Moving from Charleston to Koh Samui (2026)
Koh Samui has a COL index of 50 vs 97 for Charleston (100 = US average). You'd pay about 48% less for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in Koh Samui to match your Charleston lifestyle
Based on the 48% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Charleston | Equivalent in Koh Samui |
|---|---|
| $40K | $20,619 |
| $50K | $25,773 |
| $60K | $30,928 |
| $75K | $38,660 |
| $80K | $41,237 |
| $100K | $51,546 |
| $120K | $61,856 |
| $150K | $77,320 |
Adjust your salary
Monthly budget at $75K — Charleston vs Koh Samui
| Expense | Charleston | Koh Samui |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,353 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,900 | $620 |
| Groceries | $376 | $380 |
| Transport | $55 | $150 |
| Utilities | $162 | $70 |
| Internet | $63 | $28 |
| Left after essentials | $1,797 | $3,493 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $1,308 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Charleston — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Koh Samui cheaper than Charleston?
Yes. Koh Samui has a cost of living index of 50 vs 97 for Charleston (100 = US average). That's about 48% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Charleston to Koh Samui?
On a $75K salary, moving from Charleston to Koh Samui saves roughly $1,668/month on core expenses. That's ~$20,016/year.
What salary do I need in Koh Samui to match my Charleston lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Charleston, you'd need roughly $38,660/year in Koh Samui. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only