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Kota Kinabalu vs Ubud – Digital Nomad Guide
Trying to decide between Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia and Ubud, 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 6.9% higher than Ubud's $1,730.
🌐 Internet Infrastructure
For internet speeds, Kota Kinabalu offers 25 Mbps, while Ubud provides 30 Mbps – making Ubud's connection 20.0% faster .
☀️ Current Weather
The weather in Kota Kinabalu is currently 31°C 🌧️, while Ubud is experiencing 28°C 🌧️.
🛡️ Safety Comparison
Kota Kinabalu has a safety score of 78.0 , while Ubud scores 76.0 .
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Overall
Ubud wins
Quality of Life
Kota Kinabalu wins
Kota Kinabalu is 10% better
Cost
Ubud wins
Climate
Infrastructure
Kota Kinabalu wins
Kota Kinabalu is 5% better
Social
Kota Kinabalu is 5% better
Ubud is 8% better
Kota Kinabalu is 6% better
Total Cost of Living Comparison
| Category | Kota Kinabalu | Ubud | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Total | $1,850 | $1,730 | +6.9% |
| Daily Average | $62 | $58 | per day |
Housing
| Item | Kota Kinabalu | Ubud | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment (1 bedroom) | $280.00 per month | $350.00 per month | -20.0% |
Daily Life
| Item | Kota Kinabalu | Ubud | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coffee | $1.50 per cup | $1.50 per cup | 0.0% |
Transportation
| Item | Kota Kinabalu | Ubud | Difference |
|---|
Utilities
| Item | Kota Kinabalu | Ubud | Difference |
|---|
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Final Verdict: Kota Kinabalu vs Ubud
Ubud ranks as the better digital nomad destination, scoring 3.0% higher than Kota Kinabalu overall.
💰 Cost Analysis
- Monthly Budget: $1,850 vs $1,730
- Daily Expenses: $62 vs $58
- Ubud is 6.9% cheaper for digital nomads
🌐 Infrastructure
- Internet Speed: Ubud leads with 17% faster connection
- Public Transport: Ubud has better public transportation
🎯 Key Advantages
Kota Kinabalu Wins In:
- Healthcare (10% better)
- Internet Speed (5% better)
- Nightlife (5% better)
- Food Scene (6% better)
Ubud Wins In:
- Culture (8% better)
💡 Final Recommendation
Choose Ubud if you prioritize better quality of life metrics and Healthcare. However, Kota Kinabalu 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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