Tulum vs Koh Samui
Cost of living comparison for 2026. Koh Samui is roughly 8% more affordable than Tulum (index 27 vs 29, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.
Life Power at $3,000/mo
The same salary ranks differently depending on where you live — from Beggar to King.
Head-to-Head Stats
Price Breakdown
Digital Nomad Profile
Tulum
Koh Samui
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tulum cheaper than Koh Samui?
Koh Samui is cheaper than Tulum. Koh Samui has a cost of living index of 27/100 compared to 29/100 for Tulum (New York = 100), making it roughly 8% more affordable overall.
How much cheaper is Koh Samui than Tulum?
Koh Samui is approximately 8% cheaper than Tulum based on cost index scores (27 vs 29, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Tulum could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,769/month in Koh Samui.
What is the rent comparison between Tulum and Koh Samui?
In Tulum, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $775/month. In Koh Samui, the equivalent is around $690/month.
Which city is better for digital nomads — Tulum or Koh Samui?
Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Tulum offers 60 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$300/month. Koh Samui offers 85 Mbps and coworking at ~$195/month. Koh Samui has a cost advantage of 8%.
What is the average income in Tulum vs Koh Samui?
The median net monthly salary in Tulum is approximately $846 USD, compared to $840 USD in Koh Samui.
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