Imagine: you’ve arrived in Thailand, enjoying the sea, sun, and fruit – and suddenly realize you don’t want to leave. We understand. That’s how the story of winterers begins: you came for a couple of weeks and stayed for six months.
Let’s figure out how much it will cost to live in Phuket in the 2025–2026 season – from rent to the price of a mango.
Living in Thailand can be quite affordable, but much depends on the region, season, and lifestyle. For example, let’s take Phuket, one of the most comfortable and popular wintering destinations.
How much does a visa to Thailand cost?
Good news: Russian citizens can stay in Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days. If you want to stay longer, you can extend your stay for another month without leaving the country. To do this, you must contact the immigration office before the visa-free period expires. The extension costs 1,900 baht.
If you plan to stay longer than three months, you will need a tourist visa:
- A single-entry visa for 90 days costs about $40,
- a multiple-entry visa for 180 days costs about $200.
Before your trip, please check the current requirements at the Thailand Visa Application Centre in your city.
How much does it cost to rent a house in Phuket?
Housing prices in Phuket vary greatly depending on the season and distance from the sea. During the off-season, a one-bedroom apartment in a quiet area can be found for 15,000 baht per month, while those closer to the beach can cost 30,000 baht or more. During the high season, prices can easily rise to 70,000 baht or more.
Most owners prefer long-term rentals – at least six months – and a deposit of one to two months’ rent is almost always required when signing the contract.
To save money, choose your accommodation in advance and consider the season – this way, you can find excellent options at a reasonable price.
Transport rental in Phuket
The most convenient way to get around the island is by rented vehicle. For a detailed breakdown of rules and tips, read our complete guide to renting transport in Thailand.
A car costs on average 8,000 to 12,000 baht per month, depending on the make and condition of the vehicle. Motorbikes can be rented for 3,000 to 8,000 baht per month, with the average cost being around 5,500 baht.
Gasoline in Phuket costs 35–40 baht per liter.
A regular taxi will cost around 300 baht, while a motorcycle taxi will cost around 30 baht for a 5-minute journey.
How much does communication and internet cost in Phuket?
There are several operators on the island, but AIS (Advanced Info Service) is considered the best in terms of connection quality and coverage. Prices are quite reasonable: a SIM card starts at 50 baht, and a 10 GB data package costs around 300 baht.
It usually costs between 350 and 700 baht per month, depending on how actively you use the mobile network.
How much does food cost in Phuket?
Now let’s talk about the most important budget item – food. Grocery prices in Thailand vary greatly depending on the season and where you buy them: markets are usually cheaper than supermarkets. It’s especially nice that fruits, vegetables, and seafood are fresh and delicious year-round.
Fish and seafood (50-100 baht more expensive at markets and stores):
- Tuna — 200-300 baht/kg
- Mackerel — 100-150 baht/kg
- Salmon — 600-800 baht/kg
- Shrimp — 300-600 baht/kg (depending on size)
- Mussels — 150-250 baht/kg
- Crab — 400-600 baht/kg
Seafood dishes in cafes and restaurants:
- Fried fish — 200-400 baht
- Grilled fish — 300-600 baht
- Shrimp in coconut milk — 250-500 baht
- Grilled mussels — 200-400 baht
- Crab in sauce — 600-1200 baht
Food, alcohol, cigarettes:
- Milk — 30–50 baht/l
- Bread — 30–50 baht/loaf
- Cheese — 100–150 baht/100 g
- Eggs — 3–5 baht/piece
- Rice — 30–50 baht/kg
- Chicken fillet — 100–150 baht/kg
- Legs — 60–70 baht per pair
- Pork — 150–200 baht/kg
- Minced meat — 100 baht per 0.5 kg
- Beer — 40–80 baht/can
- Wine — from 800 baht/bottle
- Cigarettes — 60–150 baht/pack
Vegetables:
- Carrots — 30–50 baht/kg
- Potatoes — 25–40 baht/kg
- Tomatoes — 40–70 baht/kg
- Cucumbers — 30–50 baht/kg
- Broccoli — 60–100 baht/kg
- Cabbage — 20–40 baht/kg
- Bell peppers — 60–80 baht/kg
- Garlic — 80–120 baht/kg
- Onions — 30–50 baht/kg
- Spinach — 20–40 baht/bunch
Fruits:
- Mango — 30–60 baht/kg
- Papaya — 30–50 baht/kg
- Pineapple — 30–50 baht/each
- Coconut — 25–50 baht/each
- Banana — 20–40 baht/kg
- Watermelon — 20–30 baht/kg
- Durian — 100–200 baht/kg
- Lychee — 60–100 baht/kg (in season)
- Guava — 30–50 baht/kg
- Lemon — 30–50 baht/kg
How much does it cost to eat in cafes and restaurants in Phuket?
When it comes to food, it’s impossible not to mention eating out. Phuket offers food to suit every taste and budget, from simple street cafes to fine dining restaurants.
Budget street cafes:
- Breakfast — Thai omelet, rice with chicken: 50-150 baht
- Lunch — Pad Thai, Tom Yum soup: 100-250 baht
- Dinner — Fried fish, curry: 150-300 baht
Mid-range cafes and small restaurants:
- Fruit, toast, coffee: 150–300 baht
- Pasta, salads, seafood dishes: 250–500 baht
- Steaks, meat, and grilled seafood: 300–600 baht
High-class restaurants:
Fine dining, tasting menus, and signature dishes range from 600 to 1,500 baht.
Most cafes and restaurants are open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and street food courts are open 24 hours a day. Be sure to check out the Night Market in Patong – a great place to sample local delicacies.
Those seeking a more cozy atmosphere will love the Kata Beach area, home to numerous small cafes serving heartfelt Thai cuisine.
The Blue Elephant restaurant offers exquisite presentation and authentic fine Thai dining, while Ka Jok See is a legendary venue with live music and a unique, festive atmosphere.
Prices, of course, vary depending on the season, so it’s best to check the current prices on site. Street markets like Talad Tai Rod or Phuket Weekend Market offer a huge selection of fresh produce at reasonable prices – and, yes, bargaining is allowed.
And if you prefer peace and quiet and labeled packaging, welcome to the supermarket. As always, it’s up to you to decide where the food tastes best and is the best value.
In conclusion, about health and budget
Before your trip, be sure to get medical insurance – it will save you both money and stress. A visit to a general practitioner in Phuket will cost at least 3,000 baht, and a package of antibiotics will cost around 1,500 baht.
To summarize, a comfortable life on the island, without any frills, but in decent housing, will cost around 42,000 baht per month. Rent is the main expense; everything else is quite affordable. Of course, if you want more comfort and entertainment, the costs can increase exponentially.
As you can see, life in Thailand can be not only beautiful but also budget-friendly. And what could be better than a morning with a cup of coffee on a warm beach and a day filled with sea, sun, and experiences?
