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Cost of living in Koh Samui
Rent, everyday prices and the gross salary you may need to cover living costs in Koh Samui.
One person, a month
THB 21,713
Living costs excluding rent
Family of four, a month
THB 78,000
Living costs excluding rent
One-bedroom rent, centre
THB 28,347
A month
Gross salary, one person
THB 467,000
to cover living costs in Koh Samui
Koh Samui's cost of living at a glance
Koh Samui is the most expensive city in Thailand and one of the most expensive cities in Asia. The estimated monthly costs for a single person in Koh Samui are THB 21,713, excluding rent. Living costs for a family of four are THB 78,000 a month, excluding rent.
A single person in Koh Samui may need a gross salary of at least THB 467,000 a year to cover estimated living costs, renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre and saving nothing.
One person's monthly costs
Numbeo household estimate in THB, with the rent of a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre
Source: Numbeo, 1 June 2026.
How Koh Samui compares
One person's monthly costs in Koh Samui, excluding rent, are 5.4% higher than in the typical city in Thailand and 28.3% lower than in the typical city worldwide.
Where Koh Samui ranks
In Thailand
1st of 10
One person's monthly costs including rent, most expensive first.
In Asia
68th of 407
Cities in Asia with a Numbeo estimate, most expensive first.
Worldwide
43rd percentile
Costs the same as or more than 43% of 1,942 cities: a relatively affordable city.
One-bedroom rent, centre
1st of 10
Cities in Thailand, most expensive first.
Monthly costs against the typical city
- Koh Samui
- Typical national city
- Typical city worldwide
Tap a line or a table row to read its three amounts.
| Monthly cost | Koh Samui | Typical national city | Typical city worldwide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | THB 28,347 | THB 16,817 +68.6% | THB 24,952 +13.6% |
| Groceries | THB 8,178 | THB 7,589 +7.8% | THB 9,441 −13.4% |
| Eating out | THB 2,792 | THB 2,510 +11.2% | THB 5,316 −47.5% |
| Transport | THB 1,549 | THB 786 +97.0% | THB 1,344 +15.2% |
| Utilities | THB 2,940 | THB 3,069 −4.2% | THB 5,869 −49.9% |
| Leisure | THB 1,738 | THB 2,272 −23.5% | THB 2,083 −16.5% |
| Total excluding rent | THB 21,713 | THB 20,594 +5.4% | THB 30,297 −28.3% |
| Total including rent | THB 50,059 | THB 37,994 +31.8% | THB 56,227 −11.0% |
Typical = the median of 10 cities in Thailand and 1,942 cities worldwide.
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Explore prices in Koh Samui
The average price for each item, and the range from the lowest to the highest price people have reported.
Renting in Koh Samui
Koh Samui is the most expensive city in Thailand for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre. The next most expensive city in Thailand is Phuket.
A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs THB 28,347 a month.
Outside the centre, a one-bedroom apartment typically costs THB 14,428 a month.
A one-bedroom apartment in the centre is around 96% more expensive to rent than one outside the centre.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment in the city centre Monthly rent | THB 28,347 | THB 13,422– |
| 1-bed apartment outside the centre Monthly rent | THB 14,428 | THB 8,776– |
| 3-bed apartment in the city centre Monthly rent | THB 61,947 | THB 30,973– |
| 3-bed apartment outside the centre Monthly rent | THB 47,621 | THB 25,811– |
| Price per m² in the city centre | THB 67,109 | THB 46,460– |
| Price per m² outside the centre | THB 46,460 | THB 46,460–THB 46,460 |
Cost of everyday items in Koh Samui
Groceries in Koh Samui are around 5% more expensive than the average for Thailand, while eating out is around 9% more expensive than the country average.
A litre of milk typically costs THB 50.41.
A 500g loaf of fresh white bread typically costs THB 55.45.
