If you’re considering buying a home or investment property in Phuket, it’s important to factor in the ongoing living expenses that come with ownership. Beyond the purchase price, the cost of running a household, including utilities, maintenance, and transportation, can vary depending on the type of property and your lifestyle. This guide gives you a real-world look at what to expect in 2025.

Phuket continues to attract retirees, remote workers, long-term investors, and digital nomads from all over the world. While the tropical lifestyle, stunning beaches, and laid-back pace are strong drawcards, one of the biggest reasons people relocate to Thailand is the affordability of living here, especially when it comes to maintaining a home and running a car.

If you’re considering a move to paradise, or already own a property on Phuket Island, understanding the monthly cost of living in Phuket and the costs of upkeep can help you budget effectively. From garden maintenance and electricity to car expenses and contractor wages, here’s a breakdown of what you can expect when living in paradise.

Gardening, Pool Maintenance & Pest Control

One of the great advantages of owning a villa or standalone home in Phuket is the ability to enjoy your own tropical garden. However, keeping it pristine requires regular upkeep. Fortunately, gardening costs in Phuket are still extremely affordable.

  • Gardening services typically cost 2,000 to 3,500 THB per month for regular weekly maintenance. This might include watering the plants and lawn if necessary, cutting the grass, trimming back trees, and maintaining all the plants.
  • Pool cleaning and servicing also ranges from 2,000 to 4,000 THB per month, depending on the size of the pool and whether you hire weekly or bi-weekly service.
  • Pest control – essential in a tropical climate, usually runs between 1,000 and 2,000 THB per visit, with quarterly visits sufficient for most homes. Annual packages may offer better value.

Combined, many homeowners comfortably manage gardening, pool, and pest control for under 10,000 THB per month.

Electricity and Air Conditioning Costs

In tropical Phuket, the weather is warm year-round. While many people move here for the sunshine, it does mean that air conditioning becomes a primary cost, especially during the hotter months from March to May.

  • A typical three- or four-bedroom villa may spend between 5,000 and 10,000 THB per month on electricity, depending on usage.
  • Condos may have lower bills, usually between 1,500 to 4,000 THB, depending on size, usage habits, and insulation quality.
  • Usage spikes when residents run multiple AC units throughout the day and night, especially in older homes with less efficient systems.

Solar Power: A Smart Way to Cut Costs

For long-term residents, investing in solar panels can significantly reduce energy bills. While upfront installation can cost anywhere from 150,000 to 500,000 THB, many homeowners find that solar power offers a payback period of 5-7 years, after which electricity costs drop to minimal levels.

  • Even partial solar installations can offset daytime electricity usage, which is when rates peak in Thailand.
  • Several Phuket-based solar energy providers offer packages for villas and larger residential homes, including hybrid battery storage for added savings.

Water Costs: Incredibly Low

One of the most surprising savings for many foreigners moving to Phuket is the monthly water bill. Whether you have a private well or are connected to the local government supply, water is incredibly inexpensive.

  • A family in a typical 3/4 bedroom villa will pay about 300 to 500 THB per month for water usage.
  • Even for heavy users, the bill rarely exceeds 1,000 THB/month.
  • Many standalone homes have deep water wells, reducing monthly expenses even further to near zero, apart from occasional pump maintenance.

Compare this to Western cities where water bills can run into hundreds of dollars each quarter, and the difference is staggering.

Heating vs. Cooling: A Climate-Based Saving

One often-overlooked cost-saving benefit in Phuket is the lack of heating requirements. In colder climates such as Canada, Northern Europe, or parts of the US, residents face massive heating bills during long winters. These costs can rival or exceed a family’s entire monthly outgoings in Thailand.

In Phuket, while air conditioning does increase electricity use, it is still far cheaper than running central heating for six months. Many foreigners find their total utility costs drop dramatically simply because heating isn’t needed at all.

Other Household Costs: Internet, TV, Phone & Rubbish Collection

Ongoing utility bills are relatively low and stable, with most homes paying the following monthly costs:

  • Internet/WiFi: 500–1,200 THB for high-speed fibre connections (True, AIS, 3BB).
  • Cable/Smart TV (True Vision, Netflix, etc.): 300–1,000 THB depending on subscriptions.
  • Mobile phone bill: 200–500 THB for standard packages with data.
  • Garbage collection: Generally, 50–100 THB per month, and often included in municipality fees or estate maintenance costs.

