Koh Phangan vs Kuala Belait: cost of living for digital nomads
Koh Phangan, Thailand and Kuala Belait, Brunei, 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
- Kuala Belait is about 0% cheaper than Koh Phangan for a month of nomad living ($1,245 vs $1,250).
- Kuala Belait scores higher on safety (9/10 vs 8/10).
- Internet is faster in Kuala Belait: 80 Mbps typical against 60 Mbps.
- Both have a tropical climate.
Koh Phangan wins 1 of the measured lines; Kuala Belait wins 5.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Koh Phangan or Kuala Belait?
Kuala Belait is cheaper: about $1,245/month against $1,250/month in Koh Phangan, roughly 0% less for a typical remote worker's budget.
Which city is safer, Koh Phangan or Kuala Belait?
Kuala Belait scores higher on safety: 9/10 against 8/10 for Koh Phangan.
Which has faster internet, Koh Phangan or Kuala Belait?
Kuala Belait has faster typical internet: 80 Mbps against 60 Mbps in Koh Phangan.
| Line | Koh Phangan | Kuala Belait |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $1,250 | $1,245 |
| Rent | $500 | $500 |
| Food | $350 | $350 |
| Transport | $60 | $45 |
| Coworking | $100 | $80 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 8/10 | 9/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 60 | 80 |
| Climate | tropical | tropical |
| City size | small | small |
| Setting | island | coast |
| Nomad score (out of 10) | 8/10 | 4/10 |
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): Koh Phangan August 30, 2026, Kuala Belait September 11, 2026.