A pack of 20 cigarettes typically costs THB 145.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Milk, 1 litre | THB 50.41 | THB 39.32– |
| Fresh white bread, 500g | THB 55.45 | THB 30.92– |
| Eggs, 12 large | THB 72.25 | THB 49.40– |
| Local cheese, 1kg | THB 674 | THB 361– |
| Chicken fillets, 1kg | THB 78.97 | THB 61.84– |
| Beef round, 1kg | THB 384 | THB 289– |
| Apples, 1kg | THB 101 | THB 46.38– |
| Oranges, 1kg | THB 75.95 | THB 41.34– |
| Potatoes, 1kg | THB 51.42 | THB 36.29– |
| Lettuce, 1 head | THB 37.30 | THB 20.50– |
| White rice, 1kg | THB 51.75 | THB 20.50– |
| Tomatoes, 1kg | THB 72.93 | THB 46.38– |
| Bananas, 1kg | THB 37.97 | THB 20.50– |
| Onions, 1kg | THB 46.71 | THB 20.50– |
| Water, 1.5 litre bottle | THB 16.47 | THB 8.40– |
| Mid-range bottle of wine | THB 516 | THB 413– |
| Domestic beer, 0.5 litre bottle | THB 60.83 | THB 41.34– |
| Imported beer, 0.33 litre bottle | THB 102 | THB 72.25– |
| Cigarettes, 20 pack | THB 145 | THB 82.67– |
Eating out in Koh Samui
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | THB 155 | THB 92.75– |
| Three-course meal for two | THB 1,032 | THB 826– |
| Fast food combo meal | THB 310 | THB 258– |
| Domestic beer, 0.5 litre draught | THB 72.25 | THB 56.79– |
| Imported beer, 0.33 litre bottle | THB 124 | THB 72.25– |
| Soft drink, 0.33 litre bottle | THB 25.20 | THB 16.47– |
| Water, 0.33 litre bottle | THB 15.46 | THB 8.40– |
| Cappuccino | THB 71.58 | THB 30.92– |
Transport in Koh Samui
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| One-way public transport ticket | THB 51.75 | Not available |
| Monthly public transport pass | THB 1,549 | Not available |
| Gasoline, 1 litre | THB 47.05 | THB 36.29– |
| Taxi start | THB 103 | THB 46.38– |
| Taxi, per km | THB 36.29 | THB 15.46– |
| Taxi waiting, 1 hour | THB 132 | THB 91.74– |
| Volkswagen Golf, new | THB 929,198 | THB 722,710– |
| Toyota Corolla sedan, new | THB 923,004 | THB 923,004–THB 923,004 |
Utilities in Koh Samui
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment Monthly | THB 2,805 | THB 1,600– |
| Broadband internet Monthly | THB 618 | THB 516– |
| Mobile phone plan Monthly | THB 397 | THB 206– |
How is Koh Samui for families?
A family of four with two adults and two children may need a gross household income of THB 1,693,000 a year in Koh Samui, excluding childcare costs.
Private preschool or kindergarten typically costs THB 19,301 a month.
A three-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs THB 61,947 a month.
Koh Samui scores 74/100 on Numbeo's safety index.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Family of four, excluding rent Monthly, Numbeo household estimate | THB 78,000 | Not applicable |
| Family of four, including rent Monthly, Numbeo household estimate | THB 139,946 | Not applicable |
| Private preschool or kindergarten Monthly | THB 19,301 | THB 12,045– |
| International primary school Annual | THB 275,293 | THB 175,515– |
Leisure and clothing in Koh Samui
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Gym membership Monthly | THB 1,273 | THB 1,032– |
| Tennis court rental, 1 hour | THB 464 | THB 310– |
| Cinema ticket | THB 269 | THB 206– |
| Jeans | THB 1,445 | THB 1,032– |
| Summer dress from a chain store | THB 997 | THB 825– |
| Nike running shoes | THB 3,284 | THB 1,549– |
| Men's leather business shoes | THB 3,054 | THB 2,065– |
Source: Numbeo, 1 June 2026.
What salary do I need to live in Koh Samui?
