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Surat Thani vs Kunming – Digital Nomad Guide
Trying to decide between Surat Thani, Thailand and Kunming, China? Here's a detailed comparison to help digital nomads and remote workers make an informed choice.
💰 Cost of Living
Surat Thani has a monthly cost of $1,750, which is 13.4% lower than Kunming's $2,020.
🌐 Internet Infrastructure
For internet speeds, Surat Thani offers 30 Mbps, while Kunming provides 50 Mbps – making Kunming's connection 66.7% faster .
☀️ Current Weather
The weather in Surat Thani is currently 31°C 🌧️, while Kunming is experiencing 19°C 🌧️.
🛡️ Safety Comparison
Surat Thani has a safety score of 78.0 , while Kunming scores 79.0 .
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Overall
Quality of Life
Cost
Surat Thani wins
Surat Thani is 9% better
Climate
Surat Thani wins
Surat Thani is 22% better
Infrastructure
Surat Thani wins
Surat Thani is 9% better
Social
Kunming wins
Kunming is 13% better
Kunming is 5% better
Total Cost of Living Comparison
| Category | Surat Thani | Kunming | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Total | $1,750 | $2,020 | -13.4% |
| Daily Average | $58 | $67 | per day |
Housing
| Item | Surat Thani | Kunming | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment (1 bedroom) | $180.00 per month | $320.00 per month | -43.8% |
Daily Life
| Item | Surat Thani | Kunming | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coffee | $1.20 per cup | $1.50 per cup | -20.0% |
Transportation
| Item | Surat Thani | Kunming | Difference |
|---|
Utilities
| Item | Surat Thani | Kunming | Difference |
|---|
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Final Verdict: Surat Thani vs Kunming
Surat Thani ranks as the better digital nomad destination, scoring 1.0% higher than Kunming overall.
💰 Cost Analysis
- Monthly Budget: $1,750 vs $2,020
- Daily Expenses: $58 vs $67
- Surat Thani is 13.4% cheaper for digital nomads
🌐 Infrastructure
- Internet Speed: Kunming leads with 40% faster connection
- Public Transport: Kunming has better public transportation
🎯 Key Advantages
Surat Thani Wins In:
- Cost of Living (9% better)
- Air Quality (22% better)
- Internet Speed (9% better)
Kunming Wins In:
- Nightlife (13% better)
- Culture (5% better)
💡 Final Recommendation
Choose Surat Thani if you prioritize better quality of life metrics and Cost of Living. However, Kunming might be preferable if Cost of Living 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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