How Much Does It Cost to Live in Koh Samui?

Koh Samui is calling with its clean beaches, palm trees and surprisingly low cost of living. Are you a digital nomad who needs a tropical inspiration, a retiree who wants to live on the beach, or simply someone who wants to know how much it costs to live on an island? There is something in this Thai paradise for everyone.

The reality is refreshing: you can live comfortably on Koh Samui at a fraction of the cost you would incur in big Western cities. One individual can afford a good lifestyle at 20,000-40,000 THB ($550-1,100) per month, and couples and families can scale their budgets.

However, the devil is in the details. Depending on the type of accommodation you choose, the food you eat, and the kind of lifestyle you want, your monthly expenses will differ drastically. This guide will take you through all the details of the cost of living in Koh Samui so that you can plan your trip to the island with confidence.

Monthly Living in Koh Samui Cost Overview

Before diving into specifics, here's what you can expect to spend monthly based on your lifestyle:

Budget Living (Backpackers/Students): 20,000–25,000 THB ($550–$690)

This covers basic accommodation, street food, local transport, and minimal entertainment.

Mid-Range Living (Digital Nomads/Young Professionals): 30,000–40,000 THB ($830–$1,100)

Comfortable furnished apartments, a mix of home cooking and dining out, reliable internet, and moderate entertainment.

Luxury Living (Retirees/Expats): 50,000+ THB ($1,380+)

Premium villas, regular fine dining, car rental, gym memberships, and high-end amenities.

Accommodation Costs: Your Biggest Expense

Housing typically consumes 40-60% of your monthly budget, making it the most crucial factor in your cost calculations.

Basic Rentals

Local-Style Studios and 1-Bedroom Apartments: 7,000–15,000 THB/month

These properties are found in less touristy areas like Nathon or inland neighborhoods. Expect basic furnishing, older appliances, and minimal amenities. Perfect for budget-conscious travelers who prioritize savings over luxury.

Modern Furnished Apartments

Contemporary 1-Bedroom Units: 10,000–20,000 THB/month

These properties feature modern appliances, reliable air conditioning, and often include basic furniture. Popular areas include the Chaweng Beach vicinity and Lamai, offering a good balance of comfort and affordability.

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center is approximately 13,300 THB, while properties inside the center cost around 17,900 THB monthly.

Mid-Range Villas

2-3 Bedroom Apartments and Small Villas: 30,000–60,000 THB/month

These properties often include swimming pools, gardens, and premium locations near beaches. Perfect for families or those seeking extra space and amenities.

Luxury Villas

Premium Properties: 70,000+ THB/month

This category is characterized by beachfront properties, personal pools, housekeeping, and luxury furnishings. To the people who are thinking of investing in Koh Samui properties as a long-term investment, it may be worthwhile to consider property for sale in Koh Samui as an alternative to long-term rentals.

Lease contracts of 6-12 months usually attract 10-20 percent discounts on monthly rates.

Food and Groceries: Eating Your Way Through Samui Paradise

Koh Samui's food scene accommodates every budget and palate, from authentic Thai street food to international fine dining.

Street Food and Local Meals

Thailand street food is a cheap and tasty method of getting the real flavors. Famous meals such as Pad Thai, som tam, and grilled meat are usually sold at 50-100 THB. Food lovers should not miss night markets, where they can find a great variety of dishes at unsurpassable prices. They offer a lively ambiance and an opportunity to enjoy the authentic Thai taste without spending a fortune. 

Local restaurants are a great choice to those who have a little bit more money. The food here is typically 100-200 THB and is often served in large quantities. These are small, family-owned restaurants that offer a combination of restaurant quality and street food prices and ambiance, which is why they are popular with both locals and tourists.

Restaurant Dining

Mid-range restaurants will cost approximately 950 THB per three-course meal per two people. These restaurants are usually tourist friendly with English menus and a wide range of international cuisine to satisfy different tastes.

To have a more luxurious experience, fine dining restaurants are available between 1,500 and 3,000 THB per meal. These high-end restaurants are usually found on the beachfronts and offer not only high-quality ingredients but also an amazing view, which is ideal to celebrate a special occasion or a memorable night out.

Grocery Shopping

The average monthly grocery cost of a person is between 7,000 and 11,000 THB. The precise price will be determined by the cooking habits and the kind of products that you like. The basic grocery products are staple foods such as a loaf of bread that is sold at 51 THB and a dozen eggs that are sold at 75 THB. Rice is also quite cheap at 23 THB per kilogram, whereas chicken is approximately 76 THB per kilogram. The prices of fresh produce are different, and they are between 20 and 60 THB per kilogram, depending on the type and quality. Beverages are also affordable with domestic beer (0.5 liters) costing between 54 and 80 THB, which is a good choice when one wants to indulge in a drink.

