Moving from Midland to Koh Samui (2026)

Koh Samui has a COL index of 50 vs 93 for Midland (100 = US average). You'd pay about 46% less for the same lifestyle.

Save ~$580/mo
on rent + taxes ยท $75K salary baseline

Change cities

Key differences

COL index
93 โ†’ 50
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,200 โ†’ $620
per month
State tax
None โ†’ None
income tax
COL difference
93 โ†’ 50
46% cheaper

Salary needed in Koh Samui to match your Midland lifestyle

Based on the 46% cost of living decrease between the two cities.

Your salary in MidlandEquivalent in Koh Samui
$40K$21,505
$50K$26,882
$60K$32,258
$75K$40,323
$80K$43,011
$100K$53,763
$120K$64,516
$150K$80,645

Adjust your salary

Save ~$595/moon core expenses at $75K

Monthly budget at $75K โ€” Midland vs Koh Samui

ExpenseMidlandKoh Samui
Monthly take-home$4,741$4,741
1BR rent$1,200$620
Groceries$365$380
Transport$35$150
Utilities$178$70
Internet$65$28
Left after essentials$2,898$3,493

30-Year Wealth Builder

If you invest your monthly savings of $595 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:

$725,883

over 30 years compared to staying in Midland โ€” that's the real price of a city.

$595/mo invested

Frequently asked questions

Is Koh Samui cheaper than Midland?

Yes. Koh Samui has a cost of living index of 50 vs 93 for Midland (100 = US average). That's about 46% cheaper.

How much will I save moving from Midland to Koh Samui?

On a $75K salary, moving from Midland to Koh Samui saves roughly $580/month on core expenses. That's ~$6,960/year.

What salary do I need in Koh Samui to match my Midland lifestyle?

To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Midland, you'd need roughly $40,323/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 ยท BLS ยท Numbeo ยท For general guidance only