Barcelona vs Koh Samui

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Koh Samui is roughly 34% more affordable than Barcelona (index 27 vs 41, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Koh Samui
More affordable overall
34% cheaper than Barcelona · Cost index: 27 vs 41

Life Power at $3,000/mo

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

Head-to-Head Stats

41Cost Index27✓
2,385✓Median Income /mo840
76✓Safety Index68
25Income Tax %5✓
171✓Internet (Mbps)85
150✓Coworking /mo195

Price Breakdown

BarcelonaCategoryKoh Samui
$1,680/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
59% ← cheaper
$690/month
$1.53/liter
Meal for One
31% ← cheaper
$1.05/liter
$12/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
65% ← cheaper
$4.2/meal
$25/month
Monthly Transit Pass
22% cheaper →
$32/month
$209/month
Utilities (Monthly)
60% ← cheaper
$84/month
$60/visit
Doctor Visit
7% ← cheaper
$56/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Barcelona

Internet171 Mbps
Coworking$150/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitylarge
Walkability74/100

Koh Samui

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Barcelona cheaper than Koh Samui?

Koh Samui is cheaper than Barcelona. Koh Samui has a cost of living index of 27/100 compared to 41/100 for Barcelona (New York = 100), making it roughly 34% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Koh Samui than Barcelona?

Koh Samui is approximately 34% cheaper than Barcelona based on cost index scores (27 vs 41, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Barcelona could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $1,973/month in Koh Samui.

What is the rent comparison between Barcelona and Koh Samui?

In Barcelona, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,680/month. In Koh Samui, the equivalent is around $690/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Barcelona offers 171 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$150/month. Koh Samui offers 85 Mbps and coworking at ~$195/month. Koh Samui has a cost advantage of 34%.

What is the average income in Barcelona vs Koh Samui?

The median net monthly salary in Barcelona is approximately $2,385 USD, compared to $840 USD in Koh Samui.

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