Koh Phangan vs Zanzibar City: cost of living for digital nomads
Koh Phangan, Thailand and Zanzibar City, Tanzania, 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
- Zanzibar City is about 4% cheaper than Koh Phangan for a month of nomad living ($1,200 vs $1,250).
- Koh Phangan scores higher on safety (8/10 vs 7/10).
- Internet is faster in Koh Phangan: 60 Mbps typical against 28 Mbps.
- Both have a tropical climate.
Koh Phangan wins 4 of the measured lines; Zanzibar City wins 2.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Koh Phangan or Zanzibar City?
Zanzibar City is cheaper: about $1,200/month against $1,250/month in Koh Phangan, roughly 4% less for a typical remote worker's budget.
Which city is safer, Koh Phangan or Zanzibar City?
Koh Phangan scores higher on safety: 8/10 against 7/10 for Zanzibar City.
Which has faster internet, Koh Phangan or Zanzibar City?
Koh Phangan has faster typical internet: 60 Mbps against 28 Mbps in Zanzibar City.
| Line | Koh Phangan | Zanzibar City |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $1,250 | $1,200 |
| Rent | $500 | $500 |
| Food | $350 | $300 |
| Transport | $60 | $60 |
| Coworking | $100 | $120 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 8/10 | 7/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 60 | 28 |
| Climate | tropical | tropical |
| City size | small | mid |
| Setting | island | island |
| Nomad score (out of 10) | 8/10 | 7/10 |
Koh Phangan
Thai island with a fast-growing nomad scene around Sri Thanu — beaches, wellness, low cost.
Zanzibar City
Island nomad scene around Paje/Jambiani; relaxed and warm.
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, Zanzibar City November 3, 2026.