What are rents like in Koh Samui right now? (2026)

If you're looking to rent or invest in Koh Samui, you probably want to know what monthly rents actually look like right now.

We've gathered the latest rental data and market reports to give you a clear picture for January 2026.

This article is constantly updated so you always have fresh numbers.

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

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Daniel Rouquette 🇫🇷

CEO & Co-Founder at Villa Finder

Daniel Rouquette understands the Koh Samui real estate market well, as he is in daily contact with villa owners and industry professionals on the island. As the CEO and Co-Founder of Villa Finder, he has been running the company since 2012, offering a premium selection of villa rentals with personalized concierge services. With over 4,000 villas in 28 destinations, Villa Finder is a key player in the luxury vacation rental industry.

Who is the author of this content?

BAMBOOROUTES

A team specialized in real estate investing in APAC countries (Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, etc.).

We are a team of financial experts, legal professionals, developers, and local real estate specialists dedicated to helping people like you avoid mistakes when investing in real estate in a foreign place, particularly in Koh Samui. If you’d like to learn more about us, you can check our presentation page.

What are typical rents in Koh Samui as of 2026?

What's the average monthly rent for a studio in Koh Samui as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a studio in Koh Samui is around 30,000 baht (about $860 USD or €790 EUR).

The realistic range runs from 22,000 to 45,000 baht monthly ($630 to $1,285 USD or €580 to €1,185 EUR), with prime resort condos pushing higher.

Main factors causing studio rents to vary in Koh Samui include beach proximity, pool and gym access, property age, and whether you're in high-demand areas like Bophut or Chaweng versus quieter inland spots.

What's the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom in Koh Samui as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom in Koh Samui is around 35,000 baht ($1,000 USD or €920 EUR).

The realistic range spans 25,000 to 55,000 baht monthly ($715 to $1,570 USD or €660 to €1,450 EUR), with sea-view units and newer builds at the higher end.

Cheapest 1-bedroom rents in Koh Samui are found in Maret and inland Lamai, while priciest ones cluster around Bophut's Fisherman's Village, Chaweng, and Choeng Mon.

What's the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom in Koh Samui as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom in Koh Samui is around 60,000 baht ($1,715 USD or €1,580 EUR).

The realistic range runs 45,000 to 90,000 baht monthly ($1,285 to $2,570 USD or €1,185 to €2,370 EUR), with family layouts and resort buildings at the upper half.

Most affordable 2-bedrooms in Koh Samui are in Maret and quieter Mae Nam, while most expensive ones concentrate in Choeng Mon, Plai Laem, and premium Bophut developments with sea views.

By the way, you will find much more detailed rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Koh Samui.

What's the average rent per square meter in Koh Samui as of 2026?

As of early 2026, average rent per square meter in prime Koh Samui areas is around 700 baht monthly ($20 USD or €18 EUR per sqm).

The range across Koh Samui neighborhoods spans 550 to 900 baht per sqm monthly ($16 to $26 USD or €14 to €24 EUR).

Compared to other Thai islands, Koh Samui's rent per sqm is generally lower than Phuket's premium beachfront but higher than mainland Surat Thani.

Characteristics pushing rent per sqm above average in Koh Samui include beach walkability, sea views, newer construction, and buildings with pools, gyms, and security.

How much have rents changed year-over-year in Koh Samui in 2026?

As of early 2026, condo and apartment rents in Koh Samui increased 3% to 6% year-over-year, while villa rents stayed flat (ranging from -2% to +2%).

Main factors driving these changes include strong tourism recovery boosting demand, while a 34% surge in villa supply created competition and capped price growth in that segment.

This pattern mirrors 2025 for condos, but the villa market shifted from modest growth to stagnation as new inventory flooded the market.

What's the outlook for rent growth in Koh Samui in 2026?

As of early 2026, mainstream long-term rents in Koh Samui are projected to grow 2% to 5%, with strongest growth for well-located 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units near the north and east belt.

Key factors include continued tourism momentum driving longer stays, plus the island's growing appeal to remote workers seeking tropical lifestyle options.

Within Koh Samui, Bophut, Chaweng, and Bang Rak should see strongest rent growth due to their convenience, amenities, and airport proximity.

Risks that could alter projections include large condo projects under development adding supply, and any slowdown in tourism or remote work trends.

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.

Which neighborhoods rent best in Koh Samui as of 2026?

