Monterrey vs Koh Samui

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Koh Samui is roughly 14% more affordable than Monterrey (index 27 vs 31, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Koh Samui
More affordable overall
14% cheaper than Monterrey · Cost index: 27 vs 31

Life Power at $3,000/mo

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

Head-to-Head Stats

31Cost Index27✓
1,106✓Median Income /mo840
52Safety Index68✓
20Income Tax %5✓
86✓Internet (Mbps)85
250Coworking /mo195✓

Price Breakdown

MonterreyCategoryKoh Samui
$1,021/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
32% ← cheaper
$690/month
$1.7/liter
Meal for One
38% ← cheaper
$1.05/liter
$14/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
70% ← cheaper
$4.2/meal
$35/month
Monthly Transit Pass
9% ← cheaper
$32/month
$110/month
Utilities (Monthly)
24% ← cheaper
$84/month
$40/visit
Doctor Visit
29% cheaper →
$56/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Monterrey

Internet86 Mbps
Coworking$250/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability70/100

Koh Samui

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Monterrey cheaper than Koh Samui?

Koh Samui is cheaper than Monterrey. Koh Samui has a cost of living index of 27/100 compared to 31/100 for Monterrey (New York = 100), making it roughly 14% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Koh Samui than Monterrey?

Koh Samui is approximately 14% cheaper than Monterrey based on cost index scores (27 vs 31, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Monterrey could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,571/month in Koh Samui.

What is the rent comparison between Monterrey and Koh Samui?

In Monterrey, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,021/month. In Koh Samui, the equivalent is around $690/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Monterrey offers 86 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$250/month. Koh Samui offers 85 Mbps and coworking at ~$195/month. Koh Samui has a cost advantage of 14%.

What is the average income in Monterrey vs Koh Samui?

The median net monthly salary in Monterrey is approximately $1,106 USD, compared to $840 USD in Koh Samui.

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