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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 .

Costs
$1,595
per month
Internet
15
Mbps
Weather
29° 🌧️
High today
Costs
$1,740
per month
Internet
40
Mbps
Weather
37° 🌧️
High today
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Overall

65.0
Overall Score
67.0

Quality of Life

74.0
Safety
58.0

Hikkaduwa is 16% better

55.0
Healthcare
75.0

Chennai is 20% better

Cost Hikkaduwa wins

87.0
Cost of Living
81.0

Hikkaduwa is 6% better

Climate Hikkaduwa wins

75.0
Air Quality
39.0

Hikkaduwa is 36% better

Infrastructure Chennai wins

67.0
Internet Speed
78.0

Chennai is 11% better

Social

60.0
Nightlife
59.0
83.0
Culture
87.0
86.0
Food Scene
89.0

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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