Which neighborhoods have the highest rents in Koh Samui as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the three Koh Samui neighborhoods with highest rents are Choeng Mon, Plai Laem, and Bophut's Fisherman's Village, where 2-bedrooms typically command 70,000 to 90,000 baht monthly ($2,000 to $2,570 USD or €1,840 to €2,370 EUR).

These Koh Samui neighborhoods command premiums due to direct beach access, upscale dining, and convenient proximity to Samui International Airport.

Typical tenants in these high-rent Koh Samui areas include affluent expats, remote workers from Europe and North America, and hospitality professionals wanting comfort and convenience.

By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Koh Samui.

Where do young professionals prefer to rent in Koh Samui right now?

The three Koh Samui neighborhoods young professionals prefer are Chaweng for nightlife and convenience, Bophut for cafes and Fisherman's Village vibe, and Bang Rak for easy pier and airport access.

Young professionals in these Koh Samui areas typically pay 25,000 to 45,000 baht monthly for a 1-bedroom ($715 to $1,285 USD or €660 to €1,185 EUR).

What attracts them is the combination of walkable social scenes, reliable high-speed internet, and easy airport access for weekend trips or client visits.

By the way, you will find a detailed tenant analysis in our property pack covering the real estate market in Koh Samui.

Where do families prefer to rent in Koh Samui right now?

The three Koh Samui neighborhoods families prefer are Mae Nam for its quieter feel, inland Bophut for proximity to services without tourist noise, and Lamai/Maret for laid-back lifestyle with nearby shops and schools.

In these Koh Samui family areas, 2 to 3 bedroom places typically rent for 50,000 to 80,000 baht monthly ($1,430 to $2,285 USD or €1,315 to €2,105 EUR).

What makes these Koh Samui neighborhoods attractive to families is more space, calmer roads for children, and easier routines without constant tourist buzz.

Top educational options nearby include International School of Samui in Bophut and bilingual schools in Chaweng and Lamai areas.

Which areas near transit or universities rent faster in Koh Samui in 2026?

As of early 2026, the three Koh Samui areas that rent fastest are Bang Rak near the ferry pier, the zone around Samui International Airport, and central Bophut on the north ring road.

In these high-demand Koh Samui areas, properties typically stay listed just 15 to 25 days, compared to 30 to 45 days elsewhere.

The rent premium in these well-connected Koh Samui zones is 10% to 15% above comparable units, roughly 3,000 to 6,000 baht extra monthly ($85 to $170 USD or €80 to €160 EUR).

Which neighborhoods are most popular with expats in Koh Samui right now?

The three Koh Samui neighborhoods most popular with expats are Bophut for Fisherman's Village charm, Bang Rak for practical pier and airport access, and Choeng Mon for quieter upscale beach vibes.

In these expat-favorite Koh Samui areas, typical rents range from 35,000 to 70,000 baht monthly ($1,000 to $2,000 USD or €920 to €1,840 EUR).

What attracts expats is the combination of international restaurants, reliable infrastructure, English-speaking services, and social scenes where meeting other foreigners is easy.

Most represented communities include Europeans (British, French, German), Australians, and increasing numbers of North Americans working remotely.

And if you are also an expat, you may want to read our exhaustive guide for expats in Koh Samui.

Who rents, and what do tenants want in Koh Samui right now?

What tenant profiles dominate rentals in Koh Samui?

The three tenant profiles dominating Koh Samui rentals are remote workers on 3 to 12 month leases, hospitality professionals needing year-round housing, and expat families seeking stability near international schools.

In Koh Samui's rental market, remote workers represent roughly 40% of long-term demand, hospitality staff about 35%, and expat families around 25%.

These profiles seek different properties: remote workers want furnished 1-bedroom condos with fast internet, hospitality staff look for affordable studios, and families prioritize 2 to 3 bedroom houses with outdoor space.

If you want to optimize your cashflow, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Koh Samui.

Do tenants prefer furnished or unfurnished in Koh Samui?

In Koh Samui, roughly 75% to 80% of long-term tenants prefer furnished rentals, while only 20% to 25% seek unfurnished, because most renters arrive by plane without furniture.

The rent premium for furnished apartments in Koh Samui is 15% to 25% above unfurnished, roughly 5,000 to 10,000 baht extra monthly ($145 to $285 USD or €130 to €265 EUR).

