Are you considering a move to Phuket, Thailand, and wondering about the cost of living? Phuket is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Phuket and help you understand whether $1600 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $556.55.
|
Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
4.3 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
31.51 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
7.16 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
2.72 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
3.44 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
2.34 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
0.73 $ |
|
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
0.43 $ |
|
|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
1.53 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
1.57 $ |
|
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
1.47 $ |
|
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
1.87 $ |
|
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
17.24 $ |
|
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
2.61 $ |
|
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
8.91 $ |
|
|
Apples (1 lb) |
3.17 $ |
|
|
Banana (1 lb) |
1.09 $ |
|
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
1.75 $ |
|
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
1.44 $ |
|
|
Potato (1 lb) |
1.26 $ |
|
|
Onion (1 lb) |
1.15 $ |
|
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
1.0 $ |
|
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
0.47 $ |
|
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
17.19 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
1.64 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
2.34 $ |
|
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
4.07 $ |
|
|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
1.15 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
10.87 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
2.86 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
1.43 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
12.89 $ |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.21 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
20052.14 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
27571.69 $ |
|
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
104.51 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
14.51 $ |
|
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
59.36 $ |
|
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
11.46 $ |
|
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
8.59 $ |
|
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
453.08 $ |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
10513.05 $ |
|
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
44.35 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
32.7 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
107.63 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
71.61 $ |
|
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
521.52 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
465.5 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
1692.71 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
1446.62 $ |
|
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
2900.4 $ |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
1919.28 $ |
|
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
556.55 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
3.82 % |
|
The monthly expenses for living in Phuket come to a total of approximately $1600. This includes an average monthly rent of around $521 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $111 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $536 per month.
Living in Phuket appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $556.55. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Phuket, you would likely need an income exceeding $556.55.
In Phuket, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $556.55, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Phuket is approximately $521. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $465.5 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Phuket can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $414 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in Thailand can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout Thailand.
Generally speaking, Phuket can be considered a safe city: some parts are very safe, while others are highly dangerous. You better apply all possible precautious measures, just in case you stumble upon the latter.
There is a great risk when it comes to transportation conditions in Phuket. The number one cause of death for visitors to Thailand is motorbike accidents that often occur on the narrow, mountainous and twisty roads of Phuket and Samui. These are completely new traffic rules for tourists, that they are not used to, which makes it difficult to be a part of the transportation system. Avoid public transport too, as this is where the pickpockets operate.
As Phuket is a growingly popular tourist destination, it's actually to be expected that pickpockets operate everywhere, usually in crowded places filled with foreigners. Excessive vigilance is highly recommended around Chian Wa, Patong and Phuket City market.
As for natural disasters, Phuket is known for tsunamis, severe storms, and occasional earthquakes.
Kidnappings are not that often, though they have happened. Muggings are also rare, but they're possible, so remain vigilant at all times and avoid deserted and poorly lit areas.
It is advised against visiting far south regions of Thailand, such as Yala, Pattani, and Songkhla since they have been targets of small bomb attacks and shootings. As for Thailand’s main cities, they have been assessed as a medium-threat location for terrorist activity.
Be prepared that most people providing any type of service for tourists in Phuket are probably going to try to scam you or rip you off. Tuk-tuk drivers, fake police officers, street vendors are all possible scammers. Keep in mind that ATMs are places where criminals try and steal pin codes. Also, avoid drinking in local clubs and bars. There have been many reports of tourists being drugged and then stolen from.
Even though Phuket could generally be considered a safe country for women, they are still highly advised to follow the basic rules of precaution. Try avoiding dark alleys, walking alone along with dark, poorly lit or deserted areas, or finding yourself late at night in areas filled with bars or clubs as you might receive some unwanted attention. Apart from that, use your common sense and apply all basic precaution measures.
US citizens planning on traveling to Phuket for less than 30 days do not need a visa. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months past the date of arrival into this country. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.
Thai BAHT is the official currency of Phuket. Bear in mind that Kasikom Bank and Siam Commercial Bank have the best exchange rates and, as mentioned earlier, treat the money well: never step on a coin, or throw, tear or burn paper bills, because it shows disrespect to the royal family.
Phuket is, expectedly, hot and humid throughout the year. The hot season generally runs from March to early May. During the summer monsoon season, that lasts from May to October, mornings and afternoons are still sunny and clear, with huge rain spells in the evenings.
Phuket International Airport is an international airport serving the Phuket Province of Thailand. It is located in the north of Phuket Island, 32 kilometers from the center of Phuket City.
Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Phuket, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 89°F | 91°F | 91°F | 91°F | 89°F | 89°F | 88°F | 88°F | 87°F | 87°F | 87°F | 88°F |
| Temp | 81°F | 83°F | 83°F | 84°F | 83°F | 83°F | 83°F | 83°F | 82°F | 81°F | 81°F | 81°F |
| Low | 75°F | 76°F | 77°F | 78°F | 79°F | 79°F | 78°F | 78°F | 77°F | 77°F | 76°F | 76°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 31°C | 32°C | 32°C | 32°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 30°C | 30°C | 30°C | 31°C |
| Temp | 27°C | 28°C | 28°C | 28°C | 28°C | 28°C | 28°C | 28°C | 27°C | 27°C | 27°C | 27°C |
| Low | 23°C | 24°C | 25°C | 25°C | 26°C | 26°C | 25°C | 25°C | 25°C | 25°C | 24°C | 24°C |