Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Thailand Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Koh Samui's property market is included in our pack
Koh Samui is Thailand's second-largest island and has become one of Southeast Asia's most popular destinations for expats seeking a tropical lifestyle with modern conveniences.
This guide covers everything you need to know about moving to Koh Samui in 2026, from cost of living and healthcare to visas and property ownership.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest changes in prices, regulations, and expat experiences on the island.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Koh Samui.
Fact-checked and reviewed by our local expert
Daniel Rouquette 🇫🇷
CEO & Co-Founder at Villa Finder
Is Koh Samui a good place to live in 2026?
Is quality of life getting better or worse in Koh Samui in 2026?
As of early 2026, quality of life in Koh Samui is gradually improving, thanks to continued investment in tourism infrastructure and a stable economic environment where Thailand's central bank maintains inflation within its 1 to 3 percent target band.
The factor that has improved the most in Koh Samui over the past two to three years is the variety of dining, wellness, and coworking options, which have expanded significantly as the island attracted more remote workers and long-stay visitors following the post-pandemic tourism recovery.
However, traffic congestion during high season (December to February) remains a persistent challenge in Koh Samui, particularly along the main ring road through Chaweng, Bo Phut, and Bangrak, and this issue has not improved much despite other developments on the island.
Are hospitals good in Koh Samui in 2026?
As of early 2026, hospitals in Koh Samui provide good quality care for routine treatments and many emergencies, though they are not quite at the level of top-tier facilities in Bangkok or Western capitals for complex procedures.
The hospitals most commonly recommended by expats in Koh Samui are Bangkok Hospital Samui in Chaweng Noi (the main international-standard private hospital) and Samui International Hospital, both of which have English-speaking staff and cater to foreign patients.
A standard doctor consultation in Koh Samui typically costs between 800 and 2,500 THB (roughly 22 to 70 USD or 20 to 65 EUR) at private facilities, with specialist visits running from 1,500 to 4,000 THB (42 to 110 USD or 40 to 105 EUR), and these prices do not include any medications or tests.
Private health insurance is strongly recommended for expats living in Koh Samui because private hospitals are what most foreigners use, and in serious cases you may need medical evacuation to Bangkok or abroad, which can be extremely expensive without coverage.
Are there any good international schools in Koh Samui in 2026?
As of early 2026, Koh Samui has a small but quality selection of international schools, with around three to four established options that offer British or international curricula, though the choice is much more limited than in Bangkok or even Phuket.
The most reputable international schools among expat families in Koh Samui are International School of Samui (ISS) in the Bo Phut area and PanyaDee, The British International School of Samui (PBISS), also located in Bo Phut, both of which follow internationally recognized curricula.
Annual tuition fees at international schools in Koh Samui typically range from 430,000 to 700,000 THB per child (approximately 12,000 to 19,500 USD or 11,000 to 18,000 EUR), depending on the grade level, and these figures do not include registration fees, uniforms, or extracurricular activities.
Waitlists can be a real issue for popular year groups at Koh Samui international schools because the island has limited seats, so applying several months before the August term is advisable, and public schools are generally not a practical option for expat children unless the family is committed to Thai-language education.
Is Koh Samui a dangerous place in 2026?
As of early 2026, Koh Samui is considered relatively safe for expats and residents, with most safety concerns revolving around typical tourist-island issues rather than serious violent crime, and Thailand's official travel advisories focus more on border regions than on Samui specifically.
The most common safety concerns expats should be aware of in Koh Samui are scooter accidents (the leading cause of injury among foreigners), petty theft like bag snatching in busy areas, occasional scams targeting tourists, and drink-related incidents in nightlife zones like Chaweng.
The neighborhoods generally considered safest for expats to live in Koh Samui include Bo Phut (especially near Fisherman's Village), Choeng Mon, Maenam, and the quieter parts of Lamai, all of which have established expat communities and good security infrastructure.
