Beijing vs Koh Samui

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Beijing is roughly 6% more affordable than Koh Samui (index 25 vs 27, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Beijing
More affordable overall
6% cheaper than Koh Samui · Cost index: 25 vs 27

Life Power at $3,000/mo

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

Head-to-Head Stats

25Cost Index27
2,200Median Income /mo840
66Safety Index68
30Income Tax %5
87Internet (Mbps)85
300Coworking /mo195

Price Breakdown

BeijingCategoryKoh Samui
$1,055/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
35% ← cheaper
$690/month
$0.85/liter
Meal for One
19% cheaper →
$1.05/liter
$5/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
16% ← cheaper
$4.2/meal
$25/month
Monthly Transit Pass
22% cheaper →
$32/month
$53/month
Utilities (Monthly)
37% cheaper →
$84/month
$60/visit
Doctor Visit
7% ← cheaper
$56/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Beijing

Internet87 Mbps
Coworking$300/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability70/100

Koh Samui

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Beijing cheaper than Koh Samui?

Beijing is cheaper than Koh Samui. Beijing has a cost of living index of 25/100 compared to 27/100 for Koh Samui (New York = 100), making it roughly 6% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Beijing than Koh Samui?

Beijing is approximately 6% cheaper than Koh Samui based on cost index scores (25 vs 27, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Koh Samui could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,813/month in Beijing.

What is the rent comparison between Beijing and Koh Samui?

In Beijing, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,055/month. In Koh Samui, the equivalent is around $690/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Beijing offers 87 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$300/month. Koh Samui offers 85 Mbps and coworking at ~$195/month. Beijing has a cost advantage of 6%.

What is the average income in Beijing vs Koh Samui?

The median net monthly salary in Beijing is approximately $2,200 USD, compared to $840 USD in Koh Samui.

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