Is Phuket expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Phuket is one of the more expensive places in Thailand, pricier than Bangkok, Chiang Mai or most smaller islands, though still cheaper than southern Europe for the same comfort. A realistic budget day in high season is about 1,500 baht per person and mid-range about 4,400 baht; the money goes on beach-area hotels, boat trips and transport, which is unusually costly for Thailand.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | baht400 | baht1,500 | baht6,000 |
| Food & drink | baht400 | baht900 | baht2,500 |
| Sights & tickets | baht500 | baht1,500 | baht3,500 |
| Local transport | baht200 | baht500 | baht1,500 |
| Per person, per day | baht1,500 | baht4,400 | baht13,500 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Phuket day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Khanom jeen breakfast in Phuket Town | roughly 50–80 baht |
| Plate of Hokkien noodles | roughly 60–120 baht |
| Smart Bus from the airport to the west-coast beaches | about 100 baht |
| Phang Nga Bay tour | about 1,500–3,000 baht, park fees extra |
| Phi Phi national park fee (foreigners) | about 400 baht, usually cash |
| Thai massage on the beach | about 300–500 baht an hour |
| Seafood cooking fee at Rawai or Banzaan | about 100–150 baht per kilo |
| Mid-range double in Kata or Karon | about 1,500–3,500 baht |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Beds are the biggest cost in the beach areas: rooms in Kata, Karon and Patong run about 1,500–3,500 baht in high season, and the resorts of Kamala, Surin and Mai Khao 6,000–25,000 baht. Boat trips are the next big item, since Phang Nga Bay and the Phi Phi Islands cost a few thousand baht each with park fees on top. Transport surprises many visitors: there are few useful buses, and local taxis and tuk-tuks charge high fixed fares, so ride-hailing or a scooter is the usual answer. Food is cheap in Phuket Town and at night markets but noticeably dearer on the beach roads, where some menus add service charge and VAT.
When it is cheaper
From May to October (the monsoon) hotel prices often fall substantially, in many places by a third or more, though some boat trips are cancelled and Maya Bay closes for part of the low season. December to February is the most expensive period.
How to spend less
- Use Grab or Bolt instead of street taxis and tuk-tuks, which rarely use meters.
- Take the Smart Bus from the airport if you are staying on the west-coast beaches.
- Eat in Phuket Town and at the night markets rather than on the beach roads.
- Check whether a boat tour includes national park fees, and carry cash for them.
- Buy seafood at Rawai or Banzaan Market and pay a cooking fee instead of ordering by weight in Patong.
- Check whether menu prices are 'net' or '++' before ordering.
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Common questions
How much does a day in Phuket cost?
About 1,500 baht per person on a budget, about 4,400 baht mid-range and about 13,500 baht in comfort, sharing a double room in high season.
Why are taxis so expensive in Phuket?
Local taxis and tuk-tuks charge fixed fares and rarely use meters. Grab and Bolt are usually much cheaper.
Are boat trips expensive?
A Phang Nga Bay tour costs about 1,500–3,000 baht, and park fees are extra (about 400 baht for the Phi Phi Islands).