Phuket on a budget: daily costs 2026
How much a trip to Phuket, Thailand costs per day: where you sleep, eat, get around and what you do. Estimates in US dollars with today's THB rate.
Daily costs by category
| Per person per day | Backpacker | Mid-range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $15 dorm | $35 ($70 room) | $140 ($280 room) |
| Food & drink | $15 | $35 | $90 |
| Local transport | $8 | $20 | $45 |
| Activities & sights | $10 | $40 | $100 |
Hostel dorm bed, street food & markets, public transport, mostly free sights. Mid-range and comfort room prices are per room per night, shared by two.
Trip budgets for Phuket
| Trip length | Backpacker (1) | Mid-range (2) | Comfort (2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 days | $144 | $780 | $2,250 |
| 5 days | $240 | $1,300 | $3,750 |
| 7 days | $336 | $1,820 | $5,250 |
| 14 days | $672 | $3,640 | $10,500 |
Book for less
Flights to Phuket
- From Bangkok
- From Chiang Mai
- From Bali
- From Kuala Lumpur
- From Penang
- From Singapore
- From Hanoi
- From Ho Chi Minh City
- From Da Nang
- From Siem Reap
- From anywhere else
Best time to visit
November to April (dry season, calm seas). May to October is monsoon season, with rougher seas and much lower prices.
Money-saving tips
- Taxis and tuk-tuks are expensive on Phuket. Use ride-hailing apps or the cheap local buses into Phuket Town.
- Stay in Phuket Town or Kata rather than Patong for cheaper rooms and food.
- Book island boat trips locally a day ahead rather than through hotel desks.
Free things to do
- Explore the Sino-Portuguese shophouses of Phuket Old Town.
- Watch the sunset from Promthep Cape.
- Swim at Kata Noi or Nai Harn beaches.
Compare Phuket with
- Phuket vs Bangkok
- Phuket vs Chiang Mai
- Phuket vs Bali
- Phuket vs Kuala Lumpur
- Phuket vs Penang (George Town)
- Phuket vs Singapore
Questions
How much does a day in Phuket cost?
As a rough guide: about $48 per day for a backpacker, $130 per person per day mid-range (two people sharing a room), and $375 per person per day for a comfortable trip. Flights are extra.
How much money do I need for 5 days in Phuket?
For one backpacker about $240; for two people mid-range about $1,300 in total, excluding flights. Add a 10% buffer.
When is the best time to visit Phuket?
November to April (dry season, calm seas). May to October is monsoon season, with rougher seas and much lower prices.
What currency is used in Phuket?
THB. Use the live converter on this page and pay in local currency when given the choice.
These are planning estimates based on typical prices, checked 2026-10-11. Prices vary by season, neighbourhood and how you travel. Always check the final price when you book. How we estimate