Hikkaduwa vs Chennai – Digital Nomad Guide
Trying to decide between Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka and Chennai, India? Here's a detailed comparison to help digital nomads and remote workers make an informed choice.
💰 Cost of Living
Hikkaduwa has a monthly cost of $1,595, which is 8.3% lower than Chennai's $1,740.
🌐 Internet Infrastructure
For internet speeds, Hikkaduwa offers 15 Mbps, while Chennai provides 40 Mbps – making Chennai's connection 166.7% faster .
☀️ Current Weather
The weather in Hikkaduwa is currently 29°C 🌧️, while Chennai is experiencing 37°C 🌧️.
🛡️ Safety Comparison
Hikkaduwa has a safety score of 74.0 , while Chennai scores 58.0 .

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Overall
Quality of Life
Hikkaduwa is 16% better
Chennai is 20% better
Cost
Hikkaduwa wins
Hikkaduwa is 6% better
Climate
Hikkaduwa wins
Hikkaduwa is 36% better
Infrastructure
Chennai wins
Chennai is 11% better
Social
Total Cost of Living Comparison
Category | Hikkaduwa | Chennai | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Monthly Total | $1,595 | $1,740 | -8.3% |
Daily Average | $53 | $58 | per day |
Housing
Item | Hikkaduwa | Chennai | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Apartment (1 bedroom) | $180.00 per month | $180.00 per month | 0.0% |
Daily Life
Item | Hikkaduwa | Chennai | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Coffee | $1.20 per cup | $1.20 per cup | 0.0% |
Beer | $2.00 per pint | $2.00 per pint | 0.0% |
Meal (Inexpensive) | $2.50 per meal | $2.50 per meal | 0.0% |
Transportation
Item | Hikkaduwa | Chennai | Difference |
---|
Utilities
Item | Hikkaduwa | Chennai | Difference |
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Final Verdict: Hikkaduwa vs Chennai
Chennai ranks as the better digital nomad destination, scoring 2.0% higher than Hikkaduwa overall.
💰 Cost Analysis
- Monthly Budget: $1,595 vs $1,740
- Daily Expenses: $53 vs $58
- Hikkaduwa is 8.3% cheaper for digital nomads
🌐 Infrastructure
- Internet Speed: Chennai leads with 63% faster connection
- Public Transport: Chennai has better public transportation
🎯 Key Advantages
Hikkaduwa Wins In:
- Safety (16% better)
- Cost of Living (6% better)
- Air Quality (36% better)
Chennai Wins In:
- Healthcare (20% better)
- Internet Speed (11% better)
💡 Final Recommendation
Choose Chennai if you prioritize better quality of life metrics and Safety. However, Hikkaduwa might be preferable if Safety 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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