Austin vs Koh Samui

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Koh Samui is roughly 51% more affordable than Austin (index 27 vs 55, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Koh Samui
More affordable overall
51% cheaper than Austin · Cost index: 27 vs 55

Life Power at $3,000/mo

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

Head-to-Head Stats

55Cost Index27✓
4,375✓Median Income /mo840
45Safety Index68✓
0✓Income Tax %5
184✓Internet (Mbps)85
350Coworking /mo195✓

Price Breakdown

AustinCategoryKoh Samui
$2,814/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
75% ← cheaper
$690/month
$1.1/liter
Meal for One
5% ← cheaper
$1.05/liter
$18/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
77% ← cheaper
$4.2/meal
$41.25/month
Monthly Transit Pass
22% ← cheaper
$32/month
$172.6/month
Utilities (Monthly)
51% ← cheaper
$84/month
$120/visit
Doctor Visit
53% ← cheaper
$56/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Austin

Internet184 Mbps
Coworking$350/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability68/100

Koh Samui

Internet85 Mbps
Coworking$195/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability55/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Austin cheaper than Koh Samui?

Koh Samui is cheaper than Austin. Koh Samui has a cost of living index of 27/100 compared to 55/100 for Austin (New York = 100), making it roughly 51% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Koh Samui than Austin?

Koh Samui is approximately 51% cheaper than Austin based on cost index scores (27 vs 55, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Austin could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $1,469/month in Koh Samui.

What is the rent comparison between Austin and Koh Samui?

In Austin, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $2,814/month. In Koh Samui, the equivalent is around $690/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Austin or Koh Samui?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Austin offers 184 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$350/month. Koh Samui offers 85 Mbps and coworking at ~$195/month. Koh Samui has a cost advantage of 51%.

What is the average income in Austin vs Koh Samui?

The median net monthly salary in Austin is approximately $4,375 USD, compared to $840 USD in Koh Samui.

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