Menu
Expat.com

costof living in phuket

Last activity 27 June 2013 by windersports

Post new topic

john mercer

My wife and I have been holidaying in Patong for the last 5 years.
we are going to apply for a 1 year Thai visa in 2012,(the date we not sure of at this time). We are interested in staying in the Phuket area.On completion if things go to plan we want to  retire in Thailand. My question is approximately how much money is needed to live on in this area.

Harmonie

Hello john mercer and welcome to Expat.com!

I hope that other members will help you soon.

Harmonie.:)

phuket101

Now that is a really tough question! it is so based on your personal lifestyle... But Phuket is expensive on average compared to anywhere else in Thailand.

john mercer

phuket101, thanks for the reply.
Being a tourist area would be expensive, didn't think of that one. Maybe that's why so many ex-pats live up north.
We are leaning towards the areas we like are Nai Harn, Chalong and Rawrai districts.  (but keeping a open mind)
The area you live good ?
regards
john & debbie

phuket101

A lot of expats seems to like the south... it's nice and has a good restaurants and lifestyle, and Nai Harn beach is really beautiful. Problem is the traffic at rush hour, it has become crazy, now if you don't need to go in and out at these time, it is a nice place to be. I live in Kathu which is more strategic to go to my office in town, takes me less than 10 mn some days :)
Willy

john mercer

Willy,
we looked at a few places in the Kathu area which was in our price range. Then we drifted south, having said that as long as there's a pool we would be happy. At this stage we would like to be around ex-pats just for her piece of mind. Don't speak much Thai. WE are thinking of using a company called "Siamese visa" to set us up, have you a view about these company's
John & Debbie

lbfhaber

John,
If you want to live where there are many expats, then you are looking in the right area. It is more expensive than the rest of the island. On the other hand, it has lots of shopping and a big variety of restaurants. I agree with Phuket101, the traffic in that area can be really bad at certain times of the day, it's one of the reasons we decided not to live in that area. We live in Kamala, on the west coast, and really love it here. It's much quieter than the Chalong area and less expensive, but far away from some things.

john mercer

thank you lbfhaber,

We will give those areas a look (Kamala and Chalong). We have given ourselves plenty of time to make a final decision on an area to live.
regards john & debbie

LivnAllOver

I spent 6 months in Thailand and would average about 90,000 a month.

That got me an apartment with small kitchenette, living area, ate thai food 50% of the time and western 50% and 2-3 nights out a week.

john mercer

thanks LivnallOver,
could you tell how much was the rent per month you were paying?
regards
john & debbie

LivnAllOver

I was paying 22,000 baht :)

john mercer

thanks mate

Straydog

John you mention using a company to obtain your visa.

Getting a visa is not rocket science and is something anyone can do themselves without having to pay a fee.

If you are 50+ and meet the requirements I suggest you obtain a type O-A visa for purpose of retirement before you leave your home country.  It will give you a full year without leaving Thailand.

windersports

Your price is abit on the high side for 90,000 a month.

I would say 30,000 is more than enough for a month stay living expenses....simple living :)

David

Hi  windersports,

Please note that this topic is from 2011. :)

Regards,

David.

windersports

David wrote:

Hi  windersports,

Please note that this topic is from 2011. :)

Regards,

David.


Oops, My bad.:lol:

Articles to help you in your expat project in Phuket

  • Accommodation in Phuket
    Accommodation in Phuket

    Phuket is a popular destination for expatriates working or retiring on the island. Its expat community is also ...

  • Working in Phuket
    Working in Phuket

    The tropical island of Phuket is very popular among foreigners who are looking to integrate Thai culture and the ...

  • Phuket living: Restaurants off the beaten track
    Phuket living: Restaurants off the beaten track

    I've lived in Phuket, Thailand for almost six years now. During that time I've had a lot of fun ...

  • Working in Chiang Mai
    Working in Chiang Mai

    Chiang Mai's ethnic diversity, breathtaking scenery, and the multitude of festivals and attractions ...

  • Income tax in Thailand
    Income tax in Thailand

    Thailand is not a tax haven. In Thailand, there are two main types of taxpayers — residents and ...

  • Working in Pattaya
    Working in Pattaya

    Pattaya may not be as idyllic as some of Thailand's other beach destinations. However, it is still one of the ...

  • Getting married in Thailand
    Getting married in Thailand

    The kingdom of Thailand is a stunningly beautiful wedding destination. Its crystal clear beaches, lush green ...

  • Starting a business in Thailand
    Starting a business in Thailand

    Thailand is the second-largest economy in Southeast Asia and the 26th-largest economy in the world. It offers many ...

All of Phuket's guide articles