Is Astana or Koh Samui cheaper to live in?

Astana is 28% cheaper than Koh Samui. The average monthly cost in Astana is $948, while Koh Samui costs $1,325 per month.

Which city is better for digital nomads: Astana or Koh Samui?

For digital nomads, Astana offers faster internet at 130 Mbps. Astana is more budget-friendly with lower living costs. Both cities have their strengths - Astana has a NomadIQ score of 7.9/10 while Koh Samui scores 7.5/10.

What is the rent difference between Astana and Koh Samui?

A 1-bedroom apartment costs $528/month in Astana and $846/month in Koh Samui. Astana has 38% lower rent.

Is Astana or Koh Samui safer?

Koh Samui has a higher safety score of 7.4/10. Astana scores 6.7/10 for safety while Koh Samui scores 7.4/10.

Should I move to Astana or Koh Samui as an expat?

The choice depends on your priorities. Choose Astana if budget is important ($948/month). Choose Koh Samui for better safety. Astana is better for remote work with 130 Mbps internet.

Back to Comparison Tool

Astana vs Koh Samui

Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Astana

Kazakhstan

$948/mo7.9/10

Koh Samui

Thailand

$1,325/mo7.5/10

Astana

Kazakhstan

$948/moNomadIQ 7.9/10

Koh Samui

Thailand

$1,325/moNomadIQ 7.5/10

Detailed Comparison

Factor

Astana

Koh Samui

Winner

Total Monthly Cost

$948

$1,325

Astana

Rent (1BR)

$528

$846

Astana

Groceries

$290

$280

Koh Samui

Transport

$30

$60

Astana

Healthcare

$85

$120

Astana

Safety Score

6.7/10

7.4/10

Koh Samui

Internet Speed

130 Mbps

95 Mbps

Astana

NomadIQ Score

7.9/10

7.5/10

Astana

Overall Winner: Astana

Based on our comparison, Astana wins 6 out of 8 categories.Koh Samui wins 2 categories.

Which city is better for digital nomads?

For digital nomads choosing between Astana and Koh Samui, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:

Best for Budget

Astana

$948/mo

Best Internet

Astana

130 Mbps

Best NomadIQ Score

Astana

7.9/10

Our Recommendation: Astana is the clear winner for digital nomads, offering both affordability and excellent nomad infrastructure.

Digital Nomad Analysis: Astana vs Koh Samui

When comparing Astana and Koh Samui for digital nomads, several factors come into play.

Cost of Living: Astana offers a more affordable lifestyle at $948/month compared to Koh Samui's $1,325/month.

Internet & Remote Work: Astana leads with 130 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. Koh Samui offers 95 Mbps.

Safety: With a safety score of 7.4/10, Koh Samui offers better security than Astana (6.7/10).

Overall: Astana earns a higher NomadIQ score of 7.9/10, making it slightly more suited for the digital nomad lifestyle.

Cost of Living Comparison

Astana is 28% cheaper than Koh Samui.

• Astana rent: $528/mo
• Koh Samui rent: $846/mo
• Difference: $318/mo

Safety Comparison

Koh Samui has a higher safety score (7.4/10) compared to Astana (6.7/10).

6.7/10

Astana

7.4/10

Koh Samui

Digital Nomad Friendliness

For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Astana offers faster internet at 130 Mbps vs 95 Mbps.

130 Mbps

Astana

95 Mbps

Koh Samui

Which City Is Better for Expats?

Based on our analysis, Astana edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 6 of 8 comparison factors.

Astana: Best for budget-conscious expats

Koh Samui: Best for those prioritizing amenities

Astana vs Koh Samui

Astana

Koh Samui

Astana

Koh Samui

Detailed Comparison

Overall Winner: Astana

Which city is better for digital nomads?

Digital Nomad Analysis: Astana vs Koh Samui

Cost of Living Comparison

Safety Comparison

Digital Nomad Friendliness

Which City Is Better for Expats?

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Frequently Asked Questions: Astana vs Koh Samui