Tokyo vs Koh Samui

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

63Cost Index27✓
2,800✓Median Income /mo840
88✓Safety Index68
23Income Tax %5✓
90✓Internet (Mbps)85
180✓Coworking /mo195

Price Breakdown

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

Digital Nomad Profile

Tokyo

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

Koh Samui

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tokyo cheaper than Koh Samui?

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 Tokyo and Koh Samui?

In Tokyo, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,247/month. In Koh Samui, the equivalent is around $690/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Tokyo offers 90 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$180/month. Koh Samui offers 85 Mbps and coworking at ~$195/month. Koh Samui has a cost advantage of 57%.

What is the average income in Tokyo vs Koh Samui?

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

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