Sunset over the Andaman Sea, Phuket

Potts Point vs Phuket

Keep the apartment. Pool villa in Thailand. Save $25k a year.

$5,500
Sydney / month
$3,000
Phuket / month
$2,250
You save / month

What You're Paying Now

15 Bayswater Road, Potts Point

What you pay now

Hampton Court Apartments

8th floor - Harbour views to Manly, over Rushcutters Bay Park
🏙 2 bed / 2 bath, ~100 sqm
🌃 Harbour views (8th floor)
☀ Balcony + sun room
👚 Walk-in closet
🏊 Pool next door (5 min walk)
🌇 Good sunset over city
~ Pool is shared, not private
✗ Cold in winter
~$1,200/week + $350 storage 15 min to beach 9 min to CBD 20 min to airport
Monthly Rent
$5,100
~$1,200 per week
+ Storage
$350
Long-term garage
Total Monthly
$5,500
$66,000 per year

Phuket's West Coast

Every area faces the Andaman Sea. Sunset over water every night.

Satellite view of Phuket island
✈ HKT Airport
Bangtao
20 min to airport
Surin
29 min to airport
★ Kamala
Top pick
Patong
The buzz
Karon
10-15 min to Patong
Kata
11-15 min to Patong
Rawai / Naiharn
45-50 min to airport
Phuket Town
Kamala - Top Pick
15-20 min to Patong / 30-36 min to airport / Walk to beach + village
$1.8-5.5k
Kata / Karon
10-15 min to Patong / 40-45 min to airport / Great beaches
$1.5-3.6k
Rawai / Naiharn
20-25 min to Patong / 45-50 min to airport / Best pool villa value
$2-4k
Patong
Shopping, nightlife, restaurants / Kathryn's buzz
$2-6k
Surin
15-20 min to Patong / 29 min to airport / Premium, best sunsets
$3.5-12k+
Bangtao / Laguna
20-25 min to Patong / 20 min to airport / Upscale, long beach
$2.5-8k+
★ Kamala
Best overall match
Direct to Sydney
~9 hrs, 5x/week
Direct to Singapore
2.5 hrs, 60+/week
Direct to Melbourne
~8.5 hrs, 2-4x/week
Direct to Perth
~6.5 hrs, 4x/week
Direct to Hong Kong
~3.5 hrs, 28/week
Direct to Bali
~4 hrs, daily

The Areas

Scored for your requirements. All out of 5.

Kamala Beach
Top Pick

Kamala

To beach
To town
Sunset
Pool value
To Patong
To airport
$1,800 - $5,500/moVillage feel, 15-20 min to Patong
Kata Beach
Runner Up

Kata

To beach
To town
Sunset
Pool value
To Patong
To airport
$1,800 - $3,60011-15 min to Patong
Karon viewpoint
Good Value

Karon

To beach
To town
Sunset
Pool value
To Patong
To airport
$1,500 - $3,20010-15 min to Patong
Nai Harn Beach
Best Pool Value

Rawai / Naiharn

To beach
To town
Sunset
Pool value
To Patong
To airport
$2,000 - $4,10045-50 min to airport
Surin Beach
Premium

Surin

To beach
To town
Sunset
Pool value
To Patong
To airport
$3,500 - $12,000+Luxury territory

Head to Head

Every area scored out of 5 against your requirements. Including Sydney.

LocationTo BeachTo TownSunsetPoolTo NightlifeTo AirportTotal
★ Kamala55534426
Kata44325321
Karon43425321
Rawai / Naiharn23153216
Surin32514419
Bangtao33423520
Sydney (Potts Point)25335422

What Your Money Gets in Kamala

Long-term lease (12 months). All prices AUD per month.

Budget
$2,000
~45,000 THB/mo
  • ✓ 2 bed / 2 bath condo, 60-80 sqm
  • ✓ Shared resort pool + gym
  • ✓ Walk to beach 5-10 min
  • ✓ Walk to village shops
  • ✓ 24hr security
  • ✗ No private pool
  • ✗ No ocean views
  • ~ Garden/tropical views
Sweet Spot
$3,000
~65-70,000 THB/mo
  • ✓ 2 bed / 2 bath villa, 100-150 sqm
  • ✓ Private pool (compact)
  • ✓ Large outdoor living space
  • ✓ Walk to beach + village
  • ✓ Ensuite + walk-in possible
  • ✓ Modern, furnished
  • ~ Garden / mountain views
  • ✗ No ocean/sunset from home
Premium
$4,500
~100,000 THB/mo
  • ✓ 2-3 bed hillside villa, 150-250 sqm
  • ✓ Full-size private pool
  • ✓ Large terrace / deck
  • ✓ Walk-in closet + ensuite
  • ✓ Partial sea views
  • ✓ Walled compound
  • ~ Some sunset glimpses
  • ✓ High-end finishes

Properties to Watch

Real listings. Click to view. Prices negotiable on 12-month leases, especially low season (May-Nov).

