📊 Phuket Cost of Living 2025 Part I

🏝 Phuket Cost of Living 2025 – A Complete Guide Part I

When people think of Phuket, the first thing that comes to mind is often turquoise beaches, lively nightlife, and luxury resorts. But what about the cost of living? Is Phuket really affordable compared to other popular destinations in Thailand? The answer is yes – depending on your lifestyle, Phuket can be both budget-friendly and surprisingly expensive.

In this guide, I’ll break down the Phuket cost of living in 2025, covering daily essentials like food, transportation, housing, and lifestyle expenses. 

☕ Food & Drinks in Phuket

Food is one of the highlights of living or traveling in Phuket. Prices vary greatly depending on whether you eat like a local or prefer tourist-oriented restaurants.

• Street food / local eateries: 40–80 THB per meal

  • Examples: Pad Thai, fried rice, grilled chicken with sticky rice.

  • Affordable, quick, and authentic.

• Casual restaurants / cafés: 150–350 THB per meal

  • A coffee at a local café: 60–90 THB

  • Western brunch or pasta dish: around 200–350 THB

• Upscale restaurants: 400–1,000+ THB per person

  • Fine dining, seafood buffets, or rooftop bars.

💡 Local Tip: To save money, try eating where locals go – especially small noodle shops or food courts inside markets.

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🛵 Transportation in Phuket

Public transport in Phuket is limited compared to Bangkok, so most people rely on taxis, apps, or rentals.

• Motorbike rental: 250–350 THB per day, or 3,000–4,500 THB per month

• Car rental: 1,000–1,500 THB per day

• Grab/Bolt (ride-hailing apps): Short rides within town cost 120–250 THB

• Songthaew (local bus): 30–50 THB, but routes are limited.

💡 Local Tip: Long-term visitors often rent a motorbike monthly. It’s the cheapest and most convenient way to move around.

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🏠 Housing & Accommodation

Accommodation prices in Phuket depend heavily on location and season.

• Budget hotels & hostels: 600–1,200 THB per night

• Mid-range hotels & Airbnb: 1,500–3,000 THB per night

• Luxury resorts: 5,000–15,000 THB per night

• Long-term rental (condo/apartment):

  • Studio: 8,000–15,000 THB/month

  • 1-Bedroom apartment: 15,000–25,000 THB/month

  • Villas near the beach: 40,000+ THB/month

💡 Local Tip: Prices drop significantly during the low season (May–October). If you plan to stay long-term, negotiate monthly rates.