The cost of living well in Phuket.

Our verdict. Phuket suits a family that wants island life, a British school and a boat for about a fifth of a London year. British International School Phuket charges THB 982,700 for Year 12, a year's golf at Laguna THB 120,000, and a 20 m wet berth at Boat Lagoon about THB 724,000 before VAT. The catch is tax: residents' foreign income earned since 1 January 2024 is taxed when it is brought into Thailand, at up to 35%. Branded villas also ask more than twice the unbranded price per square metre. Compared with Bangkok, the school costs about the same, and a four-bedroom villa rents for well under half the city's prime figure.

1. A prime family home, rented2025£27k

   THB 1,198,464 a year · Average long-term (12+ month) monthly rent for 4BR+ villas, THB 99,872 x 12 (3BR villas average THB 40,091/month)

   C9 Hotelworks, Phuket Property Market Update May 2025 (rental market section), May 2025

2. Senior school fees, two children2026-27£44k

   THB 982,700 a year a child · British International School Phuket, Year 12 annual tuition (Year 13: THB 960,200)

   British International School Phuket, School Fees, Academic year 2026-27

3. Membership at a leading golf club2026£2,672

   THB 120,000 a year in subscriptions · Laguna Golf Phuket individual 12-month membership, one-time fee including green fees

   Laguna Golf Phuket, Rates & Membership, Checked 20 Oct 2026

4. A berth for a 20 m yacht2027£16k

   THB 724,224 a year · Boat Lagoon Phuket wet berth, monohull under 70 ft: THB 920/ft/month x 65.6 ft (20 m) x 12; excl. 7% VAT and utilities

   Phuket Boat Lagoon Marina, Marina Charge, Tariff valid 1 Nov 2026 - 31 Oct 2027

5. A full-time housekeeper or nanny2026£5,077

   THB 228,000 a year · Full-time maid or nanny, THB 18,000-20,000 a month (midpoint 19,000 x12); a Thailand-wide range from an expat guide

   Thailand Starter Kit, Maid or Nanny in Thailand: Cost, Work Permits, and Where to Hire, Published 2 September 2026

6. Tasting menu for two, twice a month2026£8,016

   THB 15,000 a dinner · PRU (1 Michelin star + Green Star), 'The PRU Experience' tasting menu THB 7,500++ x 2, food only

   PRU Restaurant (Trisara), Checked 20 Oct 2026

Figures are published prices, fees and surveys as dated, converted to pounds at the stated rates. They change, vary by home, school year and membership, and are a guide, not a quote. Nothing here is financial, tax or legal advice.

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Pounds at ECB reference rates (Gulf currencies at their dollar pegs) rates of 2026-10-20.