Women can generally live alone safely in Koh Samui, as many do in areas with strong expat infrastructure, though the standard precautions apply: choose well-lit housing with good security, be cautious with late-night solo transport, and remember that road safety (especially on scooters) is often the biggest real risk.
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How much does everyday life cost in Koh Samui in 2026?
What monthly budget do I need to live well in Koh Samui in 2026?
As of early 2026, a single person can live comfortably in Koh Samui on around 90,000 to 140,000 THB per month (approximately 2,500 to 3,900 USD or 2,300 to 3,600 EUR), which covers a nice one-bedroom apartment, a mix of Thai and Western dining, gym membership, and regular social activities.
For a more modest but decent lifestyle in Koh Samui, including a simple studio or one-bedroom rental, mostly Thai food, and basic transportation by scooter, you can manage on 55,000 to 85,000 THB per month (roughly 1,500 to 2,400 USD or 1,400 to 2,200 EUR).
If you want a villa lifestyle with frequent Western dining, premium gym access, and high-season splurges in Koh Samui, expect to spend 150,000 to 250,000 THB per month or more (approximately 4,200 to 7,000 USD or 3,900 to 6,500 EUR), and families with children in international school should budget 220,000 to 350,000 THB monthly.
Housing takes up the largest share of a monthly budget in Koh Samui, typically 30 to 50 percent, because the island's rental market commands a premium over mainland Thailand due to limited supply and tourism demand, especially in prime areas like Chaweng, Bo Phut, and Choeng Mon.
What is the average income tax rate in Koh Samui in 2026?
As of early 2026, the effective income tax rate for a typical middle-income earner in Thailand (and therefore Koh Samui) ranges from about 5 to 15 percent, depending on total annual income and applicable deductions, with those earning around 60,000 to 100,000 THB per month often falling in the 5 to 10 percent effective range.
Thailand uses a progressive personal income tax system with rates ranging from 0 percent on the first 150,000 THB of taxable income up to 35 percent on income exceeding 5 million THB annually, meaning your actual rate depends heavily on your income level and how you structure deductions.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Thailand versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
What kind of foreigners actually live in Koh Samui in 2026?
Where do most expats come from in Koh Samui in 2026?
As of early 2026, the most common expat nationalities in Koh Samui include people from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Scandinavia, Russia, Australia, and increasingly from other Asian countries, with Europeans historically forming the largest Western expat community on the island.
The total foreign resident population in Koh Samui fluctuates seasonally, but estimates suggest several thousand long-term expats live on the island, with the community swelling to around 30,000 to 40,000 during peak periods when seasonal residents and long-stay tourists are included.
Europeans are drawn to Koh Samui primarily for the tropical climate, relatively affordable cost of living compared to home, the established tourism infrastructure, and the ability to run hospitality businesses or work remotely while enjoying beach lifestyle and easy access to other Asian destinations.
The expat population in Koh Samui is a genuine mix: you will find retirees enjoying their pensions, working professionals in hospitality and real estate, digital nomads and remote workers attracted by the Destination Thailand Visa, and families seeking a slower pace of life with access to international schools.
Where do most expats live in Koh Samui in 2026?
As of early 2026, the most popular neighborhoods for expats in Koh Samui are Bo Phut (including Fisherman's Village), Bangrak, Choeng Mon, Chaweng, Maenam, and Lamai, with Bo Phut being particularly favored by families and long-term residents due to its walkability and community feel.
These neighborhoods attract expats because they offer the best combination of amenities, restaurants, international schools nearby, reliable internet, and a sense of community, while still providing relatively easy access to beaches and the island's main services.
Emerging areas that are starting to attract more expats in Koh Samui include the western coast villages like Lipa Noi and Taling Ngam, which offer stunning sunsets, more peace and quiet, and better value for money, though with fewer daily conveniences than the northeast coast.
Are expats moving in or leaving Koh Samui in 2026?
