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South Tarawa vs Cairns – Digital Nomad Guide

Trying to decide between South Tarawa, Kiribati and Cairns, Australia? Here's a detailed comparison to help digital nomads and remote workers make an informed choice.

💰 Cost of Living

South Tarawa has a monthly cost of $1,870, which is 55.4% lower than Cairns's $4,190.

🌐 Internet Infrastructure

For internet speeds, South Tarawa offers 10 Mbps, while Cairns provides 50 Mbps making Cairns's connection 400.0% faster .

☀️ Current Weather

The weather in South Tarawa is currently 28°C ⛈️, while Cairns is experiencing 27°C 🌤️.

🛡️ Safety Comparison

South Tarawa has a safety score of 78.0 , while Cairns scores 75.0 .

Costs
$1,870
per month
Internet
10
Mbps
Weather
28° ⛈️
High today
Costs
$4,190
per month
Internet
50
Mbps
Weather
27° 🌤️
High today
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Overall Cairns wins

43.0
Overall Score
57.0

Cairns is 14% better

Quality of Life Cairns wins

78.0
Safety
75.0
35.0
Healthcare
88.0

Cairns is 53% better

Cost South Tarawa wins

61.0
Cost of Living
32.0

South Tarawa is 29% better

Climate South Tarawa wins

91.0
Air Quality
85.0

South Tarawa is 6% better

Infrastructure Cairns wins

23.0
Internet Speed
73.0

Cairns is 50% better

Social Cairns wins

15.0
Nightlife
40.0

Cairns is 25% better

74.0
Culture
60.0

South Tarawa is 14% better

43.0
Food Scene
60.0

Cairns is 17% better

Total Cost of Living Comparison

Category South Tarawa Cairns Difference
Monthly Total $1,870 $4,190 -55.4%
Daily Average $62 $140 per day

Housing

Item South Tarawa Cairns Difference
Apartment (1 bedroom) $350.00 per month $850.00 per month -58.8%

Daily Life

Item South Tarawa Cairns Difference
Coffee $2.50 per cup $4.00 per cup -37.5%

Transportation

Item South Tarawa Cairns Difference

Utilities

Item South Tarawa Cairns Difference
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Final Verdict: South Tarawa vs Cairns

Cairns ranks as the better digital nomad destination, scoring 14.0% higher than South Tarawa overall.

💰 Cost Analysis

  • Monthly Budget: $1,870 vs $4,190
  • Daily Expenses: $62 vs $140
  • South Tarawa is 55.4% cheaper for digital nomads

🌐 Infrastructure

  • Internet Speed: Cairns leads with 80% faster connection
  • Public Transport: Cairns has better public transportation

🎯 Key Advantages

South Tarawa Wins In:
  • Cost of Living (29% better)
  • Air Quality (6% better)
  • Culture (14% better)
Cairns Wins In:
  • Overall Score (14% better)
  • Healthcare (53% better)
  • Internet Speed (50% better)
  • Nightlife (25% better)
  • Food Scene (17% better)

💡 Final Recommendation

Choose Cairns if you prioritize cost effectiveness and Overall Score. However, South Tarawa might be preferable if Overall Score is your top priority. Both cities offer unique advantages for digital nomads, with distinct trade-offs in cost of living, infrastructure, and lifestyle options.

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