Local markets offer the best prices for fresh produce, while international supermarkets like Tesco Lotus provide familiar Western brands at higher costs.

Transportation: Getting Around the Samui Island

Koh Samui lacks conventional public transportation, making personal transport essential for most residents.

Motorbike Rentals

Monthly Rental: 3,000–4,000 THB

Petrol: 500–1,000 THB/month

Motorbikes offer the most economical and flexible transportation option. Most roads are well-maintained, and parking is rarely an issue.

Local Transport

Songthaews (Shared Pickup Trucks): 50–100 THB per trip

These colorful vehicles follow set routes around the island. Prices increase for tourist destinations and during peak hours.

Taxis: 300–500 THB minimum for short rides

Longer journeys can cost 800+ THB for a 40-minute trip. Ride-sharing apps operate limitedly compared to mainland Thailand.

Car Rentals

Monthly Rental: 15,000–30,000 THB for basic sedans

Essential for families or those requiring air conditioning and storage space. Insurance and fuel costs add to the expense.

Utilities and Essential Services

Basic Utilities

Electricity: 1,500–3,500 THB/month

Air conditioning usage dramatically affects electricity bills. A tropical climate makes cooling costs unavoidable during hot seasons.

Water: 100–300 THB/month

Usually included in rental agreements or charged at minimal rates.

Internet: 600–1,200 THB/month for 60–100 Mbps

Reliable internet is available island-wide, crucial for digital nomads and remote workers.

Mobile Plans: 300–600 THB/month

Prepaid and postpaid options offer good coverage and reasonable data allowances.

Total utility costs for a modern apartment typically range from 2,000–3,500 THB monthly.

Lifestyle and Entertainment

Fitness and Recreation

Gym Memberships: 1,100 THB/month

Well-equipped gyms with modern facilities serve the expat community.

Beach Activities: Variable costs

Many beaches offer free access, while some beach clubs charge entrance fees or minimum spending requirements.

Entertainment

Cinema Tickets: 260 THB

Nightlife: 200–1,000 THB per night

Koh Samui's nightlife ranges from budget-friendly beach bars to upscale clubs.

Personal Expenses: 3,000–5,000 THB/month

Clothing, toiletries, and miscellaneous purchases fit within this range.

Additional Considerations

Healthcare

Thailand's healthcare system offers quality care at reasonable prices. Routine medical expenses remain affordable, though comprehensive health insurance is recommended.

Education

International Schools: ~282,500 THB/year per child

Families should budget significantly for quality international education.

Visa and Immigration

Various visa options exist for long-term residents, each with different financial requirements and associated costs.

Budget Breakdown Examples

Budget Lifestyle (22,500 THB/month)

The monthly costs are 12,000 THB on accommodation, which will provide a comfortable place to live. The food expenses are 6,000 THB, which includes daily food and groceries. The cost of transportation is 2,000 THB, which will cover commuting and travel requirements. Utilities, including electricity and water, amount to 1,500 THB, and miscellaneous expenses, including other personal or unforeseen expenses, amount to 1,000 THB.

Mid-Range Lifestyle (35,000 THB/month)

The breakdown of the monthly cost is 18,000 THB on accommodation, which will provide a comfortable place to live. The cost of food is 9,000 THB, which includes daily meals and groceries. The cost of transportation is 3,500 THB, which makes it convenient to travel. Utilities, including electricity and water, amount to 2,500 THB. Finally, 2,000 THB is set aside as entertainment, which offers leisure and recreation.

Luxury Lifestyle (70,000+ THB/month)

The monthly budget has a number of important expenses. The cost of accommodation is 40,000 THB and the cost of food is 15,000 THB. Transportation costs 5,000 THB more, and utilities cost 3,000 THB. To have fun and enjoy, the budget is 7,000 THB or more, according to individual preferences.

Making Koh Samui Your Home Base

Koh Samui shows that you do not need a fortune to live in a tropical paradise. You can have a good time on the clean beaches, good food, and a laid-back lifestyle with a decent budget with proper planning and wise decisions.

The key to living on an island is to know what is important to you and make the right choices regarding where you live, how you get around, and how you live. Whether you are thinking of a short-term adventure or you are looking at property for sale in Koh Samui to live permanently, this island is a great bargain compared to the Western options.

Start planning your Koh Samui adventure by setting your budget and doing some research on particular neighborhoods that suit your lifestyle. The various communities on the island are very accommodating to new people and with the right preparation, you will soon find out why many people are willing to call this tropical paradise their home.