Koh Tao is a small island located in the south of Thailand. It is a popular destination for tourists, digital nomads, and expats alike. Known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life, Koh Tao offers a unique and idyllic lifestyle. However, before considering a move to this little paradise, it is important to understand the cost of living on the island.
With our breakdown, I would like to show you what we spent monthly in Koh Tao as a family of four. This breakdown is from July 2023, which marks the high season.
Monthly Costs in Koh Tao
🏠 Housing: 46.000 THB (1.190 EUR/1,293 USD) – 2 bdr apartment in Sairee incl. water and electricity
🛒 Groceries: 11.500 THB (298 EUR/323 USD) – mostly local supermarkets and fruit stalls
🥗 Restaurants: 52.000 THB (1.345 EUR/1,460 USD) – min. 1x/day local food, max. 2x/day Western food
🛵 Transportation: 14.000 THB (360 EUR/395 USD) – we rented 2 Aerox for 6.000 THB/month + gas
👶 Childcare: 44.000 THB (1.140 EUR/1,245 USD) – both girls went to Koh Tao Preschool every day and on top, we had a wonderful Burmese nanny for the little one
🏋️ Sport: 13.200 THB (340 EUR/370 USD) – daily Yoga classes for two at Blue Chitta
💻 Co-Working: 4.000 THB (105 EUR/113 USD) – hot seat at Blacktip Co-Working for one person (Lulu only worked at cafes)
💆♀️ Personal Care: 11.600 THB (300 EUR/325 USD) – massages and hairdresser/barber
🥳 Fun & Activities: 11.000 THB (285 EUR/311 USD) – diving, snorkeling, and dancing classes for the kids
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💸 Total: 207.300 THB = 5.400 EUR = 5,870 USD
What made Koh Tao more expensive for us than Koh Phangan?
We found that the rental prices in Koh Tao are pretty high compared to islands like Koh Phangan. We paid much more for a simple apartment in Koh Tao than a house in Koh Phangan. On the other hand, the food prices and the costs of childcare were a bit cheaper. What made a difference: was diving! When you live in a diver’s paradise, you have to take advantage of it, right?! Even though diving is pretty affordable in Koh Tao (around 2.000 THB for two dives/person), it has made a difference in the bank account. There are numerous dive shops and schools that offer a variety of courses, from introductory programs to advanced certifications.
One significant factor that made a notable difference in our overall expenses was diving. Living in a diver’s paradise, we felt compelled to take full advantage of it. While diving in Koh Tao is generally affordable, with prices averaging around 2,000 THB for two dives per person, the cumulative effect on our bank account was evident. The island is home to numerous dive shops and schools offering a diverse range of courses, from introductory programs to advanced certifications.
The allure of exploring the vibrant underwater world became a unique aspect of our experience in Koh Tao, impacting not only our leisure activities but also our budget considerations. It’s a reminder that the activities and attractions specific to each location can significantly influence the overall cost of living and the lifestyle choices made during the nomadic journey.
Why you should go diving in Koh Tao
Koh Tao offers incredible diving opportunities for dive enthusiasts of all levels. With vibrant coral reefs and an abundance of marine life, it’s no wonder that divers flock to this tropical island. Koh Tao is surrounded by more than 25 dive sites, offering diverse underwater landscapes and a wide range of marine species. Popular dive sites include Chumphon Pinnacle, Sail Rock, Japanese Garden, and Shark Island, where divers can encounter colorful coral reefs, fascinating rock formations, and an array of marine creatures, including turtles, reef sharks, and tropical fish.
Koh Tao also boasts some excellent snorkeling spots for those who prefer snorkeling. Many dive operators offer snorkeling trips that take you to shallow reefs teeming with colorful fish. A snorkeling trip is a great option for non-divers who still want to experience the beauty of the underwater world. But be prepared: if you don’t book soon enough in advance or if you’re traveling on a tight budget, you may end up on a boat with 120 other people. We experienced that and it was, let’s say, interesting!
But anyway, with its affordable prices, stunning underwater scenery, and a variety of dive sites to explore, it’s no wonder that diving is one of the top attractions on this tropical island. So, don’t miss the opportunity to dive into the crystal clear waters of Koh Tao and discover the wonders that lie beneath the surface.
Are these cost breakdowns helpful for you? Let me know in the comments! Thank you for reading!