Thinking about moving to Phuket but don't know much about the place. Which areas of Phuket are good to live very near some nice beaches and what type of rental prices would be payable? Thinking of something like a studio or 1b/r in a condo.

 

Also, is Phuket much more expensive for all costs of living compared to BKK?

studio / 1br (30 m2 or lower) condo is 7000-10000 baht a month, maybe a bit more if you want very close to beach.

Phuket is on par with BKK, not too expensive unless you choose to live in Patong (popular tourist destination)

 

Why not make a couple of weeks visit by hotel and have a scout about. 

16 hours ago, bbi1 said:

Thinking about moving to Phuket but don't know much about the place. Which areas of Phuket are good to live very near some nice beaches and what type of rental prices would be payable? Thinking of something like a studio or 1b/r in a condo.

Also, is Phuket much more expensive for all costs of living compared to BKK?

Phuket is a very popular tourist Island where millions of visitors come every year mainly to spend time on the world class west coast beaches (cue the trolls and detractors).

To rent close to the ocean in these tourist towns naturally can be very expensive. Shopping, restaurants and bars catering to the tourist trade also have premium prices.

However, there are areas away from these towns where many long term residents live at reasonable cost. Not Isaan prices, but comfortable for the average expat.  If you can live without absolute beachfront views you can rent probably cheaper than in Bangkok. I'm not an expert on prices there.

As Phuket is an island less than 20kms across at it's widest, you are never far from a beach wherever you live. Popular areas for expats include Chalong, Rawai and Nai Han in the south. Phuket City has a more traditional and cheaper lifestyle if that's your thing.  There are also expanding areas in the north of the Province where you can live a quieter life without being too far from the action.

Check it first before deciding.