Living in Phuket: A Practical Guide for Expats
What you need to know about establishing yourself on Thailand's largest island, from area choices to administrative processes and everyday logistics.
Who This Guide Is For
- Retirees seeking beach lifestyle with international amenities
- Remote workers who want island living with good infrastructure
- Families looking for international schools and beach access
- Anyone researching Thai islands for long-term stays
At a Glance
Typical ranges for Phuket. These are estimates and vary based on location, lifestyle, and circumstances.
Typical rent (1BR tourist area)
$500–1,000/mo
Patong, Kata, Karon; furnished, close to beach
Typical rent (1BR local area)
$250–500/mo
Phuket Town, Chalong; away from tourist zones
Groceries (monthly)
$200–350
Villa Market, Makro available; tourist areas pricier
Healthcare
Good international options
Bangkok Hospital Phuket, Siriroj Hospital
Climate
Tropical year-round
Hot, humid; monsoon May-October (west coast)
Internet
Fiber widely available
Good speeds; coworking spaces in main areas
What to Know Before You Arrive
Key considerations that affect your timeline and planning.
Tourist areas and local areas are different worlds
Phuket has two distinct realities. Beach areas like Patong, Kata, and Karon are tourist-focused with inflated prices and party atmospheres. Areas like Phuket Town, Chalong, and Rawai have more local character, lower costs, and resident expat communities. Where you live determines your experience entirely.
You need personal transport
Phuket has no public transport to speak of. Tuk-tuks are expensive, Grab coverage is limited, and taxis overcharge tourists. Most long-term residents have cars or motorbikes. The island is larger than many expect—about 50km long. Without your own transport, you're dependent on expensive options or limited to walkable areas.
Monsoon season affects the west coast
From May to October, the southwest monsoon brings rain and rough seas to the west coast beaches (Patong, Karon, Kata). Swimming can be dangerous with red flag warnings common. The east coast is calmer. Many beach businesses reduce operations during monsoon. Plan your beach expectations around seasons.
It's more expensive than mainland Thailand
Island logistics mean higher costs for many goods. Tourist-area pricing affects everything from food to services. While you can live affordably in local areas, Phuket is generally 20-40% more expensive than Chiang Mai for similar lifestyle. Budget accordingly—this isn't budget Thailand.
Neighborhoods & Areas
Phuket is a large island with distinct areas. The west coast has famous beaches (Patong, Kata, Karon) but tourist crowds and higher prices. The south (Rawai, Nai Harn) attracts long-term expats seeking quieter beach life. Phuket Town offers urban amenities and local culture. Chalong is a central, practical base. The north (Laguna area) has upscale resorts and villas.
For detailed cost breakdowns, see the Thailand cost of living guide.
Rawai/Nai Harn
Southern tip with established expat community. Seafood restaurants, laid-back vibe. Nai Harn beach is beautiful. Mix of retirees and families. More residential than touristy.
Chalong
Central area, practical base. Near Big Buddha, Chalong Circle. Shopping, restaurants, everyday services. Not beachy but convenient for accessing whole island.
Phuket Town
The actual town with Sino-Portuguese architecture. Local culture, markets, urban vibe. Cheapest area, no beaches nearby. Growing cafe scene.
Kathu/Patong Hill
Behind Patong but away from chaos. Valley area with condos and houses. Near golf courses. Accessible to beach but quieter for living.
Kata/Karon
Beach areas south of Patong. Less hectic than Patong but still tourist-focused. Some long-term expats in the hills above. Seasonal variation.
Laguna/Bang Tao
Upscale north area with resort hotels and villas. International schools nearby. Expensive but high quality. Beach Club scene. Family-friendly.
Setup Priorities
Key areas to research and plan for when setting up in Phuket. Each involves tradeoffs worth understanding before you arrive.
Visas & Residency
Phuket Immigration in Phuket Town handles all visa matters. Generally less crowded than Bangkok. Same requirements as elsewhere in Thailand.
More manageable immigration office; still requires proper documentation and can be busy during peak season.
View guideBanking
All major Thai banks have branches in Phuket Town and Patong. Bangkok Bank and Kasikorn are common choices. Same visa requirements as nationwide.
Standard Thai banking applies; tourist areas have more ATMs but same account requirements.
View guideHealthcare
Bangkok Hospital Phuket and Siriroj are the main international options. Good quality with English-speaking staff. Medical evacuation to Bangkok available for complex cases.
Good care available but complex cases go to Bangkok; international hospital prices apply.
View guideCost of Living
Higher than mainland Thailand, especially in tourist areas. Local areas like Phuket Town and Chalong offer better value. Budget 20-40% more than Chiang Mai.
Beach lifestyle premium; living locally reduces costs but won't match mainland prices.
View guideCommon Pitfalls & Misconceptions
Issues that frequently affect expats settling in Phuket.
- Living in Patong and expecting peace and quiet—it's a party zone
- Not having personal transport and relying on expensive tuk-tuks
- Underestimating monsoon season on the west coast—swimming can be dangerous
- Expecting mainland Thailand prices—everything costs more on the island
- Signing a beach-area lease during high season without seeing low season
- Ignoring Phuket Town entirely—it has genuine local character
- Not budgeting for the higher cost of imported goods and Western amenities
Key Things to Verify
Before committing to Phuket, confirm these items based on your specific situation.
- Visit both tourist areas and residential areas before choosing where to live.
- Confirm your transport plan—car rental, motorbike purchase, or Grab budget.
- Check seasonal patterns for your target beach area during monsoon.
- Research international school options if relocating with children.
- Understand your visa options and Phuket Immigration procedures. Learn more
- Verify hospital locations and health insurance coverage. Learn more
Common Next Steps
Continue your research with these related guides.
Related Guides
Explore our topic guides for detailed information on each aspect of expat life.
Important: This guide provides general information for planning purposes. Neighborhood characteristics, costs, and availability change frequently. Always visit areas in person, verify current information, and consult qualified professionals before making housing or financial decisions. This is not legal, tax, or real estate advice.