and oat milk? You’ll pay for it. Big C and Lotus’s for Thai staples. Villa Market for expat goods.

Transportation in Phuket: Bikes, Taxis & Grab

Transport is affordable but patchy.

  • Motorbike rental: ฿2,000 – ฿3,000/month
  • Gas: ฿42.84/L
  • Local bus: ฿45
  • Grab 5km ride: ฿150 – ฿200
  • Taxi start rate: ฿100

Public transport doesn’t serve most areas. Grab and Bolt fill the gap.

Internet, Phone, Utilities

  • 60Mbps fibre: ฿548/month
  • SIM + 10GB data: ฿464.25/month
  • Utilities for a 2-bed flat: ฿4,000 average

No complaints here. Speeds are good, prices fair.

Fitness, Entertainment, and Lifestyle Costs

Want to stay active or have fun on weekends?

  • Gym: ฿1,787.50/month
  • Tennis: ฿350/hour
  • Cinema: ฿300/ticket
  • Spa day: ฿800-2,000
  • Kids’ activities: Check top weekend picks

Childcare & Schools

Raising kids in Phuket? Budget this:

  • Private preschool: ฿24,000/month
  • International school: ฿474,000/year average

Most expats send their kids to British or IB-curriculum schools.

Healthcare: Clinics, Hospitals, and Insurance

You’ll need coverage. Care is good, especially private hospitals.

  • Local clinic visit: ฿500-1,000
  • International hospital check-up: ฿3,000+
  • Insurance: ฿2,500/month for basic expat coverage

Find top hospitals here

Buying Property in Phuket

Foreigners can’t buy land, but condos? Sure.

  • City centre price per sqm: ฿137,500
  • Outside city: ฿95,000
  • Mortgage interest: ~5% per year

Plenty of new developments in Chalong, Kathu, and Nai Harn.

Average Salary in Phuket

  • Monthly net salary: ฿24,232.80

Wages are low unless you’re remote-working. Most digital nomads survive on overseas income.

Everyday Costs That Add Up

  • Haircut: ฿233
  • Beer (pub): ฿107
  • Deodorant: ฿64
  • Toothpaste: ฿47
  • Taxi 8km: ฿620

It’s the little things that sneak up. Keep track.

Tips to Cut Down Your Cost of Living in Phuket

  • Rent long-term: Discounts kick in beyond 6 months
  • Eat local: Markets > malls
  • Use Wise for banking: Save on currency fees
  • Buy a motorbike: Cheaper than renting
  • Go cash for Thai prices: Card = tourist tax
  • Don’t over air con it: That bill climbs fast

So yes, the cost of living in Phuket isn’t dirt cheap anymore, but it’s still good value if you live smart and keep your expectations local, not luxury.