Koh Samui vs Rio de Janeiro

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

Rio de Janeiro
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✓
840✓Median Income /mo725
68✓Safety Index30
5✓Income Tax %27.5
85Internet (Mbps)121✓
195✓Coworking /mo270

Price Breakdown

Koh SamuiCategoryRio de Janeiro
$690/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
24% cheaper →
$910/month
$1.05/liter
Meal for One
19% cheaper →
$1.3/liter
$4.2/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
40% cheaper →
$7/meal
$32/month
Monthly Transit Pass
44% cheaper →
$57/month
$84/month
Utilities (Monthly)
31% cheaper →
$121/month
$56/visit
Doctor Visit
14% cheaper →
$65/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Koh Samui

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

Rio de Janeiro

Internet121 Mbps
Coworking$270/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishlow
Communitygrowing
Walkability65/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Koh Samui cheaper than Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro is cheaper than Koh Samui. Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro than Koh Samui?

Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro.

What is the rent comparison between Koh Samui and Rio de Janeiro?

In Koh Samui, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $690/month. In Rio de Janeiro, the equivalent is around $910/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Koh Samui or Rio de Janeiro?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Koh Samui offers 85 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$195/month. Rio de Janeiro offers 121 Mbps and coworking at ~$270/month. Rio de Janeiro has a cost advantage of 4%.

What is the average income in Koh Samui vs Rio de Janeiro?

The median net monthly salary in Koh Samui is approximately $840 USD, compared to $725 USD in Rio de Janeiro.

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