Koh Samui vs Barcelona

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Koh Samui is roughly 29% more affordable than Barcelona (index 27 vs 38, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Koh Samui
More affordable overall
29% cheaper than Barcelona · Cost index: 27 vs 38

Life Power at $3,000/mo

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

Head-to-Head Stats

27Cost Index38
840Median Income /mo2,300
68Safety Index78
5Income Tax %37
85Internet (Mbps)165
195Coworking /mo250

Price Breakdown

Koh SamuiCategoryBarcelona
$690/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
51% cheaper →
$1,400/month
$1.05/liter
Meal for One
24% cheaper →
$1.39/liter
$4.2/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
68% cheaper →
$13/meal
$32/month
Monthly Transit Pass
45% cheaper →
$58/month
$84/month
Utilities (Monthly)
30% cheaper →
$120/month
$56/visit
Doctor Visit
7% cheaper →
$60/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Koh Samui

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

Barcelona

Internet165 Mbps
Coworking$250/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability78/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Koh Samui cheaper than Barcelona?

Koh Samui is cheaper than Barcelona. Koh Samui has a cost of living index of 27/100 compared to 38/100 for Barcelona (New York = 100), making it roughly 29% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Koh Samui than Barcelona?

Koh Samui is approximately 29% cheaper than Barcelona based on cost index scores (27 vs 38, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Barcelona could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,118/month in Koh Samui.

What is the rent comparison between Koh Samui and Barcelona?

In Koh Samui, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $690/month. In Barcelona, the equivalent is around $1,400/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Koh Samui offers 85 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$195/month. Barcelona offers 165 Mbps and coworking at ~$250/month. Koh Samui has a cost advantage of 29%.

What is the average income in Koh Samui vs Barcelona?

The median net monthly salary in Koh Samui is approximately $840 USD, compared to $2,300 USD in Barcelona.

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