Tenant profiles preferring furnished in Koh Samui are expats, remote workers, and mid-term tenants testing the island, while unfurnished attracts mainly long-term local Thai tenants.

Which amenities increase rent the most in Koh Samui?

The five amenities increasing rent most in Koh Samui are sea or sunset views, private pools, reliable high-speed internet with backup power, quality water filtration, and on-site security with managed facilities.

In Koh Samui, sea views add 15% to 25% (5,000 to 15,000 baht or $145 to $430 USD), private pools add 20% to 35%, reliable internet adds 5% to 10%, water systems add 3% to 5%, and security adds 5% to 10%.

In our property pack covering the real estate market in Koh Samui, we cover what are the best investments a landlord can make.

What renovations get the best ROI for rentals in Koh Samui?

The five best-ROI renovations for Koh Samui rentals are upgrading air conditioning and insulation, modernizing kitchens and bathrooms, adding water filtration and storage, improving outdoor terraces, and installing backup power.

Typical costs and returns: air conditioning upgrades cost 30,000 to 60,000 baht ($860 to $1,715 USD) and boost rent by 2,000 to 4,000 baht monthly; kitchen/bathroom updates cost 80,000 to 150,000 baht and add 3,000 to 6,000 baht monthly.

Poor-ROI renovations to avoid in Koh Samui include overly luxurious finishes exceeding neighborhood standards, adding pools to already-pooled buildings, and purely cosmetic upgrades not addressing comfort or reliability.

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.

How strong is rental demand in Koh Samui as of 2026?

What's the vacancy rate for rentals in Koh Samui as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the overall vacancy rate for long-term rentals in Koh Samui is estimated at 6% to 9%, indicating a reasonably healthy market.

Across Koh Samui neighborhoods, vacancy ranges from 4% in prime north and east areas like Bophut and Chaweng to 12% to 15% for overpriced villas or awkward-access properties.

Compared to historical averages, Koh Samui's current vacancy is slightly elevated due to the 34% villa supply surge in 2025, though well-located condos perform at or below norms.

Finally please note that you will have all the indicators you need in our property pack covering the real estate market in Koh Samui.

How many days do rentals stay listed in Koh Samui as of 2026?

As of early 2026, correctly priced long-term rentals in Koh Samui stay listed for an average of 25 to 35 days.

The range varies from 14 to 21 days for competitively priced 1-bedrooms in prime Koh Samui areas, up to 45 to 60 days for unique villas or overpriced properties.

Compared to one year ago, Koh Samui's days-on-market increased by about 5 to 10 days as new villa supply gave tenants more options to compare.

Which months have peak tenant demand in Koh Samui?

Peak months for tenant demand in Koh Samui are November through February during dry season, plus a secondary peak in July and August for summer relocations.

Factors driving seasonal patterns in Koh Samui include weather (dry season is most comfortable), new-year relocations from expats, and holiday arrivals converting into longer stays.

Lowest tenant demand in Koh Samui is typically April through June and September through October, when monsoon rains pick up and tourism slows.

What will my monthly costs be in Koh Samui as of 2026?

What property taxes should landlords expect in Koh Samui as of 2026?

As of early 2026, Koh Samui landlords should budget roughly 0.02% to 0.10% of assessed property value yearly for the Land and Buildings Tax, which for a 5 million baht property means about 1,000 to 5,000 baht annually ($30 to $145 USD or €25 to €130 EUR).

The realistic range depends heavily on classification, with lower rates for primary residences and higher rates for investment properties.

Property taxes in Koh Samui are calculated based on local government assessed value multiplied by rates varying according to property use classification under Thailand's Land and Buildings Tax Act.

Please note that, in our property pack covering the real estate market in Koh Samui, we cover what exemptions or deductions may be available to reduce property taxes for landlords.

What maintenance budget per year is realistic in Koh Samui right now?

A realistic annual maintenance budget for a typical Koh Samui rental is 1.5% to 2.5% of property value, which for a 4 million baht condo means 60,000 to 100,000 baht yearly ($1,715 to $2,860 USD or €1,580 to €2,630 EUR).

The range spans from around 40,000 baht for newer condos to over 150,000 baht for older villas with pools and gardens in tropical climate.

Most Koh Samui landlords set aside 10% to 15% of monthly rental income for maintenance, covering salt air wear, pest control, and repainting cycles.

What utilities do landlords often pay in Koh Samui right now?

