Phuket, Thailand
Editor
March 12, 2023
The island of Phuket is an ideal destination for digital nomads looking for a unique and exciting place to work and explore. With its stunning beaches, lush jungles, and vibrant culture, Phuket is a paradise for those seeking a change of scenery. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive option for digital nomads on a budget. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $400 USD, and the average cost of a meal is around $5 USD. Additionally, the internet speeds are some of the fastest in the world, with an average download speed of over 100 Mbps. With its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and affordable cost of living, Phuket is an ideal destination for digital nomads looking for a unique and exciting place to work and explore.
Living in Phuket, Thailand: Overview
Overall score | Worksplorer index
-
89%
Quality of life -
31%
Cost of living -
70%
Connectivity -
69%
Weather
49
General
| Currency | THB |
| Population (in millions) | 0.5 |
| Quality of life (world rank from 1 to 200) | 135 |
| Cost of living compared to Chicago, USA | 40% cheaper |
| Best neighborhood to stay | Patong, Karon, Kata |
Culture
| Number of museums and galleries | 30 |
| Top selling local beer | Singha |
| Most popular local dish | Pad Thai |
Travel
| Most popular tourist attraction(s) | Patong Beach, Big Buddha, Wat Chalong |
| Discount airline | AirAsia |
| Major airline | Thai Airways |
| Largest ride sharing company | Grab |
| Primary train stations | Phuket Town, Tha Chatchai, and Surin |
| Primary airports | Phuket International Airport, Krabi International Airport, Trang Airport |
| Best rental car company | Hertz |
| Used car costs | 500000 THB |
Connectivity
| Apple store addresses | Central Festival Phuket, 2nd Floor, Vichitsongkram Rd, Tambon Vichit, Amphoe Muang, Phuket |
| Internet connection (in Mbps) | 10 Mbps |
| Power socket type | A,B,C |
| Supply voltage | 220V |
| Best electronics store | Central |
| Best internet carrier | True |
| Primary cellular carrier | AIS |
| Average monthly cost for internet | 1,000 THB |
Shopping
| The best drug store | Watsons |
| Best restaurant chain | Mango Tree |
| The best grocery store | Tesco |
| The most popular fashion brand | H&M |
Regulatory
| GDP per capita | $7,845 / year |
| Average annual income | $14,000 |
| Sales tax rate | 7% |
| Income tax rate | 0% |
| Tourist visa valid (in days) | 30 |
Financial
| Average mortgage rate | 8.5% |
| Suggested ATM take out | 1000 THB |
| Bank that has the most ATM machines | Kasikornbank |
| Average tip in restaurant | 10-15% |
| Pay using credit or debit card | Not very common |
Health
| Emergency Phone Numbers | 191 (police), 199 (emergency medical services), 199 (fire and rescue services) |
| Polution per square meter | 545 |
| Health quality rank (according to WHO) | 73 |
| Main religion | Buddhism |
Quality of life
89%
-
56%
Safety, freedom, rights -
99%
Traffic -
191%
Property to income -
44%
Crime -
74%
Healthcare -
69%
Weather
Salaries
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | THB 20,750 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate | 3.82% |
Childcare
| Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child | THB 14,271 |
| International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child | THB 335,714 |
Cost of living
31%
-
Purchasing Power
31%
-
Rent
18%
-
Food
43%
-
Restaurant
29%
-
Workspace
50%
-
Transport
41%
Rent
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre Per Month | THB 14,012.32 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre Per Month | THB 15,750.00 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre Per Month | THB 46,875.00 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre Per Month | THB 44,285.71 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend), Sports And Leisure | THB 400.00 |
Food
| Milk (regular), (1 liter) | THB 49.44 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | THB 51.12 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | THB 54.62 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | THB 528.17 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | THB 14.67 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | THB 650.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) | THB 53.82 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | THB 81.25 |
| Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) | THB 147.50 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | THB 78.75 |
| Apples (1kg) | THB 107.17 |
| Oranges (1kg) | THB 62.80 |
| Potato (1kg) | THB 41.22 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | THB 33.75 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | THB 40.62 |
| Tomato (1kg) | THB 47.50 |
| Banana (1kg) | THB 32.14 |
| Onion (1kg) | THB 38.14 |
| Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) | THB 307.14 |
Restaurants
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | THB 140.00 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | THB 1,000.00 |
| McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | THB 260.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) | THB 75.00 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | THB 125.00 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) | THB 25.00 |
| Water (0.33 liter bottle) | THB 15.00 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | THB 87.50 |
Connectivity
94%
Infrastructure
89/100
Internet speed
92/100
Internet cost
95/100
Pre-paid plan
98/100
Utilities (Monthly)
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment | THB 2,614.87 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) | THB 1.30 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | THB 570.67 |
Sports
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | THB 1,718.75 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | THB 400.00 |
| Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | THB 275.00 |
Transportation
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | THB 30.00 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | THB 0.00 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | THB 42.98 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) | THB 1,200,000.00 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) | THB 812,500.00 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | THB 200.00 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | THB 50.00 |