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Phuket, Thailand

Thailand's Fun And Famous Beach City

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Thailand’s Phuket Island is an internationally famous beach destination and rightfully so. Beautiful sandy shores separated by rocky headlands grace the entire west coast of the island. The Andaman Sea is warm, clear, and inviting—certainly one of Phuket’s main attractions.

There are few parts of the world that offer retirees more reasons to stay than Phuket. There’s something here for nearly everybody.

Phuket has some of the most beautiful beaches and coastlines to be found anywhere, world-class golfing, beautiful mountainous countryside, and nearly a dozen unique and welcoming towns, all with sizeable foreign populations.

More than 100,000 foreign residents have chosen to make a life here. That’s over 20% of the island’s permanent population.

Others have come to Phuket to invest in real estate. With the right property, it is still possible to reap an 8% to 10% per annum return on your investment.

Reviewed By Kathleen Peddicord

Kathleen is the Live and Invest Overseas Founding Publisher. She has more than 30 years of hands-on experience traveling, living, and buying property around the world.

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Cost Of Living In Phuket

If your idea of paradise includes a high-quality lifestyle, a reasonable cost of living, year-round tropical weather, and beautiful beaches, Phuket should be right on the top of your list.

Rent, especially, is a global bargain. You can find a comfortable rental for as little as US$500 to US$800 per month, and most rentals come fully furnished.

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Eating out:

· A beer: US$2.50(domestic); US$3.80 (imported)

· Glass of wine: US$4

· Bottle of wine: US$15

· A coffee: US$1

· Cappuccino: US$3

· Lunch: US$12

· Dinner: US$12

Another factor in Phuket’s favor is the superb medical care, at a cost of 20% to 80% less than it would cost in the United States.

All costs considered, including groceries, utilities, entertainment, and your own motorbike for transportation, a retired couple could live here on a monthly budget of as little as US$1,700. For this very low cost, you’d be buying a full and fascinating lifestyle.

Apartment or House Ownership Budget


Expense	Monthly Cost	Notes
Mortgage	–	Not included here as too variable.
HOA Fees	–	Not included here as too variable.
Property Taxes	–	Not included here as too variable.
Transportation	US$50	Taxis and occasional bus use.
Gas	US$5	For cooking.
Electricity	US$87	–
Water	–	Included with electricity.
Cell phone	US$30	Prepaid cell phone plan for 30 days
Cable TV	US$40	60 Mbps, unlimited data, includes cable/DSL.
Household help	US$112	US$7 hourly rate.
Entertainment	US$370	A couples’ cost for: · Eating out twice a week at a mid-range, local restaurant: US$190. · Drinks twice a week at a nearby watering hole: US$100. · Movie theater trip twice a month: US$80.
Gym membership	USS$35	–
Groceries	US$475	Basic items for a couple.
Medical	US$30	Basic clinic/GP visit.
Total	US$1,234

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Penny-Pincher’s Budget (for a couple, bare minimum costs for all)


Expense	Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent	US$500	Basic, one-bedroom rental.
Transportation	US$50	Taxis and occasional bus use.
Gas	US$5	For cooking.
Electricity	US$87	–
Cell phone	US$30	Prepaid cell phone plan for 30 days.
Internet	–	Pay-as-you-go cell phone data only (no home Wi-Fi).
Cable TV	US$10	Most basic TV package.
Entertainment	US$250	Eating out twice a week at a budget local restaurant and drinks twice a week at a local bar.
Groceries	US$475	Basic items for a couple.
Total	US$1,407

Click here for currency conversion at today’s exchange rate.

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Weather In Phuket, Thailand

The weather in Phuket is tropically warm and English is widely understood.

Also, a tremendous selection of restaurants, cinemas, water sports, and a pulsating nightlife offer endless opportunities for entertainment.

In short, Phuket, Thailand, has something for nearly every budget, too.

Reviewed By Kathleen Peddicord

Kathleen is the Live and Invest Overseas Founding Publisher. She has more than 30 years of hands-on experience traveling, living, and buying property around the world.