Cost of Living
Phuket Living Costs
Let’s talk costs. Phuket isn’t as cheap as many expect. Recent immigration, rising prices, and higher housing demand have pushed everyday expenses up. Schools are near capacity, with new campuses opening to meet demand. There is no single figure. Every household is different, shaped by lifestyle, area, and season. Our guidance aims for a realistic middle. Some spend more, others spend less.
Bottom line: Phuket is not cheap. Yet your money often goes further. Many residents trade a similar overall spend for more space, more time, more help, and a richer daily life. This is especially true for families with children in school. Do not plan on spending less. Plan on getting more for what you already spend.
Cost of Living in Phuket – Updated August 2025
Let’s talk numbers, because Phuket isn’t as cheap as people think. Over the past few years, we’ve seen:
A major immigration wave
Rapid price increases across the board
A spike in housing costs
Many schools reaching full capacity for the 2025-2026 school year (with new schools opening to meet demand
So, how much does it actually cost to live in Phuket?
Well, there’s no one-size-fits-all number.
Well, there’s no one-size-fits-all number.
Every household is different. There are endless variables, subcategories, disclaimers, and “depends on…” factors. What we can offer is a monthly average – a realistic, grounded estimate that sits somewhere in the middle.
In other words: 50% of people spend more, and 50% spend less. Got it? Let’s be clear upfront:
Phuket is not cheap. But – your money buys you more. You’ll probably spend around the same amount as you do back home, but you’ll get more for it: space, time, help, and lifestyle. This is especially true for families with kids in school.
Just don’t expect to spend less – that’s not how this works.
Singles, Couples, and Retirees:
If you’re not dealing with school fees or large housing costs, you can expect to spend:
100,000–160,000 THB/month (roughly $2,800–$4,500 USD/month, depending on your lifestyle)
That includes rent, transportation, insurance, daily expenses, and visa fees – depending on your setup.
Families with Children
Here’s a breakdown of the average monthly costs
for a family of four (two adults, two kids) living in Phuket:
Category |
THB/month |
USD/month (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
CategoryRent (house) |
THB/month80,000 |
USD/month (approx.)$2,225 |
CategoryElectricity |
THB/month8,000 |
USD/month (approx.)$225 |
CategoryWater |
THB/month400 |
USD/month (approx.)$11 |
CategoryGas |
THB/month500 |
USD/month (approx.)$14 |
CategoryMobile Phone |
THB/month500 |
USD/month (approx.)$14 |
CategoryTwo Vehicles |
THB/month25,000 |
USD/month (approx.)$695 |
CategoryFuel |
THB/month5,000 |
USD/month (approx.)$140 |
CategorySchool for 2 kids (non-premium) |
THB/month60,000 |
USD/month (approx.)$1,670 |
CategoryKids’ activities |
THB/month8,000 |
USD/month (approx.)$225 |
CategoryGym memberships |
THB/month6,000 |
USD/month (approx.)$170 |
CategoryGroceries |
THB/month25,000 |
USD/month (approx.)$695 |
CategoryDining out / entertainment |
THB/month15,000 |
USD/month (approx.)$420 |
CategoryHealth insurance (abroad coverage) |
THB/month2,000 |
USD/month (approx.)$55 |
CategoryTravel insurance (non-residents) |
THB/month9,000 |
USD/month (approx.)$250 |
CategoryPrivate health insurance (residents) |
THB/month~20,000 |
USD/month (approx.)~$555 |
CategoryGuardian visa (avg. yearly) |
THB/month~12,000 |
USD/month (approx.)~$28/month |
CategoryLong-term visa (couples) |
THB/month~12,500 |
USD/month (approx.)~$350 |
CategoryHelp at home (cleaner/nanny) |
THB/month20,000 |
USD/month (approx.)$555 |
CategoryExtras (shopping, trips, surprises) |
THB/month30.000 |
USD/month (approx.)$835 |
Don’t forget to factor in costs back home: insurance, mortgages, taxes, flights, or anything else you’re still tied to.
Families can expect to spend 350,000 – 600,000 THB/month (and up) That’s around $9,750 – $16,700 USD/month.
