Kota Kinabalu vs Canggu – Digital Nomad Guide
Trying to decide between Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia and Canggu, Indonesia? Here's a detailed comparison to help digital nomads and remote workers make an informed choice.
💰 Cost of Living
Kota Kinabalu has a monthly cost of $1,850, which is 10.6% lower than Canggu's $2,070.
🌐 Internet Infrastructure
For internet speeds, Kota Kinabalu offers 25 Mbps, while Canggu provides 25 Mbps – making Canggu's connection 0.0% faster .
☀️ Current Weather
The weather in Kota Kinabalu is currently 30°C 🌧️, while Canggu is experiencing 33°C 🌧️.
🛡️ Safety Comparison
Kota Kinabalu has a safety score of 77.0 , while Canggu scores 74.0 .
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Overall
Canggu wins
Canggu is 5% better
Quality of Life
Kota Kinabalu wins
Kota Kinabalu is 10% better
Cost
Climate
Infrastructure
Canggu wins
Social
Canggu wins
Canggu is 14% better
Canggu is 6% better
Total Cost of Living Comparison
| Category | Kota Kinabalu | Canggu | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Total | $1,850 | $2,070 | -10.6% |
| Daily Average | $62 | $69 | per day |
Housing
| Item | Kota Kinabalu | Canggu | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment (1 bedroom) | $280.00 per month | $450.00 per month | -37.8% |
Daily Life
| Item | Kota Kinabalu | Canggu | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coffee | $1.50 per cup | $1.50 per cup | 0.0% |
Transportation
| Item | Kota Kinabalu | Canggu | Difference |
|---|
Utilities
| Item | Kota Kinabalu | Canggu | Difference |
|---|
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Final Verdict: Kota Kinabalu vs Canggu
Canggu ranks as the better digital nomad destination, scoring 5.0% higher than Kota Kinabalu overall.
💰 Cost Analysis
- Monthly Budget: $1,850 vs $2,070
- Daily Expenses: $62 vs $69
- Kota Kinabalu is 10.6% cheaper for digital nomads
🌐 Infrastructure
- Internet Speed: Canggu leads with 0% faster connection
- Public Transport: Canggu has better public transportation
🎯 Key Advantages
Kota Kinabalu Wins In:
- Healthcare (10% better)
Canggu Wins In:
- Overall Score (5% better)
- Nightlife (14% better)
- Culture (6% better)
💡 Final Recommendation
Choose Canggu if you prioritize cost effectiveness and Overall Score. However, Kota Kinabalu 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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