Koh Phangan vs Sal: cost of living for digital nomads
Koh Phangan, Thailand and Sal, Cape Verde, 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
- Sal is about 0% cheaper than Koh Phangan for a month of nomad living ($1,245 vs $1,250).
- Koh Phangan scores higher on safety (8/10 vs 7/10).
- Internet is faster in Sal: 70 Mbps typical against 60 Mbps.
- Koh Phangan is tropical; Sal is arid.
Koh Phangan wins 3 of the measured lines; Sal wins 4.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Koh Phangan or Sal?
Sal 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 Sal?
Koh Phangan scores higher on safety: 8/10 against 7/10 for Sal.
Which has faster internet, Koh Phangan or Sal?
Sal has faster typical internet: 70 Mbps against 60 Mbps in Koh Phangan.
| Line | Koh Phangan | Sal |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $1,250 | $1,245 |
| Rent | $500 | $500 |
| Food | $350 | $360 |
| Transport | $60 | $35 |
| Coworking | $100 | $80 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 8/10 | 7/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 60 | 70 |
| Climate | tropical | arid |
| City size | small | small |
| Setting | island | island |
| Nomad score (out of 10) | 8/10 | 6/10 |
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, Sal September 11, 2026.