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Arugam Bay vs Chennai – Digital Nomad Guide

Trying to decide between Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka and Chennai, India? Here's a detailed comparison to help digital nomads and remote workers make an informed choice.

💰 Cost of Living

Arugam Bay has a monthly cost of $1,640, which is 5.7% lower than Chennai's $1,740.

🌐 Internet Infrastructure

For internet speeds, Arugam Bay offers 25 Mbps, while Chennai provides 40 Mbps making Chennai's connection 60.0% faster .

☀️ Current Weather

The weather in Arugam Bay is currently 35°C ⛈️, while Chennai is experiencing 37°C ⛈️.

🛡️ Safety Comparison

Arugam Bay has a safety score of 71.0 , while Chennai scores 61.0 .

Costs
$1,640
per month
Internet
25
Mbps
Weather
35° ⛈️
High today
Costs
$1,740
per month
Internet
40
Mbps
Weather
37° ⛈️
High today
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Overall Chennai wins

62.0
Overall Score
68.0

Chennai is 6% better

Quality of Life Chennai wins

71.0
Safety
61.0

Arugam Bay is 10% better

58.0
Healthcare
74.0

Chennai is 16% better

Cost

87.0
Cost of Living
87.0

Climate Arugam Bay wins

79.0
Air Quality
39.0

Arugam Bay is 40% better

Infrastructure Chennai wins

68.0
Internet Speed
74.0

Chennai is 6% better

Social Chennai wins

40.0
Nightlife
57.0

Chennai is 17% better

76.0
Culture
84.0

Chennai is 8% better

79.0
Food Scene
89.0

Chennai is 10% better

Total Cost of Living Comparison

Category Arugam Bay Chennai Difference
Monthly Total $1,640 $1,740 -5.7%
Daily Average $55 $58 per day

Housing

Item Arugam Bay Chennai Difference
Apartment (1 bedroom) $180.00 per month $180.00 per month 0.0%

Daily Life

Item Arugam Bay Chennai Difference
Coffee $1.20 per cup $1.20 per cup 0.0%

Transportation

Item Arugam Bay Chennai Difference

Utilities

Item Arugam Bay Chennai Difference
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Final Verdict: Arugam Bay vs Chennai

Chennai ranks as the better digital nomad destination, scoring 6.0% higher than Arugam Bay overall.

💰 Cost Analysis

  • Monthly Budget: $1,640 vs $1,740
  • Daily Expenses: $55 vs $58
  • Arugam Bay is 5.7% cheaper for digital nomads

🌐 Infrastructure

  • Internet Speed: Chennai leads with 38% faster connection
  • Public Transport: Chennai has better public transportation

🎯 Key Advantages

Arugam Bay Wins In:
  • Safety (10% better)
  • Air Quality (40% better)
Chennai Wins In:
  • Overall Score (6% better)
  • Healthcare (16% better)
  • Internet Speed (6% better)
  • Nightlife (17% better)
  • Culture (8% better)
  • Food Scene (10% better)

💡 Final Recommendation

Choose Chennai if you prioritize cost effectiveness and Overall Score. However, Arugam Bay 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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