Is Phuket Expensive? Cost Breakdown Guide

Is Phuket expensive? If you’re thinking about visiting this famous Thai island, you might be wondering just how much a trip to Phuket will cost.

Compared to other parts of Thailand, Phuket is often seen as the most expensive destination, but that doesn’t mean you can’t visit on a budget.

In this updated cost guide, I’ll break down exactly what you can expect to spend on hotels, food, transportation, and activities in Phuket, whether you’re a budget traveler or looking for luxury.

Additionally, I’ll share tips on how to save money while still enjoying all that Phuket has to offer.

Here’s a quick overview of average daily costs in Phuket (in USD and Thai Baht):

Why Phuket Is Popular and How That Affects Prices

Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and one of its most famous destinations. Due to its size, there are numerous activities to enjoy, ranging from nightlife and shopping to relaxing on quiet beaches or staying at luxurious resorts.

Each beach area in Phuket is almost like its own town, with unique vibes and different price points.

Patong Beach is busy and full of nightlife, restaurants, and malls. Karon and Kata are quieter, more laid-back, and great for families or those wanting a calm trip. Bang Tao is known for upscale resorts and honeymoon-style luxury experiences.

This range of options, plus Phuket’s international airport, means more tourists visit Phuket every year than almost any other island in Thailand. Higher demand leads to higher prices, especially during high season from November to April.

Whether you want nightlife, quiet beaches, fine dining, or street food, Phuket has it. That variety is exactly why it’s so popular, and why overall prices tend to be higher than those in other destinations in Thailand.

Where to Stay in Phuket: Hotel & Accommodation Costs

Phuket has no shortage of places to stay, from budget hostels and guesthouses to mid-range hotels and luxury beachfront resorts. Where you choose to stay depends on your budget and the kind of trip you want.

In general, expect to pay $15-$35 USD per night for a hostel or basic guesthouse. These are most common around Patong, where nightlife and shopping are busy and convenient.

Mid-range hotels typically cost between $60 and $120 USD per night. They usually include more amenities, such as pools, breakfast, and better service. You’ll find these all over Phuket, including quieter areas like Kata, Karon, and Kamala.

Luxury hotels and resorts start at around $130 USD and can go well over $400 USD per night. Many of the best luxury options are near Bang Tao Beach, where upscale resorts, fine dining, and honeymoon-friendly amenities are easy to find.

Keep in mind that prices rise during the high season, from November through April, when demand is highest.

Budget Hostels & Hotels in Phuket

If you’re on a tight budget, Phuket has plenty of affordable hostels and guesthouses scattered across the island.

Patong has the highest concentration, making it easy to find options close to nightlife, shopping, and restaurants.

Lud d Phuket Patong: The best-rated hostel in Phuket, great common areas

Sabina Guesthouse: Located in the Kamala Beach area, a more chill area than Patong

Nonnee Hostel Kata: 15 Min walk from Kata Beach and quick access to Old Phuket Town

Mid-range Hotels in Phuket

If you’re looking for something more comfortable, mid-range hotels in Phuket typically cost $60-$120 USD per night. These hotels usually offer better service, larger rooms, pools, and often include breakfast.

You’ll find mid-range options in all areas of Phuket, from Patong to Kata and Karon. Many travelers prefer these hotels for their balance of price and comfort.

Blu Pine Villa & Pool: Apartment-style hotel located close to Kata Beach, great pool

Amari Phuket: Beautiful views of the ocean and Patong Beach area, a very well-located hotel

Outrigger Surin Resort: Located in the quieter Surin Beach area, beautiful modern hotel

Luxury Hotels in Phuket

For those seeking top-notch service, stunning ocean views, and high-end amenities, luxury hotels in Phuket typically start at around $130 USD and can cost over $400 USD per night.

Most luxury resorts are located near Bang Tao Beach, Kata Noi, and other quieter areas. High season rates climb quickly, so booking early is recommended if you’re traveling between November and April.

Rosewood Phuket: Rated the best hotel in Phuket, this tropical oasis is located in the hills of Patong and has luxury-style suites.

Saii Laguna Phuket: A luxurious hotel with lake views and only a minute’s walk from Bang Tao Beach, full of many great amenities.

Katathani Phuket Resort: Modern beachfront hotel with direct access to Kata Noi Beach.

How Much Does Food Cost in Phuket?

Eating out in Phuket can be as cheap or as expensive as you want it to be. The island offers a diverse range of options, from street food stalls serving quick Thai dishes to high-end restaurants featuring world-class chefs.

Where you choose to eat also affects the price. Restaurants on busy tourist streets charge more simply because of their location. Often, you can walk one street over and find the same dishes at half the price.

Traditional Thai dishes, such as Pad Thai, Pad Krapow, and fried rice, typically cost between 60-100 Baht ($2-3 USD) at local spots.

Mid-range restaurants usually charge $15-20 USD for a main dish, with appetizers around $5-8 USD.

