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Koh Samui vs Jakarta – Digital Nomad Guide
Trying to decide between Koh Samui, Thailand and Jakarta, Indonesia? Here's a detailed comparison to help digital nomads and remote workers make an informed choice.
💰 Cost of Living
Koh Samui has a monthly cost of $2,260, which is 1.3% lower than Jakarta's $2,290.
🌐 Internet Infrastructure
For internet speeds, Koh Samui offers 50 Mbps, while Jakarta provides 30 Mbps – making Koh Samui's connection 66.7% faster .
☀️ Current Weather
The weather in Koh Samui is currently 27°C ⛈️, while Jakarta is experiencing 32°C ⛈️.
🛡️ Safety Comparison
Koh Samui has a safety score of 75.0 , while Jakarta scores 60.0 .
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Overall
Quality of Life
Koh Samui wins
Koh Samui is 15% better
Cost
Climate
Koh Samui wins
Koh Samui is 45% better
Infrastructure
Koh Samui wins
Koh Samui is 5% better
Social
Jakarta wins
Jakarta is 7% better
Jakarta is 5% better
Total Cost of Living Comparison
| Category | Koh Samui | Jakarta | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Total | $2,260 | $2,290 | -1.3% |
| Daily Average | $75 | $76 | per day |
Housing
| Item | Koh Samui | Jakarta | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment (1 bedroom) | $450.00 per month | $350.00 per month | +28.6% |
Daily Life
| Item | Koh Samui | Jakarta | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coffee | $1.50 per cup | $1.50 per cup | 0.0% |
| Beer | $2.00 per pint | $2.00 per pint | 0.0% |
| Meal (Inexpensive) | $3.00 per meal | $2.50 per meal | +20.0% |
Transportation
| Item | Koh Samui | Jakarta | Difference |
|---|
Utilities
| Item | Koh Samui | Jakarta | Difference |
|---|
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Final Verdict: Koh Samui vs Jakarta
Koh Samui ranks as the better digital nomad destination, scoring 1.0% higher than Jakarta overall.
💰 Cost Analysis
- Monthly Budget: $2,260 vs $2,290
- Daily Expenses: $75 vs $76
- Koh Samui is 1.3% cheaper for digital nomads
🌐 Infrastructure
- Internet Speed: Koh Samui leads with 67% faster connection
- Public Transport: Jakarta has better public transportation
🎯 Key Advantages
Koh Samui Wins In:
- Safety (15% better)
- Air Quality (45% better)
- Internet Speed (5% better)
Jakarta Wins In:
- Nightlife (7% better)
- Food Scene (5% better)
💡 Final Recommendation
Choose Koh Samui if you prioritize better quality of life metrics and Safety. However, Jakarta might be preferable if Safety is your top priority. Both cities offer unique advantages for digital nomads, with distinct trade-offs in cost of living, infrastructure, and lifestyle options.
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