Moving from Montgomery to Koh Samui (2026)

Koh Samui has a COL index of 50 vs 81 for Montgomery (100 = US average). You'd pay about 38% less for the same lifestyle.

Save ~$743/mo
on rent + taxes ยท $75K salary baseline

Change cities

Key differences

COL index
81 โ†’ 50
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,050 โ†’ $620
per month
State tax
5% โ†’ None
income tax
COL difference
81 โ†’ 50
38% cheaper

Salary needed in Koh Samui to match your Montgomery lifestyle

Based on the 38% cost of living decrease between the two cities.

Your salary in MontgomeryEquivalent in Koh Samui
$40K$24,691
$50K$30,864
$60K$37,037
$75K$46,296
$80K$49,383
$100K$61,728
$120K$74,074
$150K$92,593

Adjust your salary

Save ~$421/moon core expenses at $75K

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

ExpenseMontgomeryKoh Samui
Monthly take-home$4,428$4,741
1BR rent$1,050$620
Groceries$353$380
Transport$38$150
Utilities$170$70
Internet$58$28
Left after essentials$2,759$3,493

30-Year Wealth Builder

If you invest your monthly savings of $421 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:

$513,608

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

$421/mo invested

Frequently asked questions

Is Koh Samui cheaper than Montgomery?

Yes. Koh Samui has a cost of living index of 50 vs 81 for Montgomery (100 = US average). That's about 38% cheaper.

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

On a $75K salary, moving from Montgomery to Koh Samui saves roughly $743/month on core expenses. That's ~$8,916/year.

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

To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Montgomery, you'd need roughly $46,296/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