Phuket vs Dubai

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Phuket is roughly 53% more affordable than Dubai (index 20 vs 42, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Phuket
More affordable overall
53% cheaper than Dubai · Cost index: 20 vs 42

Head-to-Head Stats

PhuketvsDubai
20✓Cost Index42
1,190Median Income /mo4,500✓
45Safety Index88✓
15Income Tax %0✓
95Internet (Mbps)95
175✓Coworking /mo350

Price Breakdown

PhuketCategoryDubai
$540/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
63% cheaper →
$1,450/month
$1.45/liter
Meal for One
28% cheaper →
$2/liter
$4/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
76% cheaper →
$17/meal
$40/month
Monthly Transit Pass
56% cheaper →
$90/month
$85/month
Utilities (Monthly)
43% cheaper →
$150/month
$35/visit
Doctor Visit
71% cheaper →
$120/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Phuket

Internet95 Mbps
Coworking$175/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability58/100

Dubai

Internet95 Mbps
Coworking$350/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability72/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Phuket cheaper than Dubai?

Phuket is cheaper than Dubai. Phuket has a cost of living index of 20/100 compared to 42/100 for Dubai (New York = 100), making it roughly 53% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Phuket than Dubai?

Phuket is approximately 53% cheaper than Dubai based on cost index scores (20 vs 42, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Dubai could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $1,400/month in Phuket.

What is the rent comparison between Phuket and Dubai?

In Phuket, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $540/month. In Dubai, the equivalent is around $1,450/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Phuket or Dubai?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Phuket offers 95 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$175/month. Dubai offers 95 Mbps and coworking at ~$350/month. Phuket has a cost advantage of 53%.

What is the average income in Phuket vs Dubai?

The median net monthly salary in Phuket is approximately $1,190 USD, compared to $4,500 USD in Dubai.

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