Cost of Living in Phuket
How much does it cost to visit Phuket? Daily budgets, accommodation costs, and real price examples for 2026.
Photo: Frank McKenna / Unsplash
Daily Budget Breakdown
Budget
Hostels, street food, free attractions
THB 1500
per day
Weekly: THB 10500
Monthly: THB 45000
Examples
- 🏨Dorm bed at Lub d Phuket PatongTHB 400
- 🍽️Street food Pad Krapow Moo from a local stall in PatongTHB 100
- 🚌Songthaew bus rides around Patong and to nearby beachesTHB 300
- 🎟️Relax on Patong Beach and swimTHB 0
- 🎟️Explore Bangla Road in the evening (window shopping)THB 0
- 🍽️Dinner at a simple local restaurant near your hostelTHB 200
- 🚌Motorbike rental for a few hours to explore Kata Noi BeachTHB 200
- 🎟️Visit the Big Buddha viewpoint for sunsetTHB 0
- 🍽️Evening snack from a street vendorTHB 50
- 🎟️Enjoy a cheap Thai massageTHB 250
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, restaurants, guided tours
THB 3500
per day
Weekly: THB 24500
Monthly: THB 105000
Examples
- 🏨Standard room at The Kee Resort & SpaTHB 1500
- 🍽️Lunch at No.6 Restaurant (expect a queue)THB 400
- 🚌Round trip taxi to Old Phuket TownTHB 600
- 🎟️Explore the colorful Sino-Portuguese architecture in Old Phuket TownTHB 0
- 🎟️Visit the Phuket Trickeye MuseumTHB 300
- 🍽️Dinner at Baan Rim Pa (Thai cuisine with sea views)THB 1000
- 🚌Grab taxi to Promthep Cape for sunsetTHB 200
- 🎟️Enjoy the sunset at Promthep CapeTHB 0
- 🎟️Evening walk and drinks at a beach bar in KataTHB 200
Luxury
5-star hotels, fine dining, private tours
THB 8000
per day
Weekly: THB 56000
Monthly: THB 240000
Examples
- 🏨Suite at The Shore at KatathaniTHB 5000
- 🍽️Gourmet seafood lunch at The Boathouse RestaurantTHB 1500
- 🚌Private car with driver for the dayTHB 2000
- 🎟️Private boat tour to the Phi Phi Islands (Maya Bay, etc.)THB 2500
- 🍽️Fine dining dinner at Acqua RestaurantTHB 2000
- 🎟️Indulgent spa treatment at your hotelTHB 1500
- 🎟️Evening cocktails at a rooftop bar like Baba NestTHB 1000
Cost by Category
accommodation
500-2000 THB
food
400-1000 THB
Transport
200-500 THB
activities
400-1500 THB
Cost by Neighbourhood
| Neighbourhood | Budget Level | vs City Centre | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patong | Mid-range | At center | nightlife, first-timers |
| Karon | Mid-range | Slightly above center | families, couples |
| Phuket Town | Budget | Below center | culture, foodies |
| Kamala | Mid-range | Slightly above center | families, couples |
Money-Saving Tips for Phuket
🏨 Accommodation
- Stay in budget neighbourhoods outside the tourist centre
- Book apartments for longer stays (weekly discounts)
- Travel in shoulder season for lower hotel rates
- Compare prices across multiple booking platforms
🍽️ Food & Drink
- Eat where locals eat, away from tourist hotspots
- Try street food and market stalls for cheap eats
- Buy lunch specials instead of evening meals
- Cook some meals if your accommodation has a kitchen
🚌 Transport
- Buy multi-day transit passes for unlimited travel
- Walk between nearby attractions to save fares
- Use public transport over taxis where possible
- Book airport transfers in advance for fixed prices
🎟️ Activities
- Take free walking tours (tip-based)
- Look for free museum days or discounted hours
- Book tours and activities online for lower prices
- Explore parks, markets, and neighbourhoods on foot
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FAQ: Phuket Costs
How much does it cost to visit Phuket?
Budget travellers can visit Phuket for around THB 1500/day (THB 10500/week). Mid-range travellers should budget THB 3500/day, while luxury travel costs around THB 8000/day.
Is Phuket expensive?
Phuket is on the expensive side. Budget travellers need at least THB 1500/day. Consider staying in budget neighbourhoods and eating at local spots to save.
How much should I budget per day in Phuket?
For a comfortable mid-range experience in Phuket, budget THB 3500/day. This covers a decent hotel, meals at sit-down restaurants, public transport, and a couple of activities.
What is the cheapest way to visit Phuket?
Budget travellers in Phuket can get by on THB 1500/day by staying in hostels or budget hotels, eating street food and local restaurants, using public transport, and choosing free walking tours and public attractions.