Data last updated: August 2026

Koh Samui, ThailandManila, Philippines

You would need around 30.9% less money in Manila, Philippines to maintain the same standard of living you have in Koh Samui, Thailand.

Overall Cost of Living

30.9%

Manila, Philippines is cheaper than Koh Samui, Thailand

1-Bed Rent (City Center)

City A844 USD
City B565 USD
Difference-33.1%

Groceries (Monthly)

City A69 USD
City B67 USD
Difference-2.9%

Average Net Salary

City A402 USD
City B502 USD
Difference+24.9%

Editorial Insight: Planning a move from Koh Samui, Thailand to Manila, Philippines? Based on our verified data model, you are looking at a fantastic geo-arbitrage opportunity. Overall, the cost of living in Manila, Philippines is 30.9% cheaper. Housing is typically the biggest financial win—renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Manila, Philippines's center costs around 565 USD, which is a staggering 33.1% less than in Koh Samui, Thailand. If you are retaining a remote income, the Remote Wealth team ranks this as a highly strategic move for wealth accumulation.

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Reviewed by the Remote Wealth Editorial Team

Our cost of living data for Koh Samui, Thailand and Manila, Philippines is compiled using our rigorous verification methodology. We combine millions of data points from reliable sources to ensure you get the most accurate financial comparison for your relocation.

Read more about our team →

Salary Comparator

Find out exactly how much you need to earn in Manila, Philippines to maintain your current lifestyle in Koh Samui, Thailand.

USD

You need in Manila, Philippines

278 USD

Geo-Arbitrage FIRE

Discover how moving to a cheaper city accelerates your Financial Independence and Retire Early (FIRE) timeline.

By moving from Koh Samui, Thailand to Manila, Philippines and investing the 31% cost of living difference, you could reach FIRE 4.6 years earlier.

Budget Simulator

Instantly adapt your Koh Samui, Thailand budget to local Manila, Philippines prices. We automatically adjust housing, groceries, and leisure categories.

Housing565 USD
Groceries67 USD
Utilities & Internet27 USD

Investment Planner

You save 279 USD every month on rent alone by moving to Manila, Philippines.

Investing this rent difference in an S&P 500 index fund could grow to ~46,872 USD in 10 years.