Zamboanga City vs Surabaya – Digital Nomad Guide
Trying to decide between Zamboanga City, Philippines and Surabaya, 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 19.5% lower than Surabaya's $2,080.
🌐 Internet Infrastructure
For internet speeds, Zamboanga City offers 25 Mbps, while Surabaya provides 50 Mbps – making Surabaya's connection 100.0% faster .
☀️ Current Weather
The weather in Zamboanga City is currently 31°C ⛈️, while Surabaya is experiencing 33°C 🌧️.
🛡️ Safety Comparison
Zamboanga City has a safety score of 50.0 , while Surabaya scores 74.0 .
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Overall
Surabaya wins
Surabaya is 10% better
Quality of Life
Surabaya wins
Surabaya is 24% better
Surabaya is 12% better
Cost
Climate
Infrastructure
Surabaya wins
Surabaya is 21% better
Social
Surabaya wins
Surabaya is 13% better
Total Cost of Living Comparison
| Category | Zamboanga City | Surabaya | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Total | $1,675 | $2,080 | -19.5% |
| Daily Average | $56 | $69 | per day |
Housing
| Item | Zamboanga City | Surabaya | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment (1 bedroom) | $180.00 per month | $250.00 per month | -28.0% |
Daily Life
| Item | Zamboanga City | Surabaya | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coffee | $1.20 per cup | $1.20 per cup | 0.0% |
| Beer | $1.50 per pint | $1.50 per pint | 0.0% |
| Meal (Inexpensive) | $2.00 per meal | $2.00 per meal | 0.0% |
Transportation
| Item | Zamboanga City | Surabaya | Difference |
|---|
Utilities
| Item | Zamboanga City | Surabaya | Difference |
|---|
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Final Verdict: Zamboanga City vs Surabaya
Surabaya ranks as the better digital nomad destination, scoring 10.0% higher than Zamboanga City overall.
💰 Cost Analysis
- Monthly Budget: $1,675 vs $2,080
- Daily Expenses: $56 vs $69
- Zamboanga City is 19.5% cheaper for digital nomads
🌐 Infrastructure
- Internet Speed: Surabaya leads with 50% faster connection
- Public Transport: Surabaya has better public transportation
🎯 Key Advantages
Zamboanga City Wins In:
- No significant advantages found
Surabaya Wins In:
- Overall Score (10% better)
- Safety (24% better)
- Healthcare (12% better)
- Internet Speed (21% better)
- Food Scene (13% better)
💡 Final Recommendation
Choose Surabaya if you prioritize cost effectiveness and Overall Score. However, Zamboanga City 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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