Fine dining restaurants can easily run $80-200+ USD per person, depending on the place and whether you’re ordering drinks.

Foreign food, like Italian or Japanese cuisine, will always cost more than local Thai food, especially in tourist-heavy areas.

Alcohol is cheap in Phuket. A beer from 7-11 costs about $1.20 USD, and cocktails at street markets usually go for under $3 USD.

Night markets are a MUST-VISIT in Phuket; whether you’re on a budget or splurging, they’re perfect for trying cheap, delicious local food.

Cheap Restaurants in Phuket

Phuket has numerous affordable restaurants where you can savor delicious Thai cuisine without breaking the bank.

If you’re staying in Patong, head to small, no-frills local spots just off the main tourist streets. These places often have signs advertising plates for under 80 Baht ($2-3 USD).

A few of my favorite cheap restaurants in Phuket include ZomPaul Eatery in Patong, which serves small plates of many classic Thai dishes.

The Pad Thai Shop in Kata is a local favorite with a simple menu that never disappoints.

In Kamala, Nikoy Boat Noodles is well-known for its flavorful boat noodles and other Thai classics.

If you can’t get to these exact places, just look for restaurants that don’t look fancy and are filled with locals — that’s usually where you’ll find the best prices and authentic flavors.

Old Phuket Town is also a great spot for affordable local restaurants, offering a variety of options that serve tasty Thai food at reasonable prices.

Mid-Range Restaurants in Phuket

If you’re looking for a step up from street food and local spots, Phuket offers a range of mid-range restaurants that provide comfortable atmospheres, extensive menus, and diverse cuisines.

At mid-range places, expect to pay $15-20 USD for a main dish and around $5-8 USD for appetizers.

Many restaurants offer international dishes alongside traditional Thai cuisine. Some solid mid-range picks include Cappadocia Turkish Restaurant, which has several locations around Phuket.

Napoli in Vespa Phuket is known for excellent Italian pizza in Karon Beach.

Oh San Ramen/Izakaya serves Japanese izakaya-style dishes with two locations on the island.

Fine Dining Restaurants in Phuket

Phuket may be known as Thailand’s most expensive destination, but compared to Western countries, fine dining is still quite affordable.

Expect to pay $80-200+ USD per person at high-end restaurants, depending on the place and if you’re ordering drinks.

A few standout fine dining spots include Ta Khai Restaurant, which serves elevated traditional Thai food in a beautiful setting near Patong.

Eat Bar & Grill is popular for its steaks and modern Western dishes, perfect for a night out in Kata.

Issara Restaurant offers a fine dining experience with contemporary Thai cuisine and excellent service.

Phuket Transportation Costs: Getting Around the Island

Getting around Phuket is easy, but how much you spend depends on the type of transportation you choose.

One of the first costs to consider is airport transfers. Airport taxis often charge high rates. I recommend booking with services like Klook in advance to save money and avoid hassle.

For private transportation in Phuket, you’ve got three different options:

Grab or Bolt: Apps similar to Uber. And I highly recommend them when visiting.

Taxi: You can take a taxi; they’re everywhere, but watch out for high tourist pricing. I’d recommend using Grab or checking the price on Grab first.

TukTuks: My favorite way to get around Phuket; it’s fun, and you can feel the wind, but similar to my suggestion above, be prepared to negotiate if you’re given a high price.

Scooter Rental in Phuket

One of the most popular ways to get around Phuket is by renting a scooter.

Daily rental costs range from 300-400 Baht ($10-13 USD) per day, making it the cheapest private transportation option on the island.

If you’re traveling with others or need more space, renting a car is a good choice.

Car rentals typically start at $25 USD per day, with prices increasing depending on the size and type of vehicle.

This gives you more comfort and flexibility, especially if you plan on exploring farther parts of Phuket.

Important: You must have an international driver’s license to legally drive in Thailand. Even if a rental shop doesn’t ask for it, there are police checkpoints all over the island. If you don’t have one, you could face fines.

Phuket Smart Bus or Songtaew (local bus)

Phuket has two main public bus options. The Phuket Smart Bus travels along the west coast beach areas, stopping at popular spots like Patong, Kata, and Rawai.

It runs between the airport and Rawai Beach, with tickets costing 100 Baht ($2.88 USD) per ride.

The bus is air-conditioned and a convenient way to move between beach towns.

The Songtaew, also known as the local blue bus, runs between Phuket Town and various beach areas.

It’s not air-conditioned and doesn’t run directly along the beach routes, but it’s even cheaper at about 40 Baht ($1.20 USD) per ride. Simply wave it down along the road to hop on!

Cost of Activities in Phuket

Phuket is famous for its wide range of activities, from day tours to on-island experiences.

Day tours usually cost between 1000-2000 Baht ($29-58 USD) per person. Popular choices include visiting Phi Phi Islands, Phang Nga Bay, Racha and Coral Islands, or spending a day at an elephant sanctuary.

