Cost of Living in Phuket
I get asked nearly every week: How much does it cost to live in Phuket? The answer to this question is of course relative to how you want to live your life. Accommodation, hobbies, health care, transport, food costs and utilities – all of these things add up in any country. But out of all the countries I’ve lived in, Phuket wins!
Cost of living in Phuket?
Phuket Lifestyle
Since I permanently moved to Phuket in early 2011, my lifestyle has changed dramatically from going out most nights to getting married and being a proud father. I’ve experienced a broad spectrum of day to day living. Yes, Phuket is probably one of the most expensive parts of Thailand however you get what you pay for. This island has everything for everyone!
Living on a budget in Phuket is totally possible. Most Thai people live on an income off about ฿12,000 ($370-USD) per month and still have money left over to send to their family. For a foreigner living here, it’s going to cost more, especially if you want to have a nice experience.
Cheap long term accommodation, cheap Thai food and limiting your partying / drinking, you can have a simple life with under ฿30,000 ($915-USD) per month. International teachers are here living on less, however, that’s definitely not living the life of luxury.
I personally try to keep my costs down, having a family of 4, it’s not always cheap. I send my son to a private international school where he learns English, Thai and Chinese. My wife and I have a weakness for nice restaurants, but even so our monthly outgoings are still under ฿60,000 ($1,830-USD) per month all in.
Of course it’s cheaper to live here, but if you’re out partying like you’re on holiday every day, then get ready to see your savings going down very quickly.
Owning your own property is always the best way to go when living here long term as the rents are high in the nice areas. Phuket is certainly not short of tourists that will gladly pay the property Phuket owners more money for accommodation, especially in high season.