As of early 2026, Koh Samui is experiencing a net inflow of expats, driven by Thailand's improved visa options (especially the Destination Thailand Visa for remote workers), the island's post-pandemic tourism recovery, and growing interest from digital nomads seeking tropical bases.
The main factor driving expats to move to Koh Samui right now is the combination of affordable tropical lifestyle, the new five-year digital nomad visa making long-term stays legal and straightforward, and the island's established infrastructure that supports remote work without sacrificing beach living.
The main factor causing some expats to leave Koh Samui is the island's limited options for specialized healthcare, advanced career opportunities, and secondary education, which pushes some families and professionals toward Bangkok or back to their home countries as their needs evolve.
Compared to similar destinations in the region like Bali or Phuket, Koh Samui is seeing steady growth in its expat population, though it remains smaller and more exclusive than Phuket, which appeals to those seeking a less crowded island with a more intimate community feel.
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What paperwork do I need to move to Koh Samui in 2026?
What visa options are popular in Koh Samui in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three most popular visa types for expats moving to Koh Samui are the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) for digital nomads and remote workers, the Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa for high-income professionals and retirees, and the traditional Non-Immigrant O visa for retirement or family reasons.
The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), which is the most commonly used option for working-age expats, requires proof of remote employment or freelance work with foreign clients, a passport valid for at least six months, and evidence of funds (typically 500,000 THB in savings or equivalent income documentation).
Yes, Thailand now offers a digital nomad visa called the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), which was launched in 2024 and provides a five-year multiple-entry visa allowing stays of up to 180 days at a time, with the option to extend for another 180 days, making it ideal for remote workers who want a legal long-term base.
Most popular expat visas in Koh Samui are valid for one to five years depending on the type: the DTV is valid for five years with 180-day stays, while retirement visas typically require annual renewal, and the LTR visa offers a ten-year validity period for qualifying applicants.
How long does it take to get residency in Koh Samui in 2026?
As of early 2026, obtaining a long-stay visa (like the DTV or retirement visa) typically takes two to eight weeks depending on your home country, documentation completeness, and whether you apply online or through an embassy, while permanent residency is a much longer process.
Common factors that can delay the residency application process in Koh Samui include incomplete documentation, errors in application forms, high volumes at certain embassies during peak seasons, and the need for additional verification of employment or financial records.
To become eligible for permanent residency in Thailand, an expat must typically have held a non-immigrant visa for at least three consecutive years, meet income or investment thresholds, and satisfy additional requirements like Thai language proficiency, and the annual PR quota is limited to 100 applicants per nationality.
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Thailand. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
How hard is it to find a job in Koh Samui in 2026?
Which industries are hiring the most in Koh Samui in 2026?
As of early 2026, the industries hiring the most in Koh Samui are hospitality and hotel management (especially international resorts), wellness and spa services, real estate and property management, and food and beverage operations, all of which are driven by the island's tourism-based economy.
Getting hired in Koh Samui without speaking Thai is realistic in tourism-facing roles at international hotels, dive centers, wellness retreats, and real estate agencies, but knowing some Thai significantly expands your options and helps with day-to-day workplace integration.
The types of roles most accessible to foreign job seekers in Koh Samui include hotel general managers and operations directors, dive instructors and water sports professionals, yoga and fitness instructors, chefs at international restaurants, and sales and marketing positions in luxury property development.
What salary ranges are common for expats in Koh Samui in 2026?
As of early 2026, typical salary ranges for expats working locally in Koh Samui span from about 50,000 to 250,000 THB per month (roughly 1,400 to 7,000 USD or 1,300 to 6,500 EUR), though many expats are actually remote workers earning foreign salaries rather than local employees.
For entry-level or mid-level expat positions in Koh Samui hospitality or services, salaries typically range from 50,000 to 120,000 THB per month (approximately 1,400 to 3,300 USD or 1,300 to 3,100 EUR), often including benefits like accommodation or meals at resort properties.
