Dumaguete vs Labuan Bajo – Digital Nomad Guide
Trying to decide between Dumaguete, Philippines and Labuan Bajo, Indonesia? Here's a detailed comparison to help digital nomads and remote workers make an informed choice.
💰 Cost of Living
Dumaguete has a monthly cost of $1,610, which is 14.8% lower than Labuan Bajo's $1,890.
🌐 Internet Infrastructure
For internet speeds, Dumaguete offers 30 Mbps, while Labuan Bajo provides 20 Mbps – making Dumaguete's connection 50.0% faster .
☀️ Current Weather
The weather in Dumaguete is currently 31°C 🌤️, while Labuan Bajo is experiencing 31°C ⛈️.
🛡️ Safety Comparison
Dumaguete has a safety score of 71.0 , while Labuan Bajo scores 78.0 .
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Overall
Dumaguete wins
Dumaguete is 8% better
Quality of Life
Dumaguete wins
Labuan Bajo is 7% better
Dumaguete is 17% better
Cost
Dumaguete wins
Dumaguete is 9% better
Climate
Labuan Bajo wins
Labuan Bajo is 27% better
Infrastructure
Dumaguete wins
Dumaguete is 14% better
Social
Dumaguete wins
Dumaguete is 18% better
Dumaguete is 9% better
Dumaguete is 8% better
Total Cost of Living Comparison
| Category | Dumaguete | Labuan Bajo | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Total | $1,610 | $1,890 | -14.8% |
| Daily Average | $54 | $63 | per day |
Housing
| Item | Dumaguete | Labuan Bajo | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment (1 bedroom) | $220.00 per month | $250.00 per month | -12.0% |
Daily Life
| Item | Dumaguete | Labuan Bajo | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coffee | $1.50 per cup | $1.50 per cup | 0.0% |
Transportation
| Item | Dumaguete | Labuan Bajo | Difference |
|---|
Utilities
| Item | Dumaguete | Labuan Bajo | Difference |
|---|
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Final Verdict: Dumaguete vs Labuan Bajo
Dumaguete ranks as the better digital nomad destination, scoring 8.0% higher than Labuan Bajo overall.
💰 Cost Analysis
- Monthly Budget: $1,610 vs $1,890
- Daily Expenses: $54 vs $63
- Dumaguete is 14.8% cheaper for digital nomads
🌐 Infrastructure
- Internet Speed: Dumaguete leads with 50% faster connection
- Public Transport: Labuan Bajo has better public transportation
🎯 Key Advantages
Dumaguete Wins In:
- Overall Score (8% better)
- Healthcare (17% better)
- Cost of Living (9% better)
- Internet Speed (14% better)
- Nightlife (18% better)
- Culture (9% better)
- Food Scene (8% better)
Labuan Bajo Wins In:
- Safety (7% better)
- Air Quality (27% better)
💡 Final Recommendation
Choose Dumaguete if you prioritize better quality of life metrics and Overall Score. However, Labuan Bajo 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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