Phuket vs Tokyo

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Phuket is roughly 44% more affordable than Tokyo (index 20 vs 35, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Phuket
More affordable overall
44% cheaper than Tokyo · Cost index: 20 vs 35

Head-to-Head Stats

PhuketvsTokyo
20✓Cost Index35
1,190Median Income /mo2,520✓
45Safety Index87✓
15✓Income Tax %22
95Internet (Mbps)185✓
175✓Coworking /mo250

Price Breakdown

PhuketCategoryTokyo
$540/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
54% cheaper →
$1,175/month
$1.45/liter
Meal for One
8% cheaper →
$1.58/liter
$4/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
56% cheaper →
$9/meal
$40/month
Monthly Transit Pass
17% cheaper →
$48/month
$85/month
Utilities (Monthly)
29% cheaper →
$120/month
$35/visit
Doctor Visit
30% cheaper →
$50/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Phuket

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

Tokyo

Internet185 Mbps
Coworking$250/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishmoderate
Communitylarge
Walkability82/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Phuket cheaper than Tokyo?

Phuket is cheaper than Tokyo. Phuket has a cost of living index of 20/100 compared to 35/100 for Tokyo (New York = 100), making it roughly 44% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Phuket than Tokyo?

Phuket is approximately 44% cheaper than Tokyo based on cost index scores (20 vs 35, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Tokyo could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $1,667/month in Phuket.

What is the rent comparison between Phuket and Tokyo?

In Phuket, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $540/month. In Tokyo, the equivalent is around $1,175/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Phuket offers 95 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$175/month. Tokyo offers 185 Mbps and coworking at ~$250/month. Phuket has a cost advantage of 44%.

What is the average income in Phuket vs Tokyo?

The median net monthly salary in Phuket is approximately $1,190 USD, compared to $2,520 USD in Tokyo.

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