Villa Cheloni
Kamala - Private Pool Villa
~$2,300-2,500/mo
50,000 THB (6mo) / negotiable annual
  • 2 bed / 3 bath, 120 sqm + 280 sqm outdoor
  • Private pool + waterfall + jacuzzi
  • Pool & garden maintenance included
  • 24hr security, built 2017
  • Unit available from Oct 2026
Official SiteFazWaz
Himmapana Villas
Kamala Hillside - Luxury Pool Villas
Contact Direct
All-inclusive, 098 671 6686
  • 12+ luxury pool villas (2-4 bed, 220-350 sqm)
  • All-inclusive: daily cleaning, elec, wifi, pool
  • Beach shuttle + airport transfers
  • Mountain views, 24hr security
  • Chef, massage, tours available
Official SiteFazWaz
The Woods Natural Park
Kamala - Resort Condo
~$1,900/mo
From ~42,000 THB
  • 1-3 bed units, 54-150+ sqm
  • Large resort pool, fitness, kids area
  • On-site restaurant
  • Beach shuttle, free wifi + parking
  • Completed 2018, 20 units
Official SiteFazWaz
The Regent Pool Villa
Kamala - Best Value Villa
~$3,000/mo
67,000 THB
  • 2 bed / 3 bath, 400 sqm total
  • Private pool, 2-storey, modern
  • Huge property for the price
  • Close to Kamala Beach
  • 15 min to Patong
Thailand-Property
Kamala Hills
Kamala - Condo Complex
~$2,000/mo
45,000 THB
  • 2 bed / 2 bath, 108 sqm
  • 3 communal pools, gym, 24hr security
  • Quiet valley, only 45 units
  • Penthouse upgrades from 80k THB
  • Mountain views
FazWazThailand-Property
Bangwaan Villa
Kamala - Budget Pick
~$1,800/mo
40,000 THB
  • 2 bed / 2 bath, 100 sqm
  • Shared pool, gated estate
  • Good for testing the area
  • Furnished, basic but functional
  • Cheapest option that works
FazWaz Kamala
Baan Wana Pool Villas
Thalang - Premium Estate
~$3,600-4,000/mo
80,000-90,000 THB
  • 2 bed / 2 bath, ~200 sqm
  • Private pool, modern tropical
  • Pool + garden maintenance included
  • Gated estate, high-end
  • Between Kamala/Surin/Bangtao
Official SiteFazWaz
Kata Noi Seaview
Kata - Sea Views + Beach
~$2,500/mo
~55,000 THB
  • 2 bed / 2 bath, 110-145 sqm
  • Sea views + sunset views
  • 100m walk to Kata Noi Beach
  • 3 communal pools, Balinese style
  • Gated, no private pool
Siam Real Estate
🔍
Browse More
FazWazThailand-PropertySiam Real Estate

Same Budget. Different Life.

What $5,500/mo buys in each location.

Potts Point, Sydney

15 Bayswater Rd, 8th Floor
$5,500/mo
  • 🏙 2 bed / 2 bath apartment, ~100 sqm
  • 🌃 Harbour views to Manly (8th floor)
  • ☀ Balcony + sun room
  • 👚 Walk-in closet
  • 📦 Storage ($350/mo extra)
  • 🏊 Pool next door (5 min walk, shared)
  • 🌇 City sunset views (pretty good)
  • ✗ No outdoor living
  • ✗ Cold in winter

Kamala, Phuket

Pool villa, walkable to beach + village
$3,000/mo
  • 🏙 2 bed / 2 bath villa, 100-150 sqm
  • 🌴 Tropical garden, mountain backdrop
  • ✓ Private pool
  • ✓ Large outdoor terrace / deck
  • ✓ Walk to beach in 5-10 min
  • ✓ Walk to village shops + restaurants
  • ✓ Ensuite + walk-in possible
  • ✓ Sunset at beach every night
  • ✓ $2,500/mo left over

Full Cost of Living

Everything, not just rent. Two people, lived-in lifestyle.