Utilities Koh Samui landlords commonly pay include internet/WiFi, pool and garden maintenance for villas, and condo common-area fees, while tenants typically pay electricity and water directly.

Typical monthly costs: internet runs 600 to 1,500 baht ($17 to $43 USD), pool/garden maintenance 3,000 to 8,000 baht ($85 to $230 USD), and condo fees 2,000 to 5,000 baht ($57 to $145 USD).

Common practice in Koh Samui is for leases to specify tenants pay electricity (which swings due to Thailand's Ft tariff) and water based on usage, while landlords bundle WiFi and villa maintenance into rent.

How is rental income taxed in Koh Samui as of 2026?

As of early 2026, rental income in Koh Samui is taxable personal income in Thailand, added to your annual computation with progressive rates from 0% to 35% depending on total income.

Main deductions Koh Samui landlords can claim include maintenance, repairs, depreciation, insurance, and management fees, with treatment depending on individual versus company filing.

Common tax mistakes Koh Samui landlords should avoid include failing to document expenses, misunderstanding residency rules for foreign-sourced income, and not reporting short-term rental income to the Revenue Department.

We cover these mistakes, among others, in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Koh Samui.

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.

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.

Source	Why It's Authoritative	How We Used It
C9 Hotelworks Property Market Update (June 2025)	C9 Hotelworks is a well-known regional research firm publishing data-driven market reviews.	We used it to understand supply concentration and pricing pressure. We also used its Koh Samui submarket breakdown for neighborhood-specific advice.
C9 Hotelworks Tourism Review (June 2025)	Detailed tourism report with hard metrics like airport passengers and occupancy.	We used it as demand-side anchor since tourism spills into longer stays. We used passenger momentum to inform rent-growth outlook.
Bank of Thailand Property Price Index	Thailand's central bank publishing official housing indicators.	We used it to frame macro housing backdrop for the South region. We used it as sanity check so rent outlook aligns with broader conditions.
TPSO CPI Release	Official government publisher for Thailand's inflation data.	We used it to anchor baseline inflation for rent adjustments. We used it as cross-check so year-over-year estimates stay realistic.
PEA Ft Tariff	Official electricity utility for Thailand outside Bangkok, including Koh Samui.	We used it to explain electricity bill swings and guide utilities budgeting. We used Ft schedule timing to keep January 2026 framing accurate.
PWA Water Tariff	PWA publishes official tariff tables for household billing.	We used it for realistic monthly water-cost ranges. We used block pricing to ground estimates for different household sizes.
Thailand Revenue Department	Primary authority for personal income tax administration in Thailand.	We used it as official reference for rental income taxation. We used it to align tax section with actual filing requirements.
PwC Thai Tax Booklet 2024/25	Top-tier global tax advisory with widely cited reference summary.	We used it to summarize income-tax framing in plain language. We used it as cross-check against government guidance.
KPMG Thailand Tax Reference	Top-tier tax advisory with carefully reviewed summaries.	We used it to cross-check expat edge cases like residency rules. We used it to avoid oversimplifying tax for international landlords.
Land and Buildings Tax Act (English Translation)	Official legal translation from Thailand's Law for ASEAN project.	We used it to ground property tax discussion in actual law. We used it to keep description of who pays and what's taxed accurate.
FazWaz Koh Samui Rentals	Major Thailand property portal with transparent listing-based stats.	We used it to estimate typical rents by bedroom count. We also used per-sqm data to estimate rent density in prime areas.
FazWaz Studio Rentals	Focused listing set making studio rent comparable like-for-like.	We used it to anchor studio asking-rent ranges and sizes for price-per-sqm. We cross-checked against other portals.
FazWaz 1-Bedroom Rentals	Single-configuration filter reducing noise in data.	We used it to estimate 1-bedroom rents and identify stock concentration. We used THB/sqm info as secondary validation.
FazWaz 2-Bedroom Rentals	Isolates family and share-house demand segment.	We used it to estimate 2-bedroom rents and sea-view premiums. We used THB/sqm signals for apples-to-apples comparisons.
RentHub Ko Samui	Large Thai rental platform especially useful for apartments.	We used it to capture local apartment layer often cheaper than resort stock. We used visible price bands to sanity-check lower-end ranges.
Thaiger Property Koh Samui	Sizeable portal with extensive Koh Samui inventory.	We used it to cross-check high-end and villa asking rents. We used THB/sqm snippets to validate our rent-per-sqm band.