Can I Afford to Live in Koh Samui vs Oaxaca on $75K?

Here's how a $75K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Koh Samui, TH
$4,741/mo take-home
Rent: $620/mo (13% of take-home)
Very comfortable
Oaxaca, MX
$4,741/mo take-home
Rent: $400/mo (8% of take-home)
Very comfortable

Monthly budget breakdown

Koh Samui
TH
Oaxaca
MX
Monthly take-home (est.)
$4,741Best ✓
$4,741
1BR rent
$620
$400Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$380Best ✓
$380
Transport (est.)
$150Best ✓
$150
Utilities
$70
$45Best ✓
Internet
$28
$25Best ✓
Left after essentials
$3,493/month
$3,741/month
Both Koh Samui and Oaxaca have no state income tax — your take-home is higher than in most states.

Frequently asked questions

Is $75K a good salary in Koh Samui?

At $75K/year in Koh Samui, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,741. With 1BR rent around $620/month, rent takes up 13% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Is $75K a good salary in Oaxaca?

At $75K/year in Oaxaca, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,741. With 1BR rent around $400/month, rent takes up 8% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Which city is more affordable on a $75K salary?

Oaxaca leaves you with more money after core expenses — $3,741/month vs $3,493/month in Koh Samui.

Can I afford to live alone in Koh Samui on $75K?

Yes. At $75K in Koh Samui, rent takes 13% of your take-home, leaving $3,493/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.

Compare other salary bands — Koh Samui vs Oaxaca

$40K$50K$60K$80K$100K$120K$150K

See the full cost-of-living comparison

Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.

Full comparison

Take-home estimates use simplified federal/state brackets and do not account for pre-tax deductions, 401(k), or local taxes. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only