Moving from Phuket to Koh Samui (2026)
Koh Samui has a COL index of 50 vs 52 for Phuket (100 = US average). You'd pay about 4% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$80/mo
on rent + taxes · $75K salary baseline
Change cities
Key differences
COL index
52 → 50
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$700 → $620
per month
State tax
None → None
income tax
COL difference
52 → 50
4% cheaper
Salary needed in Koh Samui to match your Phuket lifestyle
Based on the 4% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Phuket | Equivalent in Koh Samui |
|---|---|
| $40K | $38,462 |
| $50K | $48,077 |
| $60K | $57,692 |
| $75K | $72,115 |
| $80K | $76,923 |
| $100K | $96,154 |
| $120K | $115,385 |
| $150K | $144,231 |
Adjust your salary
Save ~$90/moon core expenses at $75K
Monthly budget at $75K — Phuket vs Koh Samui
| Expense | Phuket | Koh Samui |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $700 | $620 |
| Groceries | $380 | $380 |
| Transport | $150 | $150 |
| Utilities | $80 | $70 |
| Internet | $28 | $28 |
| Left after essentials | $3,403 | $3,493 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Koh Samui cheaper than Phuket?
Yes. Koh Samui has a cost of living index of 50 vs 52 for Phuket (100 = US average). That's about 4% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Phuket to Koh Samui?
On a $75K salary, moving from Phuket to Koh Samui saves roughly $80/month on core expenses. That's ~$960/year.
What salary do I need in Koh Samui to match my Phuket lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Phuket, you'd need roughly $72,115/year in Koh Samui. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Moving from Koh Samui to PhuketPhuket vs Koh Samui — full comparisonPhuket cost of livingKoh Samui cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only