City Guide 2026
Thailand
Living in Phuket
Everything you need to know about cost of living, visas, taxes, climate, and lifestyle in Phuket, Thailand.
Monthly Cost (Solo)
$1,270
Rent + groceries + bills
Safety Score
61/100
Moderate
Avg Temperature
28°C
82°F average
Tourist Visa
90 days
No DN visa
Internet Speed
300 Mbps
Fast
Cost of Living in Phuket
Rent Prices (USD/month)
| Apartment | City Center | Outside Center |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $675 | $439 |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,950 | $1,268 |
Source: Numbeo, crowd-sourced data.
Groceries
$275/month
Healthcare
$150/month
Utilities
$120/month
Transport
$50/month
Climate in Phuket
Monthly Average Temperature (°C)
Jan
27.5°
Feb
28.2°
Mar
28.8°
Apr
29.1°
May
28.5°
Jun
28.2°
Jul
27.9°
Aug
27.9°
Sep
27.5°
Oct
27.3°
Nov
27.4°
Dec
27.1°
Air Quality (AQI)
42
Good
Avg Rain Days/mo
14
days per month
Beach Distance
0 km
to nearest coast
Mountains
0 km
to nearest range
Lifestyle in Phuket
Walkability
60/100
Internet Speed
300 Mbps
Cultural Score
51/100
Nightlife
85/100
Outdoor Activities
60/100
English Proficiency
80/100
Expat Community
large
Transit Quality
good
Coworking Spaces
3+
LGBTQ+ Friendly
moderate
Tax Overview in Thailand
Tax System
Worldwide (taxes global income)
Tax residency threshold: 180 days/year · Treaty network: excellent
| Tax Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Capital Gains (Long-term) | 18% |
| Capital Gains (Short-term) | 35% |
| Dividend Tax | 18% |
| Interest Income | 18% |
| Wealth Tax | None |
| Crypto Gains | 35% |
| Exit Tax | No |
| Estate Tax | No |
Special Regime: Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa
Tax rates are estimates. Consult a qualified tax advisor for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Phuket?
A comfortable solo lifestyle in Phuket costs approximately $1,270-2,032/month for a single person or couple, covering housing in the city center, groceries, healthcare, utilities, and transport. Rent for a 1-bedroom in the center averages $675/month.
Is Phuket safe for expats?
Phuket has a safety index of 61/100 (higher is safer). Phuket has moderate safety levels. Standard precautions are recommended, especially at night in less-trafficked areas. Healthcare quality is rated 72/100.
What is the weather like in Phuket?
Phuket has an average annual temperature of 28°C (82°F). The warmest months reach 29.1°C and the coolest drop to 27.1°C. Air quality is good with an average AQI of 42.
What is the internet speed in Phuket?
Average internet speed in Phuket is 300 Mbps, which is excellent for remote work and video calls. There are 3+ coworking spaces available.
What taxes will I pay living in Thailand?
Thailand uses a worldwide tax system. Capital gains are taxed at 18% (long-term) and dividends at 18%. There is no wealth tax. Tax residency kicks in after 180 days/year. A special regime (Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa) may offer reduced rates.
Can I get a visa to live in Phuket long-term?
Thailand does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. Tourist stays are allowed for 90 days. The typical residency pathway is: 3+ years on a non-immigrant visa.
Is Phuket good for digital nomads?
Phuket has fast internet at 300 Mbps, a large expat community, and 3+ coworking spaces. English proficiency is high at 80/100. The cost of living index is 31/100 (NYC = 100), making it moderately priced for remote workers.
Can You Retire on $X in Phuket?
Run the FIRE math for Phuket against the most-searched portfolio milestones — honest yes/no/tight verdicts with the numbers behind them.
Compare Phuket with other cities
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