Sydney (Potts Point)
$11,820
🏠 Rent
$5,100
📦 Storage garage
$350
🍳 Groceries
$1,100
🍴 Dining out / takeaway
$1,400
⚡ Electricity + gas
$320
📡 Internet + mobile (x2)
$220
🚗 Transport (Uber, buses)
$350
🩺 Health insurance (couple)
$380
💊 GP, dental, physio
$150
💪 Fitness (PT + Pilates)
$650
🎦 Subscriptions / entertainment
$300
👗 Personal / clothing
$400
🛠 Household / misc
$200
🏆 Melbourne Cup
$580
✈ Other trips
$320
Total per month
$11,820
Two people, Potts Point lifestyle. Melbourne Cup: flights, hotel, races, outfits (~$7k/yr). Other trips averaged ~$4k/yr. Dining 2-3x/week at mid-range restaurants.
Phuket (Kamala)
$8,250
🏠 Villa rent
$3,000
🍳 Groceries
$700
🍴 Dining out / takeaway
$800
⚡ Electricity + water + pool
$450
📡 Internet + mobile (x2)
$60
🚗 2x scooters + fuel + Grab
$200
🩺 Health insurance (intl, couple)
$550
💊 Doctor, dental, pharmacy
$60
💪 Fitness (gym, PT, classes)
$200
🎦 Subscriptions / entertainment
$250
👗 Personal / clothing
$250
🛠 Household / misc
$130
🧹 Cleaner + laundry
$200
✈ Flights (SYD, MEL Cup, K's MEL)
$850
🌎 Trips (SIN, Vietnam, Thai)
$400
📄 Visa extensions / TM30
$150
Total per month
$8,250
Scooters: buy 2x Honda Click (~$5.5k), resell 60-70% on exit. Flights home: 2x SYD return + Melbourne Cup (both fly back) + Kathryn MEL 2-3x for Yve. Trips: Singapore for work, Vietnam, Thai islands/Chiang Mai - all cheap from Phuket.
Sydney all-in
$11,820
Phuket all-in
$8,250
Monthly saving
$3,570
Annual saving
$42,840
Executive Sublet + Pool Villa in Phuket
Save $2,250/mo
$25-30k per year while keeping the Sydney apartment
Sydney Out
-$5,700
Exec Sublet In
+$6,000
Net Sydney
~ Breakeven
Phuket All-In
-$3,400
Total Housing
~$3,200
vs Current
Save ~$2,300

The Bayswater Rd Play

Keep the apartment. Sublet furnished. Come back to it in 1-2 years.

Executive Furnished Sublet

Potts Point, 8th floor, harbour views, 2BR/2BA, fully furnished. Executive stays in this location command $1,300-1,400/week.

Move belongings to long-term storage near the airport (~$550/mo). Drop the current building garage.

Requires Ballard/landlord written consent. NSW law generally requires landlord not unreasonably refuse.

Current rent-$5,100/mo
Long-term storage (near airport)-$550/mo
Old garage (dropped)Saved $350
Exec sublet (~$1,350/wk)+~$6,000/mo
Net Sydney~ Breakeven to +$350
Phuket villa rent-$3,000/mo
Phuket utilities / pool-$400/mo
Total housing (both places)~$3,200/mo
vs current $5,500Save ~$2,300/mo

Or Just... Visit?

4 luxury resort weeks a year vs uprooting your life. Honest comparison.

Option A - Visit

Quarterly luxury trips

Stay in Sydney. Fly up 4x a year, 1 week each. Novotel-level pool villa.
$13,500
/mo all-in
28
Days in Thailand
$857
Per day in Thailand
$6k
Per trip (1 week)
$162k
Annual total
  • ✓ No disruption - keep your life
  • ✓ Resort-level luxury (staff, service)
  • ✓ No visa, no sublet, no logistics
  • ✓ Harbour-view apartment waiting at home
  • ✗ $63k/yr more expensive
  • ✗ 337 fewer days in Thailand
  • ✗ Still paying full Sydney rent year-round
  • ✗ Holiday mode, not living mode
Option B - Move

Move for 12-18 months

Sublet Bayswater Rd. Pool villa in Kamala. Come back for Cup + visits.
$8,250
/mo all-in
365
Days in Thailand
$275
Per day in Thailand
$0
Net Sydney cost
$99k
Annual total
  • ✓ $63k/yr cheaper
  • ✓ Private pool villa every single day
  • ✓ Walk to beach daily, not once a quarter
  • ✓ Actually live it, not just visit
  • ✓ Singapore, Vietnam, Thai islands on your doorstep
  • ✓ Sydney apartment kept, come back anytime
  • ~ Sublet logistics + landlord approval
  • ~ Visa management (not hard, just admin)
The real question
$63k/yr
That's what you pay for the convenience of not moving
337
Extra days in Thailand
$186
Per extra day
$857
Per day visiting
$275
Per day living
Researched March 2026 - Exchange rate ~22 THB/AUD - Long-term lease pricing (12 months)
Prices vary by season and negotiation - Low season (May-Nov) = best deals
Beach photos: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY / CC BY-SA)