Koh Samui vs San Juan

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Koh Samui is roughly 8% more affordable than San Juan (index 27 vs 29, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Koh Samui
More affordable overall
8% cheaper than San Juan · Cost index: 27 vs 29

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 Index29
840Median Income /mo3,200
68Safety Index58
5Income Tax %18
85Internet (Mbps)100
195Coworking /mo200

Price Breakdown

Koh SamuiCategorySan Juan
$690/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
64% cheaper →
$1,900/month
$1.05/liter
Meal for One
19% cheaper →
$1.3/liter
$4.2/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
65% cheaper →
$12/meal
$32/month
Monthly Transit Pass
6% ← cheaper
$30/month
$84/month
Utilities (Monthly)
76% cheaper →
$352/month
$56/visit
Doctor Visit
44% cheaper →
$100/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Koh Samui

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

San Juan

Internet100 Mbps
Coworking$200/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability72/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Koh Samui cheaper than San Juan?

Koh Samui is cheaper than San Juan. Koh Samui has a cost of living index of 27/100 compared to 29/100 for San Juan (New York = 100), making it roughly 8% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Koh Samui than San Juan?

Koh Samui is approximately 8% cheaper than San Juan based on cost index scores (27 vs 29, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in San Juan could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,769/month in Koh Samui.

What is the rent comparison between Koh Samui and San Juan?

In Koh Samui, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $690/month. In San Juan, the equivalent is around $1,900/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Koh Samui offers 85 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$195/month. San Juan offers 100 Mbps and coworking at ~$200/month. Koh Samui has a cost advantage of 8%.

What is the average income in Koh Samui vs San Juan?

The median net monthly salary in Koh Samui is approximately $840 USD, compared to $3,200 USD in San Juan.

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