If you’re on a budget, you can still find plenty to do. A traditional Thai massage costs around 200-600 Baht ($6-17 USD) per hour.

Visiting the Big Buddha is free and offers one of the best viewpoints in Phuket.

Nightlife costs vary. Drinks at bars usually cost 150-400 Baht ($4-11 USD), while big events with international DJs can charge $50+ USD for entry.

For exploring other beaches, the Phuket Smart Bus is an affordable option at under $3 USD per ride.

If you’re on a budget and day tours are out of your price range, I’d recommend you experience any or most of these activities in Phuket.

The first activity is a must, you can’t come to Thailand and not experience at least one traditional Thai massage!

A traditional Thai massage is a must — expect to pay 200-600 Baht ($6-17 USD) per hour.

Visiting the Big Buddha in Karon is free and offers one of the best views on the island.

Phuket’s nightlife is another activity to consider. Most bars have no cover charge, with drinks costing 150-400 Baht ($4-11 USD). Larger events with international DJs can cost $50+ USD to enter.

Watching a Muay Thai fight is another classic Phuket activity. Some stadiums are free, while others charge 100-200 Baht ($3-6 USD) for entry.

Phuket Cost of Living vs Visiting

Phuket is more expensive than other parts of Thailand, both for short-term visitors and those planning to live here long-term. That said, costs are still lower than in most Western countries.

The average monthly cost for one person in Phuket is around $1300 USD, which includes housing, food, transportation, and daily expenses.

Apartments start at about $500 USD per month, though prices vary depending on the area. Patong tends to be more expensive due to its popularity, while Old Town offers cheaper options.

Food costs range from $300-500 USD per month if you mix eating out at markets and cooking at home. Eating out costs depend on your appetite and portion sizes — breakfast is usually $3-5 USD, lunch $4-15 USD, and dinner $5-20 USD.

Renting a scooter costs around $100-150 USD per month, with gas expenses depending on how often you ride. Public transportation is very cheap, usually $1-3 USD per trip.

For digital nomads or those staying longer, Old Phuket Town is a good base. It’s quieter, less touristy, walkable, and has plenty of cafes and restaurants. Plus, it’s only about 20 minutes from many beaches.

Keep in mind that Phuket is still Thailand’s most expensive place to live. If you want to stretch your budget further, there are cheaper destinations across the country to consider.

Phuket Budget Tips: How to Save Money in Phuket

After visiting Phuket multiple times, I’ve picked up plenty of tips to help you save money.

First, remember cash is king in Thailand. Always carry cash, as many street vendors and small restaurants do not accept cards.

ATM fees in Thailand are high, usually around 200 Baht per withdrawal. Try to calculate how much cash you’ll need in advance so you don’t end up paying this fee multiple times.

Download the Grab and Bolt apps for affordable rides. They’re usually cheaper than street taxis and help avoid tourist pricing.

Get an AIS SIM card at the airport or ESIM. They often run promotions that give you extra data and the best coverage on the island.

Expect to pay higher transportation prices at night, especially when leaving busy areas like Patong. Always check fares on your app first or negotiate.

Take advantage of happy hour promotions at restaurants and bars in Patong and Old Phuket Town.

Skip touristy beaches when possible. Some of the lesser-known beaches in the northwestern part of the island are often less crowded and more beautiful. Beaches like Nai Thon, Nai Yang, and Mai Khao offer quieter stretches of sand, fewer tourists, and a more local feel.

Watch out for common tourist scams in Phuket, such as taxi drivers quoting inflated prices or tours that fail to deliver on their promises. Always agree on prices beforehand and book tours through reputable companies to avoid surprises.”

If you need help, call the tourist police at 1155. They’re there to assist visitors.

Is Phuket Cheap or Expensive?

Compared to other destinations in Southeast Asia, Phuket is more expensive, especially when it comes to hotels, restaurants, and tours.

However, compared to Western countries, Phuket can still be considered cheap. For travelers from countries like the US, Canada, the UK, and Europe, the exchange rate usually works in your favor, making many things in Phuket feel affordable.

It’s true that Phuket is the most expensive place in Thailand overall, but you can absolutely visit on a budget. Hostels, guesthouses, local restaurants, street food, and public transportation all help keep costs low.

For those wanting luxury, Phuket has endless options, five-star resorts, private yacht tours, fine dining, and more.

In my experience, despite Phuket being more expensive than the rest of Thailand, it’s still a great destination for all budgets.

You can have an incredible trip without breaking the bank, or you can splurge on luxury experiences. It all depends on your personal travel style and spending habits.

Keep in mind that January and February tend to be the most expensive months in Phuket.

This is when the weather is driest and most optimal for beach days, so hotel bookings are often full and prices climb. Keep in mind, Phuket is considered a top-tier beach and island destination for travelers from around the world, especially during the winter months.

While much of the world is cold, Phuket offers warm, sunny weather, making it one of the most desirable spots to escape for warm beach weather.