Senior or specialized expat roles in Koh Samui, such as hotel general managers, executive chefs at luxury resorts, or property development directors, can command salaries of 150,000 to 300,000 THB per month or more (roughly 4,200 to 8,400 USD or 3,900 to 7,800 EUR).
Established international hotels and larger Thai companies in Koh Samui do sponsor work visas for qualified foreign hires, but smaller local businesses often expect you to arrange your own visa status, so clarifying this during the hiring process is essential.
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What's daily life really like for expats in Koh Samui right now?
What do expats love most about living in Koh Samui right now?
Expats consistently praise Koh Samui for the stunning natural beauty (beaches, jungle hills, and waterfalls within easy reach), the relaxed tropical pace of life, and the surprisingly good infrastructure for an island, including reliable internet, international dining, and quality gyms.
The lifestyle benefit most frequently praised by expats in Koh Samui is the ability to combine outdoor, beach-centered living with the comforts of modern amenities, meaning you can swim in the morning, work from a cafe with fast wifi, and watch the sunset from a beach bar, all in the same day.
The practical advantage expats appreciate most in Koh Samui is the island's international airport with direct connections to Bangkok and other Asian hubs, plus ferry links to neighboring islands like Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, which makes regional travel surprisingly convenient for an island location.
Socially, expats enjoy Koh Samui's welcoming and diverse international community, with regular events, active Facebook groups, trivia nights, fitness classes, and a genuine sense of camaraderie among long-term residents who have chosen island life over big-city careers.
What do expats dislike most about life in Koh Samui right now?
The top complaints from expats in Koh Samui are high-season traffic congestion (especially around Chaweng and the ring road), the island's limited options for specialized medical care or advanced career opportunities, and the seasonality that makes the social scene and business quieter during low season.
The daily inconvenience that frustrates expats the most in Koh Samui is probably the lack of affordable and reliable public transport, which means most people must own or rent a scooter or car, and taxis are notoriously overpriced (often 300 to 1,000 THB per trip) with no meters.
The bureaucratic issue that causes the most headaches for expats in Koh Samui is the 90-day reporting requirement for long-stay visa holders, combined with periodic trips to immigration offices and the general unpredictability of document requests, which can feel tedious even when everything is in order.
Most expats find these frustrations manageable rather than deal-breakers, viewing them as the price of tropical island living, and those who stay long-term typically develop workarounds like owning their own transport, building relationships with local service providers, and using visa agents for paperwork.
What are the biggest culture shocks in Koh Samui right now?
The biggest culture shocks for expats moving to Koh Samui include the dramatic difference in driving culture (scooters everywhere, different traffic norms, and real accident risk), the Thai approach to contracts and agreements (often more flexible than Westerners expect), and the visible wealth disparity between tourist areas and local communities.
The social norm that surprises newcomers most in Koh Samui is the Thai concept of "mai pen rai" (essentially "no worries" or "it doesn't matter"), which can feel liberating but also frustrating when you're trying to get something fixed urgently or hold someone to a deadline.
The aspect of daily routine that takes expats the longest to adjust to in Koh Samui is the tropical climate rhythm, including the intense midday heat that makes outdoor activity impractical, the sudden afternoon rainstorms during monsoon season, and the adjustment to air conditioning costs when electricity bills arrive.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Thailand compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
Can I buy a home as a foreigner in Koh Samui in 2026?
Can foreigners legally own property in Koh Samui in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreigners can legally own property in Koh Samui with restrictions: direct land ownership is generally not permitted, but freehold condominium ownership and leasehold arrangements for villas are well-established pathways that thousands of foreign buyers use successfully.
The main restriction for foreigners buying property in Koh Samui is that you cannot own land outright in your own name, but you can purchase a freehold condominium unit (within the building's 49 percent foreign ownership quota) or acquire a villa through a long-term leasehold agreement, typically 30 years with renewal options.
