Koh Samui, Thailand
Thailand's most famous island destination, a tropical paradise of palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves, and luxury resorts in the Gulf of Thailand.
Overview
Koh Samui is a city in Surat Thani with a population of 65,000. Thailand’s most famous island destination, a tropical paradise of palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves, and luxury resorts in the Gulf of Thailand. Housing is more affordable than the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 7b growing zone supports Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Below Average vs Thailand Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Koh Samui vs Thailand Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 7.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: ฿300,000
- Unemployment: 1.5%
- Population: 65,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 240/year
- Summer High: 91°F
- Winter Low: 72°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7b
Housing
- Median Home: ฿3,500,000
- 1BR Rent: ฿12000/mo
Cost of Living
Koh Samui's cost of living index is 50 (Thailand average = 100).
| Category | Koh Samui | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 50 | 100 | -50.0% |
| Housing | 45 | 100 | -55.0% |
Data source: NSO Thailand / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | ฿3,500,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | ฿12000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | ฿15,000/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | ฿2,333 |
Data source: DDproperty / FazWaz, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Koh Samui:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | ฿1500 | |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | ฿83 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | ฿500 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | ฿600 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | ฿100 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | ฿2783 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: MEA, PEA, AIS, TrueMove 2025
Remote Work Score
Koh Samui scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Koh Samui has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 92°F | 72°F | 2.5" |
| April | 76°F | 87°F | 2.8" |
| July | 91°F | 66°F | 1.5" |
| October | 71°F | 90°F | 2.2" |
Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Koh Samui faces the following natural hazards:
Significant typhoon risk.
Monsoon floods and Chao Phraya basin flooding.
Extreme summer heat.
Moderate seismic activity with occasional earthquakes.
Western coast with tsunami risk.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 0% (None)
- Sales Tax: 7%
- Property Tax: ~0.2% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 1.5%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Koh Samui per 100,000 residents:
City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: UN Office on Drugs and Crime
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
School year starts in May. Long break in October between semesters.
Demographics
The population of Koh Samui is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: National Statistical Office (2020)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Koh Samui, Thailand?
The cost of living index in Koh Samui is 50, which is Lower the Thailand national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Koh Samui?
The median home price in Koh Samui is ฿3,500,000. The housing index is 45.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Koh Samui is approximately ฿12000/mo.
Does Koh Samui, Surat Thani have income tax?
Koh Samui is in Surat Thani, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Koh Samui?
Koh Samui enjoys approximately 240 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 91°F, while winter lows can drop to around 72°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: NSO Thailand / Numbeo, 2026
- Housing Data: DDproperty / FazWaz, 2026
- Income & Employment: NSO Thailand Labour Force Survey, 2024
- Utilities MEA, PEA, AIS, TrueMove 2025
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.