Can I Afford to Live in Oaxaca vs Koh Samui on $40K?

Here's how a $40K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Oaxaca, MX
$2,728/mo take-home
Rent: $400/mo (15% of take-home)
Very comfortable
Koh Samui, TH
$2,728/mo take-home
Rent: $620/mo (23% of take-home)
Comfortable

Monthly budget breakdown

Oaxaca
MX
Koh Samui
TH
Monthly take-home (est.)
$2,728Best ✓
$2,728
1BR rent
$400Best ✓
$620
Groceries (est.)
$380Best ✓
$380
Transport (est.)
$150Best ✓
$150
Utilities
$45Best ✓
$70
Internet
$25Best ✓
$28
Left after essentials
$1,728/month
$1,480/month
Both Oaxaca and Koh Samui have no state income tax — your take-home is higher than in most states.

Frequently asked questions

Is $40K a good salary in Oaxaca?

At $40K/year in Oaxaca, your estimated monthly take-home is $2,728. With 1BR rent around $400/month, rent takes up 15% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Is $40K a good salary in Koh Samui?

At $40K/year in Koh Samui, your estimated monthly take-home is $2,728. With 1BR rent around $620/month, rent takes up 23% of your take-home. That's considered comfortable.

Which city is more affordable on a $40K salary?

Oaxaca leaves you with more money after core expenses — $1,728/month vs $1,480/month in Koh Samui.

Can I afford to live alone in Oaxaca on $40K?

Yes. At $40K in Oaxaca, rent takes 15% of your take-home, leaving $1,728/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.

Compare other salary bands — Oaxaca vs Koh Samui

$50K$60K$75K$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