Zamboanga City vs Labuan Bajo – Digital Nomad Guide
Trying to decide between Zamboanga City, Philippines and Labuan Bajo, Indonesia? Here's a detailed comparison to help digital nomads and remote workers make an informed choice.
💰 Cost of Living
Zamboanga City has a monthly cost of $1,675, which is 11.4% lower than Labuan Bajo's $1,890.
🌐 Internet Infrastructure
For internet speeds, Zamboanga City offers 25 Mbps, while Labuan Bajo provides 20 Mbps – making Zamboanga City's connection 25.0% faster .
☀️ Current Weather
The weather in Zamboanga City is currently 30°C 🌧️, while Labuan Bajo is experiencing 31°C ⛈️.
🛡️ Safety Comparison
Zamboanga City has a safety score of 50.0 , while Labuan Bajo scores 78.0 .
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Overall
Quality of Life
Labuan Bajo wins
Labuan Bajo is 28% better
Zamboanga City is 8% better
Cost
Zamboanga City wins
Zamboanga City is 9% better
Climate
Labuan Bajo wins
Labuan Bajo is 41% better
Infrastructure
Social
Zamboanga City wins
Zamboanga City is 12% better
Total Cost of Living Comparison
Category | Zamboanga City | Labuan Bajo | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Monthly Total | $1,675 | $1,890 | -11.4% |
Daily Average | $56 | $63 | per day |
Housing
Item | Zamboanga City | Labuan Bajo | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Apartment (1 bedroom) | $180.00 per month | $250.00 per month | -28.0% |
Daily Life
Item | Zamboanga City | Labuan Bajo | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Coffee | $1.20 per cup | $1.50 per cup | -20.0% |
Transportation
Item | Zamboanga City | Labuan Bajo | Difference |
---|
Utilities
Item | Zamboanga City | Labuan Bajo | Difference |
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Final Verdict: Zamboanga City vs Labuan Bajo
Labuan Bajo ranks as the better digital nomad destination, scoring 2.0% higher than Zamboanga City overall.
💰 Cost Analysis
- Monthly Budget: $1,675 vs $1,890
- Daily Expenses: $56 vs $63
- Zamboanga City is 11.4% cheaper for digital nomads
🌐 Infrastructure
- Internet Speed: Zamboanga City leads with 25% faster connection
- Public Transport: Labuan Bajo has better public transportation
🎯 Key Advantages
Zamboanga City Wins In:
- Healthcare (8% better)
- Cost of Living (9% better)
- Nightlife (12% better)
Labuan Bajo Wins In:
- Safety (28% better)
- Air Quality (41% better)
💡 Final Recommendation
Choose Labuan Bajo if you prioritize better quality of life metrics and Healthcare. However, Zamboanga City 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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