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The total monthly occupancy cost for a long-term rental in Koh Samui typically includes several components beyond the base rent. Base rent for a studio or one-bedroom apartment starts at approximately 10,000–15,000 THB/month in local residential areas, while furnished one-bedroom condos in popular zones such as Chaweng or Bo Phut range from around 15,000–35,000 THB/month (source: FazWaz and Horizon Homes Koh Samui, 2024).
Koh Samui in brief: A tropical island in southern Thailand with a small but active international student and long-stay community. The main higher-education institution is the SRU International School of Tourism (Chaweng/Bo Phut area); language schools island-wide offer ED visa support. Long-term rents start at around 8,000 THB/month for basic studios and reach 25,000+ THB/month for furnished apartments in central areas. Key neighbourhoods for students: Chaweng (central, lively), Bo Phut (practical, expat-friendly), and Maenam (affordable, quiet). Upfront costs: one month's deposit + one month's advance rent. A scooter is essential for daily mobility.
Finding long-term accommodation in Koh Samui as an international student requires understanding the island's rental market, its neighbourhoods, and the practical steps involved in securing a lease in Thailand. Whether you are enrolling at the Suratthani Rajabhat University International School of Tourism, attending a language school on an ED visa, or pursuing a remote study programme while living on the island, Koh Samui offers a range of rental options to suit different budgets and lifestyles. From affordable studios in Maenam to well-connected apartments in Chaweng and Bo Phut, this guide covers everything you need to know about renting long-term in Koh Samui — including typical costs, neighbourhood profiles, lease requirements, and tips for building a successful rental application.
Koh Samui is a tropical island in Surat Thani Province, southern Thailand, and home to a growing long-stay and international student community. The island hosts the Suratthani Rajabhat University International School of Tourism in the Chaweng/Bo Phut area, as well as several language schools offering Education (ED) visa support. Long-term rental options range from basic studios at around 8,000–10,000 THB/month in residential areas like Maenam, to furnished apartments in Chaweng or Bo Phut at 15,000–35,000 THB/month. Under Thailand's updated rental regulations (2024), upfront costs are capped at two months' rent (one month deposit plus one month advance). The island's main neighbourhoods — Chaweng, Bo Phut, Maenam, and Lamai — each offer a different balance of price, amenities, and lifestyle for expatriates.
Finding long-term accommodation in Koh Samui as an international student requires understanding the island's rental market, its neighbourhoods, and the practical steps involved in securing a lease in Thailand. Whether you are enrolling at the Suratthani Rajabhat University International School of Tourism, attending a language school on an ED visa, or pursuing a remote study programme while living on the island, Koh Samui offers a range of rental options to suit different budgets and lifestyles. From affordable studios in Maenam to well-connected apartments in Chaweng and Bo Phut, this guide covers everything you need to know about renting long-term in Koh Samui — including typical costs, neighbourhood profiles, lease requirements, and tips for building a successful rental application.
Koh Samui's long-term rental market offers a wide range of price points to suit different student budgets. According to FazWaz (2024), studio rentals start at around 13,200 THB/month, while furnished one-bedroom apartments in central areas typically range from 15,000 to 35,000 THB/month. More affordable options are available in quieter neighbourhoods like Maenam on the north coast, where rents tend to be lower than in tourist-heavy zones. Utilities — especially electricity — add a meaningful amount to the monthly total, so always clarify whether they are included in the quoted rent before signing a lease.
One of the most frequent mistakes made by international students and newcomers renting in Koh Samui is signing a lease without clarifying whether utilities are included. Many listings quote a base rent that excludes electricity, which can add 2,000–8,000 THB/month to the total cost depending on air-conditioning use. Other common errors include:
Koh Samui has no dedicated student district. Students at the SRU International School of Tourism (Chaweng/Bo Phut area) or at the language schools mostly live in Chaweng, Bo Phut, Maenam or Lamai. Listings turn up on FazWaz, DDProperty, with local agencies and in expat Facebook groups.
A Home Finder on the ground views for you before any money is paid.
A guarantor is not the central piece on Koh Samui: Thailand has no comprehensive residential tenancy law, so your rights rest on the written contract. Insist on a signed lease before any transfer, and keep a valid visa, for example the ED visa of the language schools.
The Home Finder helps you review the contract and prepare the funds for the deposit and rent in advance.
The most sought-after properties in Chaweng, Bophut and Lamai are often booked in high season, from November to April, which shrinks long-term supply: search before that period if your arrival falls within it. Many landlords require a minimum of three to six months to apply long-term rates.
Booking a short stay first to view places is the safest route; a Home Finder can also prepare a shortlist before you arrive.
Basic studios start around 8,000 THB a month and can reach 25,000 THB a month or more for furnished flats in central areas. Add electricity, from 2,000 to 8,000 THB a month depending on air conditioning, and internet, from 500 to 900 THB a month.
On move-in, plan for up to two months' rent: one month's deposit and one month in advance, under the 2024 rules.
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