Koh Samui vs Osaka

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Osaka is roughly 4% more affordable than Koh Samui (index 26 vs 27, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Osaka
More affordable overall
4% cheaper than Koh Samui · Cost index: 26 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 Index26✓
840Median Income /mo2,760✓
68Safety Index86✓
5✓Income Tax %20
85Internet (Mbps)200✓
195Coworking /mo170✓

Price Breakdown

Koh SamuiCategoryOsaka
$690/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
23% ← cheaper
$533/month
$1.05/liter
Meal for One
24% ← cheaper
$0.8/liter
$4.2/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
58% cheaper →
$10/meal
$32/month
Monthly Transit Pass
32% cheaper →
$47/month
$84/month
Utilities (Monthly)
16% cheaper →
$100/month
$56/visit
Doctor Visit
11% ← cheaper
$50/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Koh Samui

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

Osaka

Internet200 Mbps
Coworking$170/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability72/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Koh Samui cheaper than Osaka?

Osaka is cheaper than Koh Samui. Osaka has a cost of living index of 26/100 compared to 27/100 for Koh Samui (New York = 100), making it roughly 4% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Osaka than Koh Samui?

Osaka is approximately 4% cheaper than Koh Samui based on cost index scores (26 vs 27, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Koh Samui could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,875/month in Osaka.

What is the rent comparison between Koh Samui and Osaka?

In Koh Samui, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $690/month. In Osaka, the equivalent is around $533/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Koh Samui offers 85 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$195/month. Osaka offers 200 Mbps and coworking at ~$170/month. Osaka has a cost advantage of 4%.

What is the average income in Koh Samui vs Osaka?

The median net monthly salary in Koh Samui is approximately $840 USD, compared to $2,760 USD in Osaka.

Compare Koh Samui with…

Popular head-to-heads — see exactly where Koh Samui wins or loses.

Cities that cost about the same as Koh Samui

Same spending tier, different part of the world — the head-to-heads people actually weigh when relocating.

Explore this comparison interactively

See radar charts, detailed category breakdowns, and compare any two cities in real time.

Free to start · No credit card needed