Phuket vs Zanzibar

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Phuket is roughly 8% more affordable than Zanzibar (index 20 vs 21, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Phuket
More affordable overall
8% cheaper than Zanzibar · Cost index: 20 vs 21

Life Power at $3,000/mo

The same salary ranks differently depending on where you live — from Beggar to King.

Head-to-Head Stats

20Cost Index21
1,190Median Income /mo550
45Safety Index62
15Income Tax %20
95Internet (Mbps)15
175Coworking /mo150

Price Breakdown

PhuketCategoryZanzibar
$540/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
2% cheaper →
$550/month
$1.45/liter
Meal for One
66% ← cheaper
$0.5/liter
$4/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
29% cheaper →
$5.66/meal
$40/month
Monthly Transit Pass
38% ← cheaper
$25/month
$85/month
Utilities (Monthly)
12% ← cheaper
$75/month
$35/visit
Doctor Visit
30% cheaper →
$50/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Phuket

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

Zanzibar

Internet15 Mbps
Coworking$150/mo
Café WiFifair
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability60/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Phuket cheaper than Zanzibar?

Phuket is cheaper than Zanzibar. Phuket has a cost of living index of 20/100 compared to 21/100 for Zanzibar (New York = 100), making it roughly 8% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Phuket than Zanzibar?

Phuket is approximately 8% cheaper than Zanzibar based on cost index scores (20 vs 21, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Zanzibar could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,763/month in Phuket.

What is the rent comparison between Phuket and Zanzibar?

In Phuket, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $540/month. In Zanzibar, the equivalent is around $550/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Phuket offers 95 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$175/month. Zanzibar offers 15 Mbps and coworking at ~$150/month. Phuket has a cost advantage of 8%.

What is the average income in Phuket vs Zanzibar?

The median net monthly salary in Phuket is approximately $1,190 USD, compared to $550 USD in Zanzibar.

Compare Phuket with…

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