Cost of living in Koh Samui
Koh Samui, a tropical paradise in Thailand, is known for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocating or planning an extended stay.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Koh Samui, covering everything from dining and groceries to housing and transportation.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $2.88 on average, with a range between $1.58 and $8.64.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $23.04, with prices ranging from $17.28 to $86.4.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $7.2, with a range between $5.76 and $10.08.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.73 to $3.77, imported beer $2.02 to $5.76, cappuccino $0.86 to $3.46, and Coke/Pepsi $0.52 to $1.26.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.3 and $2.74 per liter, averaging $1.6.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.78 and $5.76, with an average price of $1.36.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.22 to $3.46, averaging $2.11.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.3 to $8.64 per kg, while oranges range from $1.01 to $2.85 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.09 and $2.09 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.58 to $2.3 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $1.44.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.01 and $1.26 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $1.3, with a cost of $0.43 to $1.73 per km and $4.6 to $14.4 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $259.58 to $1500, averaging $677.51.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $250 to $576.03, averaging $353.68.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $864.04 to $2880.13, averaging $1324.86.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $720.03 to $2880.13, averaging $1036.85.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre is $1296.06.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter is $1296.06.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $66.77 and $222.56, averaging $108.66.
- Internet - Internet services range from $8.64 to $28.8, with an average cost of $15.61.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for Thailand are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Thailand, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Koh Samui offers a relatively affordable cost of living, especially in terms of dining and local transportation.
Housing costs can vary significantly depending on location, with city centre apartments being more expensive.
Grocery prices are generally low, but imported goods can be pricier.
Utilities and internet services are reasonably priced, contributing to the overall affordability of living in Koh Samui.
Conclusion
Living in Koh Samui, Thailand, can be an affordable and enjoyable experience, especially for those who appreciate a tropical lifestyle.
While housing in the city centre can be costly, there are more affordable options outside the centre.
Overall, Koh Samui provides a balanced cost of living with opportunities to save on dining and transportation, making it an attractive destination for both short-term and long-term stays.