Published by Settle in Abroad – Your Relocation Experts in Thailand
Phuket isn’t just for holidays, it’s a great place to live long-term. If you’re planning to stay in Thailand for a year or more, this guide will walk you through what kind of housing you can find on the island, what it costs, and where people like to live.
What Kind of Places Can You Rent in Phuket?
Most rentals fall into three main categories:
Condos – Great for solo travelers or couples. Easy to manage and often come with extras like a shared pool or gym.
Houses – A bit more space, often with a yard. Good if you want privacy and don’t need a pool.
Pool Villas – These are popular with families or people staying long-term who want their own private pool and more room.
What You Can Expect to Pay:
Condos in quieter areas: Start under ฿20,000/month
Condos in popular areas like Kata, Rawai, or Thalang: ฿25,000–฿45,000/month
Houses (no pool): Around ฿47,800/month
Pool Villas: Start near ฿40,000/month, but most nice 3–4 bedroom villas cost between ฿100,000 and ฿180,000+ per month
Prices depend on where you’re living, how big the place is, and how new or updated it is.
Best Areas to Live in Phuket
Here’s a quick look at some of the most popular neighborhoods:
Patong
Super busy, full of nightlife and tourists. Fun for short stays, but usually too loud and crowded to live in long-term.Kata & Karon
Smaller beach towns with a chill vibe. Good surf, nice cafes, and popular with couples and remote workers.Rawai & Nai Harn
Quiet, more relaxed, and full of long-term expats. Great for families or people looking to settle down for a while.Chalong
Close to gyms, dive shops, and local businesses. A solid choice if you want to be close to everything without being in a tourist area.Cherng Talay (Laguna, Bang Tao, Layan)
One of the nicer parts of the island. Lots of villas, international schools, and quiet beaches. Feels more private and has a strong expat community.Phuket Town
A more local feel with old buildings, fun markets, and a growing creative scene. If you want to live in a “real” town, this is it.
What Everyday Life Looks Like
Phuket has everything you need to feel at home:
Big shopping malls like Central Phuket and Jungceylon
Western-style supermarkets like Villa Market and Big C
Beaches and coffee shops just about everywhere
Whether you need a gym, coworking space, hospital, or just a good place to grab dinner, you’ll find it here.
Phuket can be a great place to live, whether you’re taking a break from work, retiring, or just ready for a change of pace. If you’re planning to move here during the busy season (November to February), start looking early. Good homes can get rented fast.
