Chengdu vs Koh Phangan: cost of living for digital nomads
Chengdu, China and Koh Phangan, Thailand, line by line from the catalogue: what a month costs, rent, food, coworking, safety and internet. Every figure links back to its source on the city page.
The short version
- Chengdu is about 1% cheaper than Koh Phangan for a month of nomad living ($1,240 vs $1,250).
- Both score 8/10 on safety.
- Internet is faster in Chengdu: 200 Mbps typical against 60 Mbps.
- Chengdu is temperate; Koh Phangan is tropical.
Chengdu wins 4 of the measured lines; Koh Phangan wins 2.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Chengdu or Koh Phangan?
Chengdu is cheaper: about $1,240/month against $1,250/month in Koh Phangan, roughly 1% less for a typical remote worker's budget.
Which city is safer, Chengdu or Koh Phangan?
Chengdu and Koh Phangan score the same on safety, 8/10 each.
Which has faster internet, Chengdu or Koh Phangan?
Chengdu has faster typical internet: 200 Mbps against 60 Mbps in Koh Phangan.
| Line | Chengdu | Koh Phangan |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $1,240 | $1,250 |
| Rent | $500 | $500 |
| Food | $320 | $350 |
| Transport | $35 | $60 |
| Coworking | $105 | $100 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 200 | 60 |
| Climate | temperate | tropical |
| City size | metro | small |
| Setting | inland | island |
| Nomad score (out of 10) | 7/10 | 8/10 |
Koh Phangan
Thai island with a fast-growing nomad scene around Sri Thanu — beaches, wellness, low cost.
Compare Koh Phangan with
Costs are typical monthly figures for one person in USD, from the sources named on each city page; safety and internet are the catalogue's own ratings. Cost figures verified (Eastern Time): Chengdu September 11, 2026, Koh Phangan August 30, 2026.