Samarkand vs Shymkent – Digital Nomad Guide
Trying to decide between Samarkand, Uzbekistan and Shymkent, Kazakhstan? Here's a detailed comparison to help digital nomads and remote workers make an informed choice.
💰 Cost of Living
Samarkand has a monthly cost of $1,205, which is 29.5% lower than Shymkent's $1,710.
🌐 Internet Infrastructure
For internet speeds, Samarkand offers 30 Mbps, while Shymkent provides 30 Mbps – making Shymkent's connection 0.0% faster .
☀️ Current Weather
The weather in Samarkand is currently 31°C 🌧️, while Shymkent is experiencing 31°C 🌤️.
🛡️ Safety Comparison
Samarkand has a safety score of 76.0 , while Shymkent scores 75.0 .

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Overall
Quality of Life
Shymkent wins
Shymkent is 13% better
Cost
Climate
Samarkand wins
Samarkand is 8% better
Infrastructure
Social
Samarkand wins
Shymkent is 18% better
Samarkand is 17% better
Samarkand is 10% better
Total Cost of Living Comparison
Category | Samarkand | Shymkent | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Monthly Total | $1,205 | $1,710 | -29.5% |
Daily Average | $40 | $57 | per day |
Housing
Item | Samarkand | Shymkent | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Apartment (1 bedroom) | $120.00 per month | $180.00 per month | -33.3% |
Daily Life
Item | Samarkand | Shymkent | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Coffee | $0.80 per cup | $1.20 per cup | -33.3% |
Transportation
Item | Samarkand | Shymkent | Difference |
---|
Utilities
Item | Samarkand | Shymkent | Difference |
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Final Verdict: Samarkand vs Shymkent
Shymkent ranks as the better digital nomad destination, scoring 0.0% higher than Samarkand overall.
💰 Cost Analysis
- Monthly Budget: $1,205 vs $1,710
- Daily Expenses: $40 vs $57
- Samarkand is 29.5% cheaper for digital nomads
🌐 Infrastructure
- Internet Speed: Shymkent leads with 0% faster connection
- Public Transport: Shymkent has better public transportation
🎯 Key Advantages
Samarkand Wins In:
- Air Quality (8% better)
- Culture (17% better)
- Food Scene (10% better)
Shymkent Wins In:
- Healthcare (13% better)
- Nightlife (18% better)
💡 Final Recommendation
Choose Shymkent if you prioritize better quality of life metrics and Air Quality. However, Samarkand might be preferable if Air Quality 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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