Bangkok vs Koh Samui — Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Which city is cheaper, safer, and better for remote workers? Here's the data.
NoodlePants Verdict — generated from live data
Bangkok edges out Koh Samui on affordability with a Cost of Living index of 42.1 vs 126 (US=100; affordable vs premium). Koh Samui scores higher on safety (72/100), and Bangkok wins on internet at ~220 Mbps. Overall, Bangkok takes the Nomad Score crown with 78/100 — best for budget nomad and foodies.
Metric
Bangkok
Koh Samui
Avg Rent 1BR (city centre)
US$690
US$500
Avg Rent 1BR (outside centre)
US$380
US$350
Cost of Living (US=100)
42
126
Safety Score
60/100
72/100
Internet Speed
220 Mbps
90 Mbps
Nomad Score
78/100
7/100
Healthcare Score
78/100
65/100
Digital Nomad Visa
✓ Available
Not available
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