By combining Numbeo's living-cost estimates with the tax rates in Thailand, we can estimate the gross salary you would need to live in Koh Samui. Use the calculator below to see how much you would need to live in Koh Samui, and where your money goes.
Recommended gross salary
THB 467,379
Needed to support 1 adult and no children in Koh Samui, living in a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre.
- Take-home pay
- THB 433,691
- Living costs
- THB 433,691
- Tax and contributions
- THB 33,688
Where your salary goes
- Living costsTHB 433,69192.8%
- Income tax and contributionsTHB 33,6887.2%
| Operator | Item | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Gross salary | THB 467,379 | |
| − | Income tax and contributions | THB 33,688 |
| = | Take-home pay | THB 433,691 |
| − | Rent | THB 173,141 |
| − | Groceries | THB 98,132 |
| − | Eating out | THB 33,504 |
| − | Transport | THB 18,583 |
| − | Utilities | THB 35,274 |
| − | Leisure | THB 20,857 |
| − | Other estimated costs | THB 54,200 |
| = | Left over: savings target | THB 0 |
THB 467,379 gross salary modelled as one employment income gives a 7.2% effective tax rate and THB 33,688 estimated deductions a year. Use our salary tax calculator for a more detailed estimate.
What the estimate includes
- Rent for your housing choice and Numbeo's household living costs for your household size
- National income tax for 2026
- Employee social contributions
What it doesn't include
- Regional, state or local income tax
- Joint filing, partner income and household allowances
- Age, pension, expat-regime or special-residency rules
- Bonuses, benefits and other income
- Child care or school unless you choose it
Don't agree with our estimates? Help us improve our cost-of-living model.
How each cost is worked out
Rent. The selected one-bedroom apartment outside the centre in Koh Samui costs an estimated THB 14,428 per month. THB 14,428 per month × 12 months = THB 173,141 a year.
Groceries. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Koh Samui spends an estimated THB 8,178 on groceries per month. THB 8,178 per month × 12 months = THB 98,132 a year.
Eating out. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Koh Samui spends an estimated THB 2,792 on eating out per month. THB 2,792 per month × 12 months = THB 33,504 a year.
Transport. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Koh Samui spends an estimated THB 1,549 on transport per month. THB 1,549 per month × 12 months = THB 18,583 a year.
Utilities. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Koh Samui spends an estimated THB 2,940 on utilities per month. THB 2,940 per month × 12 months = THB 35,274 a year.
Leisure. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Koh Samui spends an estimated THB 1,738 on leisure per month. THB 1,738 per month × 12 months = THB 20,857 a year.
Other estimated costs. Numbeo's household estimate for miscellaneous costs: this may include things like clothing, shoes and entertainment costs. THB 4,517 per month × 12 months = THB 54,200 a year.
See the prices behind each category · How living costs and salaries are calculated
Tax estimate assumptions
Tax year 2026. One resident employee and one employment income are assumed. Rates stable since 2013. Does not apply the employment income deduction (50% of income, max THB 100,000) or personal allowance (THB 60,000). Social security cap increased to THB 17,500/month from January 2026 (max contribution THB 875/month). Social security contributions are deductible from taxable income.
Important
This calculator gives an estimate of the income needed to cover living costs. It is not tax, legal or financial advice. It uses Numbeo prices as of 1 June 2026, Thailand's tax rules for 2026 and Wise exchange rates of 21 October 2026, and models one employment income. Check your figures with the salary tax calculator or the official rules in PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries / Thai Revenue Department.
Figures for 1 adult, outside the centre, no savings target.
Cost of living in Koh Samui: common questions
Is Koh Samui expensive to live in?
Koh Samui is the most expensive city in Thailand and one of the most expensive cities in Asia.
A single person spends about THB 21,713 a month excluding rent, against THB 20,594 in the typical city in Thailand (the median of 10 cities, Numbeo, as of 1 June 2026).
Worldwide, Koh Samui costs the same as or more than 43% of the 1,942 cities with a Numbeo household estimate, which makes it a relatively affordable city.
What salary do you need to live in Koh Samui?
