Data last updated: August 2026

Koh Samui, ThailandPhuket, Thailand

You would need around 13.5% less money in Phuket, Thailand to maintain the same standard of living you have in Koh Samui, Thailand.

Overall Cost of Living

13.5%

Phuket, Thailand is cheaper than Koh Samui, Thailand

1-Bed Rent (City Center)

City A844 USD
City B720 USD
Difference-14.7%

Groceries (Monthly)

City A69 USD
City B69 USD
Difference0.0%

Average Net Salary

City A402 USD
City B510 USD
Difference+26.9%

Editorial Insight: Planning a move from Koh Samui, Thailand to Phuket, Thailand? Based on our verified data model, you are looking at a fantastic geo-arbitrage opportunity. Overall, the cost of living in Phuket, Thailand is 13.5% cheaper. Housing is typically the biggest financial win—renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Phuket, Thailand's center costs around 720 USD, which is a staggering 14.7% 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.

Pro Tip:Since you'll be managing money across borders and currencies, we highly recommend setting up a borderless account like Wise (formerly TransferWise) before you move to avoid heavy bank exchange fees.Check out Wise

Reviewed by the Remote Wealth Editorial Team

Our cost of living data for Koh Samui, Thailand and Phuket, Thailand 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 Phuket, Thailand to maintain your current lifestyle in Koh Samui, Thailand.

USD

You need in Phuket, Thailand

348 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 Phuket, Thailand and investing the 13% cost of living difference, you could reach FIRE 2.0 years earlier.

Budget Simulator

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

Housing720 USD
Groceries69 USD
Utilities & Internet25 USD

Investment Planner

You save 124 USD every month on rent alone by moving to Phuket, Thailand.

Investing this rent difference in an S&P 500 index fund could grow to ~20,832 USD in 10 years.