Koh Samui vs Tokyo

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Koh Samui is roughly 26% more affordable than Tokyo (index 27 vs 36, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Koh Samui
More affordable overall
26% cheaper than Tokyo · Cost index: 27 vs 36

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 Index36
840Median Income /mo2,676
68Safety Index92
5Income Tax %20
85Internet (Mbps)85
195Coworking /mo200

Price Breakdown

Koh SamuiCategoryTokyo
$690/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
21% cheaper →
$870/month
$1.05/liter
Meal for One
38% cheaper →
$1.7/liter
$4.2/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
58% cheaper →
$10/meal
$32/month
Monthly Transit Pass
60% cheaper →
$80/month
$84/month
Utilities (Monthly)
38% cheaper →
$135/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

Tokyo

Internet85 Mbps
Coworking$200/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitylarge
Walkability80/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Koh Samui cheaper than Tokyo?

Koh Samui is cheaper than Tokyo. Koh Samui has a cost of living index of 27/100 compared to 36/100 for Tokyo (New York = 100), making it roughly 26% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Koh Samui than Tokyo?

Koh Samui is approximately 26% cheaper than Tokyo based on cost index scores (27 vs 36, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Tokyo could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,215/month in Koh Samui.

What is the rent comparison between Koh Samui and Tokyo?

In Koh Samui, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $690/month. In Tokyo, the equivalent is around $870/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Koh Samui offers 85 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$195/month. Tokyo offers 85 Mbps and coworking at ~$200/month. Koh Samui has a cost advantage of 26%.

What is the average income in Koh Samui vs Tokyo?

The median net monthly salary in Koh Samui is approximately $840 USD, compared to $2,676 USD in Tokyo.

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