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Kota Kinabalu vs Surabaya – Digital Nomad Guide
Trying to decide between Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia and Surabaya, 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 11.1% lower than Surabaya's $2,080.
🌐 Internet Infrastructure
For internet speeds, Kota Kinabalu offers 25 Mbps, while Surabaya provides 50 Mbps – making Surabaya's connection 100.0% faster .
☀️ Current Weather
The weather in Kota Kinabalu is currently 31°C 🌧️, while Surabaya is experiencing 34°C 🌤️.
🛡️ Safety Comparison
Kota Kinabalu has a safety score of 78.0 , while Surabaya scores 74.0 .
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Overall
Kota Kinabalu wins
Quality of Life
Kota Kinabalu wins
Kota Kinabalu is 15% better
Cost
Kota Kinabalu wins
Climate
Kota Kinabalu wins
Kota Kinabalu is 14% better
Infrastructure
Social
Kota Kinabalu wins
Kota Kinabalu is 9% better
Kota Kinabalu is 6% better
Total Cost of Living Comparison
| Category | Kota Kinabalu | Surabaya | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Total | $1,850 | $2,080 | -11.1% |
| Daily Average | $62 | $69 | per day |
Housing
| Item | Kota Kinabalu | Surabaya | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment (1 bedroom) | $280.00 per month | $250.00 per month | +12.0% |
Daily Life
| Item | Kota Kinabalu | Surabaya | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coffee | $1.50 per cup | $1.20 per cup | +25.0% |
Transportation
| Item | Kota Kinabalu | Surabaya | Difference |
|---|
Utilities
| Item | Kota Kinabalu | Surabaya | Difference |
|---|
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Final Verdict: Kota Kinabalu vs Surabaya
Kota Kinabalu ranks as the better digital nomad destination, scoring 4.0% higher than Surabaya overall.
💰 Cost Analysis
- Monthly Budget: $1,850 vs $2,080
- Daily Expenses: $62 vs $69
- Kota Kinabalu is 11.1% cheaper for digital nomads
🌐 Infrastructure
- Internet Speed: Surabaya leads with 50% faster connection
- Public Transport: Surabaya has better public transportation
🎯 Key Advantages
Kota Kinabalu Wins In:
- Healthcare (15% better)
- Air Quality (14% better)
- Culture (9% better)
- Food Scene (6% better)
Surabaya Wins In:
- No significant advantages found
💡 Final Recommendation
Choose Kota Kinabalu if you prioritize better quality of life metrics and Healthcare. However, Surabaya might be preferable if Healthcare 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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