Koh Samui vs Phuket for Retirees (2026)
Scroll down for retirement income tax breakdown, healthcare estimates, and FAQ.
Full retirement cost breakdown
| Metric | Koh Samui Surat Thani Province | Phuket Phuket Province |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR rent / month | $620Better | $700 |
| Median home price | — | — |
| State income tax | NoneBetter | None |
| Sales tax (combined) | 7%Better | 7% |
| Monthly utilities | $70Better | $80 |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | — | — |
| Est. healthcare / month | $250Better | $260 |
| Walk score (0–100) | 35 / 100 | 52 / 100Better |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 50Better | 52 |
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Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for retirement — Koh Samui or Phuket?
Koh Samui and Phuket are closely matched for retirees. Housing costs, tax burden, and overall affordability are similar. Your specific priorities — climate, walkability, family proximity — should guide the decision.
Is retirement income taxed in Koh Samui or Phuket?
Neither Koh Samui nor Phuket has a state income tax, which is excellent for retirees relying on Social Security, pensions, or 401(k) withdrawals. Your retirement income is only subject to federal taxes.
What is the estimated monthly healthcare cost in Koh Samui vs Phuket?
Based on national average retiree healthcare spending (~$500/month) scaled by each city's cost-of-living index, estimated monthly healthcare costs are approximately $250 in Koh Samui and $260 in Phuket. That's a difference of ~$10/month, or ~$120/year. Actual costs vary based on your Medicare plan, supplements, and health needs.
Can I afford to retire in Koh Samui on a $50,000 annual income?
On a $50,000/year ($4,167/month) retirement income in Koh Samui, rent alone would consume approximately 15% of your budget (1BR rent ~$620/mo) and healthcare another ~6%. That leaves roughly 79% (~$3,292/mo) for groceries, transportation, and other expenses. This is generally considered manageable.
Which city is more walkable for retirees?
Phuket has a higher walk score (52 vs 35 out of 100). Walkability is increasingly important for retirees who want to reduce car dependence — a score above 70 means most daily errands can be done on foot. Phuket offers more independence without a car, which also reduces transportation costs.
$50K/year in Koh Samui has the same purchasing power as $52K/year in Phuket
Healthcare estimates based on national avg retiree spending (~$500/mo) scaled by COL index · State income tax rates from Tax Foundation · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026