What Does It Cost to Live in Phuket?
One of the most common questions we hear from prospective buyers is about day-to-day living costs. The answer depends heavily on your lifestyle, but Phuket offers excellent value at every level — from budget-conscious to premium living. Here's a realistic breakdown based on what our clients and community members actually spend.
Housing
- Studio/1-bed condo (Rawai, Chalong): ฿12,000–25,000/month
- 1-bed condo (Bang Tao, Kamala): ฿20,000–45,000/month
- 2-bed pool villa (Rawai): ฿30,000–60,000/month
- 3-bed pool villa (Layan, Bang Tao): ฿60,000–150,000/month
If you own your property, replace rent with monthly maintenance fees (฿2,000–6,000) plus utilities.
Food and Dining
- Local Thai meals: ฿60–150 per dish
- Mid-range restaurant: ฿300–600 per person
- Premium dining: ฿1,500–3,000+ per person
- Grocery shopping (Western products): ฿8,000–15,000/month
- Grocery shopping (Thai markets): ฿4,000–8,000/month
Most residents mix local and Western food. A couple eating out regularly and cooking at home can expect ฿15,000–30,000 per month total for food.
Healthcare
Phuket has excellent international hospitals — Bangkok Hospital Phuket and Siriroj are the most popular with expats. A GP visit costs ฿1,000–2,000. Dental cleaning: ฿1,500–3,000. International health insurance runs ฿30,000–80,000 per year depending on age and coverage level.
Transport
- Motorbike rental: ฿3,000–5,000/month
- Car rental: ฿12,000–25,000/month
- Petrol: ฿2,000–4,000/month
- Grab rides: ฿100–400 per trip (varies by distance)
Monthly Budgets
Comfortable (single person): ฿40,000–60,000/month
A 1-bed condo in Rawai or Chalong, eating a mix of local and Western food, motorbike transport, basic gym membership, occasional dining out.
Premium (couple): ฿80,000–120,000/month
A 2-bed condo or small villa in Bang Tao/Kamala, car rental, regular dining out, gym and wellness, international health insurance.
Luxury (family): ฿150,000–300,000+/month
A 3-bed pool villa, private international school (฿40,000–80,000/month per child), car, premium dining and lifestyle, full health coverage.
Phuket offers a quality of life that's difficult to match at these price points in most Western countries. We're happy to connect you with residents who can share their firsthand experience.