Koh Samui vs Panama City

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Koh Samui is roughly 9% more affordable than Panama City (index 27 vs 30, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Koh Samui
More affordable overall
9% cheaper than Panama City · Cost index: 27 vs 30

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 Index30
840Median Income /mo650
68Safety Index62
5Income Tax %15
85Internet (Mbps)95
195Coworking /mo380

Price Breakdown

Koh SamuiCategoryPanama City
$690/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
45% cheaper →
$1,260/month
$1.05/liter
Meal for One
5% cheaper →
$1.1/liter
$4.2/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
65% cheaper →
$12/meal
$32/month
Monthly Transit Pass
34% ← cheaper
$21/month
$84/month
Utilities (Monthly)
38% cheaper →
$135/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

Panama City

Internet95 Mbps
Coworking$380/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability72/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Koh Samui cheaper than Panama City?

Koh Samui is cheaper than Panama City. Koh Samui has a cost of living index of 27/100 compared to 30/100 for Panama City (New York = 100), making it roughly 9% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Koh Samui than Panama City?

Koh Samui is approximately 9% cheaper than Panama City based on cost index scores (27 vs 30, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Panama City could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,717/month in Koh Samui.

What is the rent comparison between Koh Samui and Panama City?

In Koh Samui, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $690/month. In Panama City, the equivalent is around $1,260/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Koh Samui offers 85 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$195/month. Panama City offers 95 Mbps and coworking at ~$380/month. Koh Samui has a cost advantage of 9%.

What is the average income in Koh Samui vs Panama City?

The median net monthly salary in Koh Samui is approximately $840 USD, compared to $650 USD in Panama City.

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