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Koh Samui, Thailand

Follows Thailand Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$1,650
Retiree Score
86.0
Safety Index
82.5
Healthcare
15 facilities

The local population of Koh Samui is around 62,500, but the actual number of residents swells to over 200,000 during peak tourism season. This tropical island's rapid development into a major resort destination has brought both prosperity and challenges. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the municipality's status shifting multiple times since the 1950s. And the island's tropical climate has led to recurring dengue fever outbreaks that have strained the healthcare system. Koh Samui is best suited for tourists seeking a beachside escape, not those looking to put down permanent roots.

Can I afford Koh Samui?

$

Koh Samui

You could save

1,350/mo

Savings Rate45%

Monthly Costs

Rent $800
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$850

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
45/100
Retiree Score
(i)
86/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
53/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Thailand Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
83
Safety
15
Healthcare
100
Walkability
65
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $2
Bread (loaf) *$1
Eggs (12) $2
Rice (1kg) *$1
Chicken (1kg) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$5
Meal (Mid-range) $95
Cappuccino $2
Water (0.33L) *$0

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $84
Mobile Plan (mo) $11
Gym (mo) *$38
Cinema Ticket $8

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $480
1BR Outside (mo) *$169
3BR Center (mo) $900
3BR Outside (mo) *$407

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Widely Spoken
Expat Community
Large & Active
Top Neighborhoods
Fisherman’s Village, Bophut, Choeng Mon
Best For
retirees, families, digital nomads

Expat Life Notes

A massive expat destination in Thailand. Koh Samui offers a developed island lifestyle with international hospitals, schools, and malls.

Pros

  • ✓ Island paradise vibes
  • ✓ Modern infrastructure
  • ✓ Huge expat network

Cons

  • ✗ Rising prices
  • ✗ Traffic and road safety
  • ✗ Tourist crowds

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
—
Annual Rainfall
1445 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec

Also Consider

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Koh Samui

Click any question to expand the answer.

Koh Samui has a population of approximately 62,500 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $2,000 per month in Koh Samui, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $800/month.

The nearest airport to Koh Samui is USM, approximately 9km away.

Koh Samui is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 82.5. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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