Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Liechtenstein

Thailand
Based on our comparison, Koh Samui wins 5 out of 8 categories.Balzers wins 3 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Balzers and Koh Samui, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Koh Samui
$1,325/mo
Best Internet
Balzers
180 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Balzers
7.6/10
Our Recommendation: Choose Koh Samui if budget is your top priority, or Balzers if you need the fastest internet for remote work.
When comparing Balzers and Koh Samui for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Koh Samui is the more budget-friendly option at $1,325/month versus Balzers's $2,062/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Balzers leads with 180 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. Koh Samui offers 95 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 9.9/10, Balzers provides a more secure environment than Koh Samui (7.4/10).
Overall: Balzers earns a higher NomadIQ score of 7.6/10, making it slightly more suited for the digital nomad lifestyle.
Koh Samui is 36% cheaper than Balzers.
Balzers has a higher safety score (9.9/10) compared to Koh Samui (7.4/10).
9.9/10
Balzers
7.4/10
Koh Samui
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Balzers offers faster internet at 180 Mbps vs 95 Mbps.
180 Mbps
Balzers
95 Mbps
Koh Samui
Based on our analysis, Koh Samui edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 5 of 8 comparison factors.
Balzers: Best for those prioritizing amenities
Koh Samui: Best for budget-conscious expats
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