You can’t talk about the topmost places to visit or reside in Thailand without mentioning Phuket and Bangkok. They have everything you can desire in a holiday destination; hence, they receive millions of visitors every single year. Due to the cities’ popularity and significance, people often compare them in different areas, including their living costs.
So, this brings us to the important question – is Phuket cheaper than Bangkok? According to livingcost.org, Phuket is cheaper than Bangkok. A survey ranked the most expensive cities around the world and found that the capital city is about 33% more expensive than Phuket. While Bangkok is the costliest place to live or visit in Thailand, Phuket comes at a distanced 3rd position.
It’s noteworthy that Numbeo.com, Expatistan.com, and other reliable sources agree with the claim. Nevertheless, there are certain areas where Phuket is costlier than Bangkok. We’ll examine all these points as we make a comprehensive comparison of these two amazing Thai cities.
Phuket vs Bangkok: Accommodation
Of course, accommodation is one of the main expenses that’ll take the largest portion of your budget. Therefore, let’s start our comparison with it. The two cities have varying forms of accommodations. Whether you’re looking for a condo, 2-bedroom apartment, or mansion, each city has plenty of them. However, Budget tend to have more affluent neighborhoods than Phuket.
As stated by Numbeo.com, rent is about 31% cheaper in Phuket than in Bangkok. While a 1-bedroom apartment can cost over 500 USD in a nice location in Bangkok, you may pay less than 300 USD for a similar apartment in Phuket. Purchasing real estate property in Bangkok is also pricier than buying in Phuket. Even hotel rooms are usually more expensive in Bangkok than in Phuket.
So, you’re likely going to spend more money on your accommodation in the capital city.
Phuket vs Bangkok: Utilities
Well, you’re not going to live in Thailand without spending some money on utilities, such as electricity, water, garbage, internet, heating and cooling, and lots more. According to Numbeo.com, these utilities will cost you more money in Bangkok than in Phuket.
Phuket vs Bangkok: Food
Both Bangkok and Phuket have delicious dishes that locals and foreigners can enjoy. When it comes to the cost of food in these cities, everything depends on what and where you’re eating. If you want to eat at a street food stall, you’ll spend almost the same amount in the two cities.
Do you prefer eating intercontinental cuisine at one of the top-rated restaurants? Then, you should be ready to spend more in Bangkok than in Phuket. As noted by Livingcost.org, fast food meals, beverages, and lots more are pricier on the island. Even fruits and beer are cheaper in Phuket.
Phuket vs Bangkok: Transportation
Firstly, you should realize that Bangkok has a better and more developed transportation system than Phuket and other places in Thailand. Although this offers you more means of commuting from one place to another, Bangkok is busier and more congested than Phuket.
The cost of transportation in the two cities is relatively close. Your choice of transportation and distance are the main factors that’ll determine the exact amount you’ll spend.
Phuket vs Bangkok: Entertainment
Entertainment is another vital thing that most individuals will spend money on when they’re in Bangkok or Phuket. Both cities have loads of entertainment options, such as nightclubs, theaters, and musical shows. There are also other attractions like temples, national parks, etc. you can visit for entertainment in these destinations.
Even though the two places have affordable entertainment choices, you’ll probably spend more on entertainment in Bangkok than in Phuket.
Phuket vs Bangkok: Alcohol
Do you like taking alcohol? Foreign alcohol brands are expensive in Thailand, as the country has placed high taxes on booze. So, if you prefer drinking imported drinks, both cities are somewhat costly. However, numerous local alcohol brands are cheap. Hence, you can save money by going for them.
Livingcost.org and Thailandtripexpert.com say beer is more expensive in Bangkok than in Phuket. While 0.5L of beer goes for around 2.4 USD in the capital city of Thailand, you only need about 2.07 USD for the same drink on the island.
Phuket vs Bangkok: Shopping
Thailand is the haven of shopping adventures in Southeast Asia, as the country has loads of affordable items for everyone to buy. Whether you’re looking for t-shirts, Thai art, shoes, jeans, and lots more, this country has lots of them.
Overall, Bangkok is the #1 place for a shopping spree in Thailand. Many individuals visit the city to find a wide range of cheap products because the city is famed for low-cost items. Generally, shopping is cheaper and more accessible in Bangkok than in Phuket.
However, you should note that shopping isn’t considered a necessity for several individuals. Hence, it may not have any significant impact on the cost of living of some individuals, especially if they’re staying in the country for a short period.
Phuket vs Bangkok: Childcare
Do you have a child that requires childcare? If yes, this will also take a good part of your monthly budget. Although childcare is affordable in Thailand, it’ll still cost you a reasonable amount.
As noted by Numbeo.com, preschool or kindergarten is more expensive in Phuket than in Bangkok. Surprisingly, international primary school is costlier in the capital city of Thailand than on the island. Therefore, you need to consider the kind of school your child will be attending before deciding which city is cheaper.
Phuket vs Bangkok: Sports and leisure
If you like going to the gym, tennis club, golf course, and other sporting centers, this is for you. According to different surveys, some activities are more expensive in Bangkok than in Phuket. However, the outcome is the opposite for certain sporting activities. So, the activities will affect how much you’ll spend.
As shown above, Phuket is cheaper than Bangkok. Nevertheless, there’s a caveat to living in these two cities. The average personal or family income in the capital city is higher than in the island of Phuket. Therefore, living in either of the places isn’t so different.