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Nuwara Eliya vs Arugam Bay – Digital Nomad Guide

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

💰 Cost of Living

Nuwara Eliya has a monthly cost of $1,665, which is 1.5% higher than Arugam Bay's $1,640.

🌐 Internet Infrastructure

For internet speeds, Nuwara Eliya offers 25 Mbps, while Arugam Bay provides 25 Mbps making Arugam Bay's connection 0.0% faster .

☀️ Current Weather

The weather in Nuwara Eliya is currently 21°C 🌧️, while Arugam Bay is experiencing 35°C 🌤️.

🛡️ Safety Comparison

Nuwara Eliya has a safety score of 76.0 , while Arugam Bay scores 71.0 .

Costs
$1,665
per month
Internet
25
Mbps
Weather
21° 🌧️
High today
Costs
$1,640
per month
Internet
25
Mbps
Weather
35° 🌤️
High today
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Overall Arugam Bay wins

58.0
Overall Score
63.0

Arugam Bay is 5% better

Quality of Life Nuwara Eliya wins

76.0
Safety
71.0

Nuwara Eliya is 5% better

55.0
Healthcare
50.0

Nuwara Eliya is 5% better

Cost

87.0
Cost of Living
87.0

Climate Nuwara Eliya wins

91.0
Air Quality
79.0

Nuwara Eliya is 12% better

Infrastructure Arugam Bay wins

58.0
Internet Speed
68.0

Arugam Bay is 10% better

Social Arugam Bay wins

20.0
Nightlife
41.0

Arugam Bay is 21% better

79.0
Culture
84.0

Arugam Bay is 5% better

71.0
Food Scene
76.0

Arugam Bay is 5% better

Total Cost of Living Comparison

Category Nuwara Eliya Arugam Bay Difference
Monthly Total $1,665 $1,640 +1.5%
Daily Average $56 $55 per day

Housing

Item Nuwara Eliya Arugam Bay Difference
Apartment (1 bedroom) $120.00 per month $180.00 per month -33.3%

Daily Life

Item Nuwara Eliya Arugam Bay Difference
Coffee $0.80 per cup $1.20 per cup -33.3%

Transportation

Item Nuwara Eliya Arugam Bay Difference

Utilities

Item Nuwara Eliya Arugam Bay Difference
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Final Verdict: Nuwara Eliya vs Arugam Bay

Arugam Bay ranks as the better digital nomad destination, scoring 5.0% higher than Nuwara Eliya overall.

💰 Cost Analysis

  • Monthly Budget: $1,665 vs $1,640
  • Daily Expenses: $56 vs $55
  • Arugam Bay is 1.5% cheaper for digital nomads

🌐 Infrastructure

  • Internet Speed: Arugam Bay leads with 0% faster connection
  • Public Transport: Arugam Bay has better public transportation

🎯 Key Advantages

Nuwara Eliya Wins In:
  • Safety (5% better)
  • Healthcare (5% better)
  • Air Quality (12% better)
Arugam Bay Wins In:
  • Overall Score (5% better)
  • Internet Speed (10% better)
  • Nightlife (21% better)
  • Culture (5% better)
  • Food Scene (5% better)

💡 Final Recommendation

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