Phuket, Thailand
Thailand's largest island offers stunning beaches, world-class diving, a vibrant expat community, and a tropical lifestyle at a fraction of comparable island destinations.
Overview
Phuket is a city in Phuket with a population of 600,000. Thailand’s largest island offers stunning beaches, world-class diving, a vibrant expat community, and a tropical lifestyle at a fraction of comparable island destinations. Housing is more affordable than the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 8a growing zone supports Warm — citrus, avocados, tomatoes, peppers.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Below Average vs Thailand Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Phuket vs Thailand Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 7.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: ฿300,000
- Unemployment: 2.0%
- Population: 600,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 230/year
- Summer High: 92°F
- Winter Low: 75°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 8a
Housing
- Median Home: ฿3,500,000
- 1BR Rent: ฿12000/mo
Cost of Living
Phuket's cost of living index is 50 (Thailand average = 100).
| Category | Phuket | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 50 | 100 | -50.0% |
| Housing | 55 | 100 | -45.0% |
Data source: NSO Thailand / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | ฿3,500,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | ฿12000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | ฿15,000/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | ฿2,333 |
Data source: DDproperty / FazWaz, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Phuket:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | ฿1500 | |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | ฿109 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | ฿500 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | ฿600 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | ฿100 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | ฿2809 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: MEA, PEA, AIS, TrueMove 2025
Remote Work Score
Phuket scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Phuket has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 95°F | 75°F | 2.5" |
| April | 77°F | 90°F | 2.8" |
| July | 92°F | 67°F | 1.5" |
| October | 72°F | 93°F | 2.2" |
Warm — citrus, avocados, tomatoes, peppers
Natural Hazards
Phuket faces the following natural hazards:
Significant typhoon risk.
Monsoon floods and Chao Phraya basin flooding.
Extreme summer heat.
Moderate seismic activity with occasional earthquakes.
Western coast with tsunami risk.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 0% (None)
- Sales Tax: 7%
- Property Tax: ~0.2% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 2.0%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Phuket per 100,000 residents:
City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: UN Office on Drugs and Crime
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
School year starts in May. Long break in October between semesters.
Demographics
The population of Phuket is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: National Statistical Office (2020)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Phuket, Thailand?
The cost of living index in Phuket is 50, which is Lower the Thailand national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Phuket?
The median home price in Phuket is ฿3,500,000. The housing index is 55.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Phuket is approximately ฿12000/mo.
Does Phuket, Phuket have income tax?
Phuket is in Phuket, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Phuket?
Phuket enjoys approximately 230 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 92°F, while winter lows can drop to around 75°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: NSO Thailand / Numbeo, 2026
- Housing Data: DDproperty / FazWaz, 2026
- Income & Employment: NSO Thailand Labour Force Survey, 2024
- Utilities MEA, PEA, AIS, TrueMove 2025
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.