What's it cost to live on Phuket?

Your personal cost of living - anywhere - will be determined by your usual income level where you came from and the style of living you are used to.  If you want to dine out and party every night, drink fine wines, and travel first class - of course your cost of living will be much higher.

Some costs are deceptive, the costs of used cars - or cars and trucks in general in Thailand - seems quite high. However, you'll probably find annual vehicle taxes, insurance, and maintenance and repairs - significantly less expensive than back home, so the costs will balance out. 

Consider also that the cost of some housing may seem a bit higher than you would expect - but then remember that there are virtually no property taxes (a significant expense in some countries) , insurance is less expensive, as would be the cost of maintenance and repairs. Know also that problems like theft, burglary and robbery are much less frequent.  You are more likely to feel hassled by the opening of a new noisy karaoke joint down the street than by a cat burglar.

Take most estimates of cost of living with a grain of salt - and add a healthy "fudge factor."  Follow the link below to get much more specific information about the cost of living.

Following is a truly exhaustive list of prices - from Kent Kruhoeffer [scroll down about 60% of the link page to get to the cost of living list].  Many of the prices are the same in Phuket as in Bangkok - but add 5-10% or so - just as a guess.  If it is less you will have a nice surprise.  The price list is updated regularly.

 food & beverage

a small drink: from 10 ~ 15 Baht
a small can of ice coffee: 12 Baht
a small bag of fresh fruit: 10 Baht
a Liter of 100% juice: 68 ~ 82 Baht
a dozen grade A eggs: 40 ~ 44 Baht
a 2 liter bottle of milk @ 7-11: 75 Baht
a 6L jug of water @ 7-11: 35 ~ 42 Baht
a 1.25 liter bottle of Coke: 23 ~ 27 Baht
a 185 gram cup of yoghurt: 11 ~ 15 Baht
a hot dog with the works @ 7-11: 21 Baht
a 185 gram can of tuna in oil: 30 ~ 35 Baht
a loaf of bread @ Tesco Lotus: 24 ~ 27 Baht
a 2 liter bottle of Coke @ Family Mart 38 Baht
a small grilled pork sausage on a stick: 5 Baht
a frozen dinner for the microwave: 30 ~ 60 Baht
a Cornetto Royale ice-cream cone @ 7-11: 22 Baht
a bag of Lay's potato chips @ 7-11: 10, 20 or 30 Baht
an instant cup-o-noodles (add hot water): 9 ~ 20 Baht
a 150 gram pack of smoked ham at Family Mart: 65 Baht
a 5K bag of rice: 150 Baht +/- 30 depending on the variety
a beer in a bar: 80 ~ 200 Baht depending on the bar quality
lunch in a typical Thai mom & pop street eatery: 30 ~ 75 Baht
lunch or dinner in an airconditioned restaurant: 75 ~ 250 Baht
lunch or dinner in a higher quality restaurant: 500 ~ 1,500 Baht
a large, super-deluxe pan pizza at The Pizza Company: 380 Baht
BigMac Index a comparative look at the price of BigMacs Worldwide
BigMac extra value meal @ McDonald's: 99 Baht, with fries and drink


food for Fido and Fluffy . . .

a 400 gram can of Pedigree brand dog food at Tesco Lotus: 50 Baht
a 400 gram can of Tesco brand dog food at Tesco Lotus: 34 Baht
a 500 gram bag of Me-O brand dry cat food at 7-11: 53 Baht
a 400 gram can of Friskies cat food at Teso Lotus: 34 Baht


miscellaneous / transport

a Bangkok Post Newspaper: 25 Baht
a 125cc motorcycle: 45 ~ 60,000 Baht
a roll-on deodorant: from 40 ~ 65 Baht
a haircut @ a local barber: from 60 Baht
a pack of L&M cigarettes @ 7-11: 49 Baht
a bottle of shampoo (400ml): from 69 Baht
a 10-pack of Tylenol tablets (500mg): 8 Baht
a 6-pack of Tesco brand toilet paper: 27 Baht
a pack of 20 Carefree tampons @ 7-11: 35 Baht
a 4-pack of Gillette Mach 3 blades: 249 ~ 269 Baht
tetracycline antibiotic (Thai brand): 1 Baht per tablet
a 4-pack of Pilot whiteboard markers @ Tesco Lotus: 80 Baht
a pair of blue jeans (at outdoor street markets): from 199 Baht
a pair of men's dress trousers (nice enough for work): from 399 Baht
a long-sleeved shirt: from 299 Baht / on sale here and there for 199 Baht
a pair of prescription glasses / including frames and eye exam: from 1,200 Baht