Foreigners in Koh Samui can own freehold condominium units directly in their own name (subject to the 49 percent foreign quota per building), but for houses and villas with land, the options are leasehold arrangements, purchasing through a properly structured Thai limited company, or in rare cases, condominium-titled villa developments.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing the whole property buying process for foreigners in Koh Samui.
What is the average price per m² in Koh Samui in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average price per square meter for residential property in Koh Samui varies significantly by type: condominiums average around 60,000 to 90,000 THB per m² (roughly 1,650 to 2,500 USD or 1,550 to 2,350 EUR per m²), while villas average about 60,000 THB per m² but range much higher for sea-view properties.
Property prices in Koh Samui have trended upward over the past two to three years, with estimates suggesting 3 to 7 percent annual appreciation, driven by limited land availability, growing remote worker demand, and continued tourism recovery, though the market remains more affordable than Phuket for comparable properties.
Also, you'll find our latest property market analysis about Koh Samui here.
Do banks give mortgages to foreigners in Koh Samui in 2026?
As of early 2026, mortgage availability for foreigners in Koh Samui is limited rather than common, with most Thai banks requiring foreign applicants to have Thai-based income, a work permit, and an established banking relationship before considering a loan application.
The Thai banks most likely to consider mortgage applications from qualified foreigners include Bangkok Bank, Kasikorn Bank, and UOB Thailand, though approval is far from guaranteed and terms vary case by case.
Typical mortgage conditions for foreigners in Koh Samui who do qualify include a down payment of 30 to 50 percent (higher than the 10 to 20 percent often required from Thai nationals), interest rates of 5 to 8 percent, and maximum loan terms of 10 to 20 years depending on the borrower's age and property type.
To qualify for a mortgage as a foreigner in Koh Samui, you typically need proof of Thai-based income (employment contract and tax filings), a valid work permit, bank statements showing stable finances, the property documents, and often a relationship history with the lending bank.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Thailand.
Buying real estate in Koh Samui can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Koh Samui, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Bank of Thailand (BoT) | Thailand's central bank and the official source for inflation targets. | We used it to frame 2026 cost-of-living expectations. We then translated inflation targets into practical budget guidance for Koh Samui. |
| Colliers Thailand | Major global real estate consultancy with published Koh Samui research. | We used it to identify prime neighborhoods and pricing pressures. We referenced their zone analysis for expat location recommendations. |
| Thailand Revenue Department | The official government tax authority for Thailand. | We used it to describe how Thai income tax brackets work. We estimated effective rates for typical expat salary ranges. |
| Thailand e-Visa Portal | Official government portal for Thai visa applications. | We used it to verify current visa types and requirements. We anchored our visa guidance to official documentation. |
| BOI Long-Term Resident Visa | Official program site for Thailand's LTR visa. | We used it to explain LTR eligibility criteria. We compared it against other visa options for long-stay expats. |
| U.S. State Department | Official U.S. government travel advisory with regular updates. | We used it to ground our safety assessment in official risk analysis. We paired it with OSAC for practical precautions. |
| FazWaz Thailand | Large Thai property portal with extensive Koh Samui listings. | We used it to establish realistic rent bands by neighborhood. We built monthly budget scenarios from their rental data. |
| Thailand Property | Major property portal publishing price-per-m² market insights. | We used it as a benchmark for condo asking prices. We cross-checked it against Colliers for market consistency. |
| International School of Samui | Official fee schedule from the school itself. | We used it as the primary source for international school costs. We verified ranges against third-party school databases. |
| World Bank | Core international reference for comparable health indicators. | We used it to benchmark Thailand's healthcare coverage quality. We explained what national-level coverage means for Koh Samui expats. |
| Expat.com | Established expat community platform with recent user reports. | We used it to gather lifestyle insights and cost estimates. We validated official data against real expat experiences. |
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Thailand. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.