There is no separate landfill tax, and trash collection in residential areas is generally affordable and efficient.

Hiring Contractors and Construction Labour

Whether you’re renovating your home or need help with maintenance, the cost of labour and materials in Phuket is still highly affordable compared to the West.

  • The minimum daily wage in Phuket is currently around 370 THB per day, although most skilled workers and contractors will charge more.
  • Hiring a Burmese or Thai tradesman for building work or painting often costs significantly less than hiring similar labour in Los Angeles or London.
  • General home improvements, such as fencing, patio tiling, or basic interior work, are accessible and cost-effective, making property upgrades much easier for foreign homeowners.

As long as Thailand continues to benefit from a competitive and skilled labour force, the costs of repairs and renovations will remain low.

Cost of Petrol in Phuket

Compared to many Western countries, fuel prices in Thailand remain relatively low, making it very affordable to run a car on a daily basis. While prices can fluctuate slightly based on global oil markets, local subsidies and government controls help keep petrol within a reasonable range.

  • As of mid-2025, the average price for 95-octane petrol (Gasohol 95) in Phuket is around 37–39 THB per litre.
  • Diesel tends to be slightly cheaper, usually between 32-35 THB per litre.
  • A full tank of fuel for a standard sedan or compact SUV will typically cost between 1,400–1,800 THB.
  • For those commuting locally or using their car for shopping, school runs, or beach visits, monthly petrol costs rarely exceed 3,000-4,000 THB.

This is a noticeable saving for many expats, especially those arriving from countries like the UK, Australia, or Germany, where petrol prices are often double (or more) per litre than in Thailand.

Cost of Car Servicing and Maintenance

One of the most pleasant surprises for car owners in Thailand is how affordable it is to service and maintain your vehicle. Whether you own a Japanese, Korean, or European model, you’ll find parts, labour, and service costs far cheaper than in Western countries.

  • A standard oil change and basic service at an authorized dealer or quality garage will cost around 2,000-4,000 THB.
  • More comprehensive servicing, including filters, brake checks, and system diagnostics, usually falls between 5,000-7,000 THB, depending on the vehicle type and model.
  • Labour charges are modest. Mechanics typically charge 300–600 THB per hour, with many general issues resolved in just one session.
  • Parts for Japanese cars (Toyota, Honda, Mitsubishi, etc.) are widely available and inexpensive. European car parts are more costly but still more affordable than in Europe itself.

There are also independent service centres and mobile mechanics that offer excellent value for money, often with lower labour costs than official dealerships. Many long-term expats opt for these garages, which provide honest service at local prices, without compromising quality.

The Cost of Fixing a Puncture Is Laughably Cheap

Another refreshing surprise in Phuket is how inexpensive it is to maintain a car. Fixing a tyre puncture, for example, costs between 200 and 300 THB, just 4 to 6 Euros or 6 to 8 US$.

Compare this to cities in Europe, where a simple puncture repair can cost between 30 to 50 Euros, and it’s easy to see why owning a vehicle here is much more economical.

Conclusion: Living Affordably in Paradise

Phuket offers one of the most cost-effective tropical lifestyles in the world, particularly for those coming from the UK, Europe, Australia, or North America. With low water and electricity costs, affordable labour, and inexpensive car repairs, the monthly cost of running a home and car in Phuket can be a fraction of what it costs in Western countries.

The absence of heating costs, combined with minimal water bills and competitive service rates, gives residents the ability to live comfortably without breaking the bank. Whether you own a Phuket villa, townhouse, or condo, with a few smart decisions – like installing solar or hiring the right service providers – you can enjoy luxury living on a very modest monthly budget.

Many overseas buyers want to know whether living in Phuket is truly affordable once you’ve bought a property — and the answer is yes, especially when compared to Western countries. Whether you’re investing in a condo near the beach or a private villa with a pool, running costs are often lower than most buyers expect. If you’re weighing up your move, we can help you understand not just the sales process, but the full cost of owning and living here.

Thinking About Buying Property in Phuket in 2025?

At Thai Residential, we work with buyers from all over the world looking to enjoy a better lifestyle at a better cost. From affordable villas in the south to luxury sea view condos in Laguna, we can help you find a home that fits both your budget and your lifestyle.

Get in Touch | Call Now On: +66 9484 11918

Contact Us Today