Cost of living in Koh Samui

เกาะสมุย · Gulf islands · Island living

Koh Samui costs around ฿46,500 per month for a comfortable single person (about ฿1,530 per day); groceries and utilities run higher than the mainland.

~300 Mbps fibre Best for: Island-first families and remote workers with margin

A full island economy with a private hospital, international schools and an airport — island prices apply to everything imported.

Monthly budget breakdown in Koh Samui

Median monthly cost of living in Koh Samui by category, in Thai baht
CategoryPer month (THB)Share
Rent (1-bedroom)฿18,00039%
Utilities & internet฿3,4007%
Food & groceries฿12,00026%
Transport฿3,6008%
Healthcare & insurance฿2,6006%
Leisure & fitness฿4,80010%
Visa, SIM & misc฿2,1005%
Total per month฿46,500100%
Per day
฿1,530
Per week
฿10,731
Per year
฿558,000

Three ways to live in Koh Samui

Lean long-stay

฿30,000
per month

Inland studio, scooter, Thai food

Comfortable

฿46,500
per month

1BR with pool, car rental part-time

Premium

฿110,000
per month

Sea-view villa, school fees extra

Why people choose Koh Samui

  • Airport on the island
  • Bangkok Hospital Samui
  • Strong villa rental market

What to watch out for

  • Imported goods cost more
  • Expensive flights
  • Waste and water pressure in peak season

Where to live in Koh Samui

BophutMaenamLamaiChaweng Noi

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Compare with other cities

Figures are editorial median estimates for 2026 in Thai baht and will vary by season, neighbourhood and lifestyle. Always verify visa and healthcare requirements with official sources.