The Cost of Living in Phuket is Still Competitive Compared to Most Other Places in the World

Phuket continues to be one of the most popular places in Asia for expats, retirees, and digital nomads, and for good reason. But how much does it really cost to live on the island in 2025? In this guide, we break down the cost of living in Phuket across a range of categories including food, transport, utilities, lifestyle, and more, to help you budget realistically whether you’re planning a short-term stay or a permanent move.

Is Phuket Still Affordable in 2025?

The cost of living in Phuket has risen in recent years, but compared to major Western cities, it still offers excellent value, especially if you avoid luxury imports or premium expat habits.

You can live comfortably in Phuket on a moderate monthly budget, with lifestyle choices being the biggest variable. A single person can live well on 40,000-60,000 THB per month, while couples or families will naturally spend more depending on housing, school fees, and activities.

Accommodation Costs – Probably the Most Important Factor When Looking at the Cost of Living in Phuket 

Rental prices vary significantly depending on location, property type, and length of stay.

  • 1-bedroom apartment in Rawai or Chalong: 25,000-35,000 THB/month

  • 2-3 bedroom villa with pool in Bang Tao or Nai Harn: 85,000 – 200,000 THB/month

  • Luxury sea view condo: 100,000-250,000 THB+/month, or maybe even higher

  • Long-term lease (1 year) usually offers the best rates

Tip: Long-term rentals of over 30 days do not require a hotel license – making Phuket an ideal market for property investors targeting digital nomads, retirees, or seasonal expats.

Food and Groceries

Phuket offers everything from cheap street food to gourmet fine dining:

  • Local street meal: 60 – 100 THB

  • Western-style restaurant meal: 250 – 600 THB

  • Fresh market groceries for 1 week: approx. 1,200 THB

  • Imported goods (e.g. wine, cheese): 2x-3x Western prices

Shopping at local markets and eating Thai food will save you significantly over time.

Transportation

When looking at the cost of living in Phuket, obviously transport costs play a major role when calculating expenses.

  • Motorbike rental: 2,500- 4,000 THB/month

  • Car rental: 25,000-55,000 THB/month, or even more for super luxury vehicles

  • Gasoline: approx. 38 THB/litre

  • Grab/taxi: From 150 THB for short trips, longer trips are more and also depends on the time of day, especially late at night

  • Most expats own or rent a car or motorbike to get around the island comfortably.

Utilities and Internet

  • Electricity (moderate use with A/C): 3,500-7,500 THB/month

  • Water: 100-300 THB/month

  • Internet (high-speed fiber): approx. 600-1,000 THB/month, depending on the provider

  • Mobile phone package: approx. 500 THB/month

International Schools

When considering the cost of living in Phuket, families with children moving to Phuket should account for school fees:

  • International school tuition: 300,000-600,000 THB/year per child

  • Schools like Headstart, Lighthouse and BCIS are popular among expats, offering world-class education at affordable fees.

  • The British International School and UWC are the most expensive schools and can go up to 1.5 million THB (boarding facilities also available)

Healthcare

  • Doctor visit (private clinic): 1,000-2,500 THB

  • Health insurance (private): 30,000-100,000 THB/year depending on age and coverage

  • Pharmacies are abundant and affordable for basic medication

Leisure and Lifestyle

  • Gym membership: 1,500-3,000 THB/month

  • Yoga class: approx. 400 THB/session

  • Golf green fee (18 holes): 2,500-6,000 THB

  • Massage (1 hour Thai): Between 300-600 THB

Phuket offers a relaxed outdoor lifestyle, and many activities (beach, hiking, cycling) are free. The beauty of the island and the numerous things to do everyday make the cost of living in Phuket more attractive when comparing it to many other countries around the world.

Conclusion: Is Phuket Expensive to Live In?

Phuket offers an outstanding lifestyle for the price, with sunshine, fresh food, ocean views, and a thriving expat scene. The cost of living in Phuket is still super affordable for most people, for families, those retiring or digital nomads. While it’s no longer “ultra-cheap,” it’s still far more affordable than equivalent coastal destinations in Europe or Australia.

Whether you’re a retiree, digital nomad, or young family, Phuket has something to suit your lifestyle, and your budget.

Final Thoughts on the Cost of living in Phuket in 2025

Whether you’re planning to buy a condo in Phuket for long-term use or exploring Phuket villas for sale as a luxury investment, understanding the true cost of living in Phuket is essential. This guide offers a realistic overview to help you make an informed decision.

For savvy buyers, Phuket remains one of the most attractive real estate markets in Southeast Asia – combining lifestyle, income potential, and long-term growth. Bookmark this Phuket cost of living guide and reach out to us for personalised property recommendations.

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