Koh Tao Cost of Living Guide 2025
Comprehensive guide to living costs in Thailand's premier diving destination. Perfect for dive instructors, digital nomads, and expats seeking affordable island living with world-class underwater adventures.
Monthly Budget Overview
Koh Tao is world-renowned for diving and offers more affordable island living than Koh Samui. The dive industry creates opportunities for budget accommodation and dining, though island logistics still increase costs.
Budget Dive Life
฿25,000-40,000
Simple island diving lifestyle
Comfortable Island
฿40,000-70,000
Quality beachside living
Premium Island
฿70,000-120,000
Luxury island amenities
Ultra-Luxury
฿120,000+
Exclusive island villas
Housing & Accommodation
Koh Tao offers diverse accommodation primarily concentrated in Sairee Beach, Mae Haad, and Chalok areas. Dive industry creates budget options:
- •Shared Dorm Room: ฿6,000-10,000/month
- •Basic Private Room: ฿8,000-15,000/month
- •Studio Bungalow (Sairee): ฿15,000-25,000/month
- •1-Bedroom (Beach View): ฿20,000-35,000/month
- •2-Bedroom Villa: ฿35,000-60,000/month
- •Hilltop Villa with Pool: ฿60,000-150,000+/month
🤿 Pro Tip:
Best value: Stay near dive shops for discounted accommodation if working in diving. Chalok area offers quieter, cheaper options. Book long-term (3+ months) for better rates.
Food & Dining
Koh Tao has a great mix of local Thai food and international cuisine catering to the diving community. Island logistics increase prices:
- •Local Thai Food: ฿50-100 per meal (som tam, fried rice)
- •Street Food Stalls: ฿40-80 per meal
- •Beach Restaurant: ฿150-300 per meal
- •Western/Dive Cafe: ฿200-400 per meal
- •Seafood Restaurant: ฿300-600 per meal
- •Local Market Groceries: ฿6,000-10,000/month
- •7-Eleven/Convenience: ฿8,000-15,000/month
Transportation
Koh Tao is small but hilly. Scooters are essential for getting around the island and reaching diving spots:
- •Scooter Rental: ฿3,500-5,000/month (long-term)
- •Taxi Truck: ฿50-150 per trip
- •Walking: Free (limited areas due to hills)
- •Ferry to Koh Samui: ฿500-800
- •Ferry to Mainland (Chumphon): ฿600-900
- •Airport Transfer (via Samui): ฿1,200-2,000
- •Gasoline: ฿38-42/liter
Utilities & Services
- •Electricity: ฿2,500-6,000/month (AC essential year-round)
- •Water: ฿150-400/month
- •Internet (WiFi): ฿700-1,500/month
- •Mobile Phone: ฿400-1,200/month
- •Gym/Fitness: ฿1,500-3,000/month
- •Laundry Service: ฿35-55/kg
Healthcare
Koh Tao has basic medical facilities and diving-related medical care. Serious cases require evacuation to Koh Samui or mainland:
- •Local Clinic Visit: ฿600-1,500
- •Diving Medical Check: ฿1,000-2,000
- •Basic Medications: ฿100-400
- •DAN Diving Insurance: ฿2,000-5,000/year
- •Medical Evacuation: ฿30,000-100,000+
- •Travel Insurance: ฿800-2,000/month
Entertainment & Activities
- •Fun Dive (2 dives): ฿1,000-1,500
- •Open Water Course: ฿9,000-12,000
- •Snorkeling Trip: ฿600-1,200
- •Thai Massage: ฿300-600/hour
- •Rock Climbing: ฿800-1,500/day
- •Island Viewpoint Hike: Free
- •Beer at Beach Bar: ฿80-150
- •Beach Club Day Pass: ฿300-800
Popular Areas & Neighborhoods
Premium Areas (฿25,000+ for 1BR)
Sairee Beach central, hilltop villas with sea views
Mid-Range Areas (฿15,000-25,000 for 1BR)
Mae Haad area, Sairee Beach edges, Tanote Bay
Budget Areas (8,000-15,000 for 1BR)
Chalok area, inland locations, dive shop accommodations
Sample Monthly Budgets
Budget Dive Life: ฿32,000
Shared Room: ฿8,000 | Local Food: ฿8,000 | Scooter: ฿4,000 | Utilities: ฿5,000 | Diving: ฿7,000
Comfortable Island Life: ฿55,000
Beach Bungalow: ฿20,000 | Mixed Dining: ฿12,000 | Transport: ฿6,000 | Utilities: ฿8,000 | Activities: ฿9,000
Premium Island Living: ฿95,000
Sea View Villa: ฿45,000 | Quality Dining: ฿20,000 | Transport: ฿10,000 | Utilities: ฿10,000 | Recreation: ฿10,000
🏊 Island Living Note:
Best diving conditions: March-September. October-February can have rough seas. Many dive shops offer work exchange programs for accommodation. Ferry schedules vary by season.
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