A single person may need a gross salary of at least THB 467,000 a year to cover estimated living costs in Koh Samui, renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre and saving nothing.
This is an estimate from Numbeo prices as of 1 June 2026 and Thailand's tax rules for 2026. Use the salary calculator to add your household, housing and a savings target.
How much is rent in Koh Samui?
A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs THB 28,347 a month, and THB 14,428 outside the centre, according to Numbeo averages as of 1 June 2026.
A three-bedroom apartment costs about THB 61,947 a month in the centre and THB 47,621 outside it.
Koh Samui is the most expensive city in Thailand for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre.
How much does a family spend in Koh Samui?
A family of four spends about THB 78,000 a month on living costs excluding rent, or THB 139,946 including rent, according to Numbeo's household estimate as of 1 June 2026.
With two adults earning and a three-bedroom home outside the centre, the household may need a gross income of THB 1,693,000 a year, excluding childcare costs.
Private preschool or kindergarten typically costs THB 19,301 a month per child.
How does Koh Samui compare with Thailand's other cities?
Koh Samui ranks 1st of 10 cities in Thailand for one person's monthly costs including rent, where 1st is the most expensive.
Excluding rent, one person's costs are 5.4% more than in the typical city in Thailand.
Where this data comes from
- Living costs and prices
- Numbeo, snapshot of 1 June 2026
- Exchange rates
- Wise mid-market rates, 21 October 2026
- Tax rules
- Expatica salary tax calculator, Thailand 2026
- Locations and population
- GeoNames (CC BY 4.0), retrieved 1 October 2026
- Regions for continent ranks
- UN M49 regions
Important
All amounts are indicative estimates, not quotes or financial advice. Numbeo's prices are reported by users, so coverage and recency vary by city: check rents and prices locally before you commit to a move.
Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you click and make a purchase.
How living costs and salaries are calculated
- Your household size (adults and children, one to six people) picks Numbeo's household estimate for groceries, eating out, transport, utilities, leisure and rent.
- Rent is replaced by the price of a one-bedroom apartment (one or two people) or a three-bedroom apartment (three or more), in or outside the centre. A flatshare, for one adult without children, is a third of a three-bedroom home.
- "Other estimated costs" is Numbeo's household total less the named categories, not a separately reported price. Where a total is below its own categories, we use the categories, and a larger household's costs other than rent are never lower than a smaller household's.
- Child care and school are optional: preschool uses the city's monthly price for each child, international primary school its annual fee spread over 12 months. Children's ages, eligibility and public provision are not modelled.
- The salary is the gross income that leaves these costs, plus your savings target, after tax under Expatica's rules for Thailand (2026). One adult has one employment income; two adults are two earners splitting it evenly, with no joint filing or household allowances. What the tax model covers is listed with the result.
- Numbeo's figures are in US dollars, converted with one set of Wise mid-market rates. Without them, amounts stay in US dollars and no salary is estimated.
How cities are compared and matched
- A typical city is the median of one person's monthly costs across the 10 cities in Thailand in this guide and across the 1,942 cities worldwide with a Numbeo household estimate. Each row is its own median, so the rows do not add up.
- Ranks put the most expensive city first, and equal estimates share a rank. The worldwide percentile is the share of those 1,942 cities whose one-person monthly total, rent included, is the same or lower than Koh Samui's.
- Nearby cities are places in this guide, possibly across a border, by straight-line distance between GeoNames location points.
- Comparable cities are in the same GeoNames population band (under 100,000, 100,000–499,999, 500,000–999,999, or 1 million and above; a neighbouring band, labelled, when a band has too few countries), one per country, outside Thailand and not already listed as nearby. Population years and boundaries vary, so the bands are rough size guides.
- The match score compares a single person's costs excluding rent and the rent of a central one-bedroom apartment. For each, we divide the lower city's price by the higher; the score is the square root of the two ratios multiplied together, × 100. If both prices are 80% of the other city's, the match is 80%; if both are twice as high, 50%. It measures how close the costs are, not which city is cheaper or how alike they are to live in.