How much does it cost to live in Phuket with long-term accommodation rental

Phuket has long been not only a resort but also a home for thousands of expats, freelancers, and digital nomads. The warm sea, comfortable climate, friendly atmosphere, and developed infrastructure make the island an ideal place for wintering and even permanent residence. But how much does it really cost to live in Phuket if you rent accommodation on a monthly basis? Let’s break it down point by point.

💡 Tip: the easiest way to find reliable long-term rental accommodation is on HolyCowPhuket.ru, which lists verified houses, villas and apartments without intermediaries and with support in Russian.

Main expenses

Long-term living in Phuket consists of several key expenses:

• rent,
• utilities,
• food,
• transport,
• communications and internet,
• medical care and insurance,
• entertainment and other expenses.

All amounts below are in baht (THB) and are valid for 2025–2026.

Renting accommodation

Accommodation is the largest expense.

• A simple studio or room without special amenities costs 12,000-17,000 baht/month.
• A nice one-bedroom flat or a house by the sea costs 25,000-40,000 baht/month.
• A villa or a large house costs 60,000-80,000 baht and above.

For a comfortable life for a couple, the average option is a condo or house for 15,000-20,000 baht. If you want peace and space, it is better to choose a house, if comfort and infrastructure are important, choose a condo.

💡 All current long-term rental options with photos and reviews can be found at HolyCowPhuket.com.

Utilities

For long-term rentals, utilities are paid separately. Main expenses:

• Electricity —

– Studio or one-bedroom flat 1,500-3,500 baht/month, if you use the air conditioner sensibly.

– Two-bedroom flat 2500-6000 baht/month

– Two-bedroom villa 8000-15000 baht/month

• Water — 200–300 baht/month.
• Internet and rubbish collection — about 700 baht/month.

On average, a family spends about 4,000 baht per month. If you use air conditioning constantly, the amount can increase to 5,000-6,000 baht.

Food and groceries

Food costs depend heavily on your habits.

• Budget: street food and Thai cafes — 60-150 baht per serving.
• Average: mixed diet (Thai food + home cooking) — 20,000 baht/month for a couple.
• Comfortable: restaurants and imported products — 30,000–45,000 baht/month.

Food in markets and supermarkets is cheaper than in tourist areas. You can eat at food courts for 100–150 baht, and dinner for two at a café costs around 600–800 baht.

Saving money: buy fruit and vegetables at local markets, cook at home and avoid imported products (cheese, wine and sausages are 2–3 times more expensive).

Transportation

The most convenient and economical way to get around the island is by bike.

• Scooter rental — 3,500-5,000 baht/month, on average 4,000.
• Petrol — 800+ baht/month.

Total transport costs by bike are around 5,000 baht/month.

If you don’t ride a bike:

• Taxi/Grab — 300–600 baht per trip,
• Car rental — 12,000–25,000 baht/month + fuel.

A motorbike remains the best choice for most expats: fast, economical and convenient.

Communication and internet

Internet and mobile communication in Thailand are inexpensive:

• Mobile package 50–100 GB — 300–500 baht/month.
• Home internet (fibre optic) — 500–700 baht/month.
• Average cost for a couple — 1,000 baht/month.

In most condos, Wi-Fi is already included in the price.

Medicine and insurance

Even if you are in perfect health, insurance is necessary. Travel medical insurance covering sports and cycling costs around 3,500 baht per person per month.

For long-term stays, it is more advantageous to take out an annual policy.

• A doctor’s consultation in a private clinic costs 1,500-3,500 baht.
• Small pharmacy expenses add another 500-1,000 baht per month.

Phuket has a well-developed medical system: there are international hospitals (Bangkok Hospital, Dibuk Hospital) and budget clinics on the island.

Entertainment and leisure

Beaches and coastal walks are free, but if you enjoy active recreation, you should factor in additional expenses.

• Thai massage — 300–500 baht.
• Going to the cinema — 250 baht.
• Gym membership — 1,500–2,000 baht/month.
• Island tours — 1,500–3,000 baht per person.

The average entertainment budget for a couple is 5,000–10,000 baht/month, including cafes, sports and leisure activities.

Example of a monthly budget for two

Such a budget allows you to live comfortably, eat well, and enjoy leisure activities without restrictions.

How to save money

• Choose accommodation further away from the sea. Prices are 20–30% lower.
• Rent through trusted services, such as ru, to avoid overpaying.
• Cook at home. Thai markets offer fresh produce at low prices.
• Use a bike instead of a taxi. This will save you thousands of baht every month.
• Buy local brands. Imported alcohol and food are much more expensive.

Seasonal price fluctuations

Life in Phuket is slightly cheaper in the low season (May to October):

• 10-30% discounts on accommodation,
• cheap fruit and vegetables,
• fewer tourists.

In the high season (November to March), accommodation and services become more expensive, but the comfortable weather and eventful life compensate for this.

Conclusion

Living in Phuket on a long-term rental can cost from 45,000 baht/month for a couple, which is equivalent to approximately $1,300. This includes everything you need — from rent and food to transport and leisure.

• Minimum budget (economy): 25–30 thousand baht per person.
• Comfortable level: 45,000–55,000 baht per couple.
• Premium lifestyle: from 80,000–100,000 baht.

💡 When renting through HolyCowPhuket.com, you will receive verified accommodation options, transparent terms and conditions, and assistance in Russian — everything you need for a smooth start to life on the island.

FAQ

1. Is it realistic to live in Phuket on $1000 per month?
   Yes, if you rent budget housing, eat local food, and use a motorbike for transportation. A comfortable minimum for one person is 30,000–35,000 THB.
2. How much does it cost to rent a motorbike per month?
   From 2,000 to 6,000 THB, depending on the model. The average price is around 4,000 THB.
3. Where is it cheaper to live — by the sea or inland?
   It’s cheaper in Rawai, Chalong, and Phuket Town. In Bang Tao and Laguna, housing is more expensive due to better infrastructure and proximity to the beach.
4. How much does medical insurance cost?
   From 3,000 to 4,000 THB per month for short stays. An annual policy is cheaper.
5. Where can you find verified housing without overpaying?
   At HolyCowPhuket.com — only real listings from property owners, with assistance in paperwork and Russian-language support.