If you’ve ever wondered how much it really costs to live as a digital nomad in Southeast Asia, this post is for you.
We’re LaVonna and Irene — two digital nomads currently living in Phuket, Thailand. And today, we’re giving you a transparent look at exactly how much we spent in just one day, living, working, and exploring this beautiful island.
From morning coffee and local markets to beach sunsets and dinner, here’s what a typical day in our lives looks like — with prices in both Thai Baht and USD.
☀️ Morning: Coffee, Remote Work & Grab Rides
We usually start our day with breakfast at home to save some baht, but today we wanted to enjoy the cozy atmosphere of one of our favorite cafes.
- Transport (Grab Bike Ride):
We took a quick 5-7 minute Grab ride to the cafe — only 35 baht (about $1.03 USD).
Affordable, safe, and super convenient. - Breakfast + Workspace at Chamber Cafe:
This spot is ideal for digital nomads — great food, strong WiFi, and the right vibes for productivity.
We ordered a light brunch and coffee, costing around 300 baht (roughly $8.55 USD for two people).
After about 2–3 hours of deep work, we headed back to our apartment to recharge (ourselves and our laptops!).
🏡 Midday: Home Base + Airbnb Living
We’re currently staying in a studio apartment Airbnb in Phuket. For $35 per night, it’s fully equipped with:
- A work desk and fast WiFi
- Kitchen (fridge, microwave, stove)
- In-unit washer
- Balcony with natural light
- Access to a gym and swimming pool
The location is perfect — only 20 minutes to both Patong Beach and Old Phuket Town.
🥭 Afternoon: Local Markets & Delicious Lunch
One of our favorite parts of living in Thailand is exploring local markets. Today we visited a traditional wet market where everything — from meat and seafood to fruit and snacks — is incredibly fresh.
- Bananas:
We bought a small bunch for 20 baht (just $0.60 USD).
After walking around and soaking up the local atmosphere, we stopped at a nearby street restaurant for lunch.
- Lunch (for 2):
🍤 Fried shrimp rice with egg and broth
🍜 Pork noodle soup
💰 Total: 220 baht (~$5.94 USD)
Note: Most small eateries don’t accept cards, especially not Amex, so always carry cash!
🏖️ Evening: Kata Noi Beach + Sunset Vibes
After more work in the afternoon, we decided to unwind at Kata Noi Beach — a quiet, lesser-known gem in Phuket.
- The beach was peaceful, clean, and perfect for watching the sunset.
- We didn’t bring our own umbrella/chairs, so we rented beach loungers for 100 baht each ($5.70 USD total).
- On the way, we also picked up bottled water and essentials at a convenience store for about 50 baht ($1.40 USD).
Kata Noi is a great beach if you’re looking for fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere. Plus, there are shops, massage spots, and a 7-Eleven nearby for snacks and drinks.
🧾 Total Breakdown of Our One-Day Expenses (for 2 People)
| Category | Baht | USD |
|---|---|---|
| Grab Ride to Cafe | 35 | $1.03 |
| Breakfast at Cafe | 300 | $8.55 |
| Bananas (Market) | 20 | $0.60 |
| Street Food Lunch | 220 | $5.94 |
| Beach Chair Rental | 200 | $5.70 |
| Water + Essentials | 50 | $1.40 |
| Subtotal (Excl. Airbnb) | 825 | $23.22 |
| Airbnb (Nightly Rate) | – | $35.00 |
| Total | – | $58.22 |
🌴 Final Thoughts: Is Phuket Affordable for Digital Nomads?
Absolutely.
For under $60/day, we enjoyed a full day of:
- Cafes and coworking vibes
- Exploring local culture
- Eating delicious food
- A beachfront sunset
- Comfortable, modern accommodation
Thailand continues to be one of the most budget-friendly countries for remote workers, without sacrificing lifestyle quality.
If you’re a digital nomad looking for your next destination, Phuket should be high on your list. It’s laid-back, beautiful, and affordable — and we love it here!
Got questions about living in Thailand as a digital nomad? Drop them in the comments or shoot us a message. And don’t forget to follow along — we’ve got more countries and cost breakdowns coming soon! 🌍✈️💻
