Koh Samui vs Buenos Aires

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Koh Samui is roughly 23% more affordable than Buenos Aires (index 27 vs 35, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Koh Samui
More affordable overall
23% cheaper than Buenos Aires · Cost index: 27 vs 35

Life Power at $3,000/mo

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

Head-to-Head Stats

27✓Cost Index35
840✓Median Income /mo800
68✓Safety Index62
5✓Income Tax %20
85Internet (Mbps)85
195Coworking /mo150✓

Price Breakdown

Koh SamuiCategoryBuenos Aires
$690/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
11% cheaper →
$778/month
$1.05/liter
Meal for One
26% cheaper →
$1.42/liter
$4.2/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
65% cheaper →
$12/meal
$32/month
Monthly Transit Pass
22% ← cheaper
$25/month
$84/month
Utilities (Monthly)
61% cheaper →
$215/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

Buenos Aires

Internet85 Mbps
Coworking$150/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitylarge
Walkability75/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Koh Samui cheaper than Buenos Aires?

Koh Samui is cheaper than Buenos Aires. Koh Samui has a cost of living index of 27/100 compared to 35/100 for Buenos Aires (New York = 100), making it roughly 23% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Koh Samui than Buenos Aires?

Koh Samui is approximately 23% cheaper than Buenos Aires based on cost index scores (27 vs 35, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Buenos Aires could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,323/month in Koh Samui.

What is the rent comparison between Koh Samui and Buenos Aires?

In Koh Samui, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $690/month. In Buenos Aires, the equivalent is around $778/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Koh Samui offers 85 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$195/month. Buenos Aires offers 85 Mbps and coworking at ~$150/month. Koh Samui has a cost advantage of 23%.

What is the average income in Koh Samui vs Buenos Aires?

The median net monthly salary in Koh Samui is approximately $840 USD, compared to $800 USD in Buenos Aires.

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