Koh Samui vs Busan

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

Busan
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

27Cost Index25
840Median Income /mo2,550
68Safety Index74
5Income Tax %18
85Internet (Mbps)101
195Coworking /mo150

Price Breakdown

Koh SamuiCategoryBusan
$690/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
5% ← cheaper
$655/month
$1.05/liter
Meal for One
49% cheaper →
$2.05/liter
$4.2/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
58% cheaper →
$10/meal
$32/month
Monthly Transit Pass
41% cheaper →
$54/month
$84/month
Utilities (Monthly)
51% cheaper →
$173/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

Busan

Internet101 Mbps
Coworking$150/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability60/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Koh Samui cheaper than Busan?

Busan is cheaper than Koh Samui. Busan 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 Busan than Koh Samui?

Busan 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 Busan.

What is the rent comparison between Koh Samui and Busan?

In Koh Samui, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $690/month. In Busan, the equivalent is around $655/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Koh Samui offers 85 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$195/month. Busan offers 101 Mbps and coworking at ~$150/month. Busan has a cost advantage of 6%.

What is the average income in Koh Samui vs Busan?

The median net monthly salary in Koh Samui is approximately $840 USD, compared to $2,550 USD in Busan.

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