Koh Samui vs Tokyo

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Koh Samui is roughly 57% more affordable than Tokyo (index 27 vs 63, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Koh Samui
More affordable overall
57% cheaper than Tokyo · Cost index: 27 vs 63

Life Power at $3,000/mo

The same salary ranks differently depending on where you live — from Beggar to King.

Head-to-Head Stats

27✓Cost Index63
840Median Income /mo2,800✓
68Safety Index88✓
5✓Income Tax %23
85Internet (Mbps)90✓
195Coworking /mo180✓

Price Breakdown

Koh SamuiCategoryTokyo
$690/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
45% cheaper →
$1,247/month
$1.05/liter
Meal for One
52% cheaper →
$2.2/liter
$4.2/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
65% cheaper →
$12/meal
$32/month
Monthly Transit Pass
54% cheaper →
$70/month
$84/month
Utilities (Monthly)
43% cheaper →
$147/month
$56/visit
Doctor Visit
20% cheaper →
$70/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Koh Samui

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

Tokyo

Internet90 Mbps
Coworking$180/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishmoderate
Communitylarge
Walkability78/100

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 63/100 for Tokyo (New York = 100), making it roughly 57% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Koh Samui than Tokyo?

Koh Samui is approximately 57% cheaper than Tokyo based on cost index scores (27 vs 63, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Tokyo could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $1,286/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 $1,247/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 90 Mbps and coworking at ~$180/month. Koh Samui has a cost advantage of 57%.

What is the average income in Koh Samui vs Tokyo?

The median net monthly salary in Koh Samui is approximately $840 USD, compared to $2,800 USD in Tokyo.

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