Is Aktau or Heraklion cheaper to live in?

Aktau is 53% cheaper than Heraklion. The average monthly cost in Aktau is $568, while Heraklion costs $1,198 per month.

Which city is better for digital nomads: Aktau or Heraklion?

For digital nomads, Heraklion offers faster internet at 110 Mbps. Aktau is more budget-friendly with lower living costs. Both cities have their strengths - Aktau has a NomadIQ score of 6.8/10 while Heraklion scores 7.8/10.

What is the rent difference between Aktau and Heraklion?

A 1-bedroom apartment costs $307/month in Aktau and $668/month in Heraklion. Aktau has 54% lower rent.

Is Aktau or Heraklion safer?

Heraklion has a higher safety score of 7.3/10. Aktau scores 4.6/10 for safety while Heraklion scores 7.3/10.

Should I move to Aktau or Heraklion as an expat?

The choice depends on your priorities. Choose Aktau if budget is important ($568/month). Choose Heraklion for better safety. Heraklion is better for remote work with 110 Mbps internet.

Back to Comparison Tool

Aktau vs Heraklion

Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Aktau

Kazakhstan

$568/mo6.8/10

Heraklion

Greece

$1,198/mo7.8/10

Aktau

Kazakhstan

$568/moNomadIQ 6.8/10

Heraklion

Greece

$1,198/moNomadIQ 7.8/10

Detailed Comparison

Factor

Aktau

Heraklion

Winner

Total Monthly Cost

$568

$1,198

Aktau

Rent (1BR)

$307

$668

Aktau

Groceries

$191

$333

Aktau

Transport

$10

$73

Aktau

Healthcare

$50

$85

Aktau

Safety Score

4.6/10

7.3/10

Heraklion

Internet Speed

70 Mbps

110 Mbps

Heraklion

NomadIQ Score

6.8/10

7.8/10

Heraklion

Overall Winner: Aktau

Based on our comparison, Aktau wins 5 out of 8 categories.Heraklion wins 3 categories.

Which city is better for digital nomads?

For digital nomads choosing between Aktau and Heraklion, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:

Best for Budget

Aktau

$568/mo

Best Internet

Heraklion

110 Mbps

Best NomadIQ Score

Heraklion

7.8/10

Our Recommendation: Choose Aktau if budget is your top priority, or Heraklion if you need the fastest internet for remote work.

Digital Nomad Analysis: Aktau vs Heraklion

When comparing Aktau and Heraklion for digital nomads, several factors come into play.

Cost of Living: Aktau offers a more affordable lifestyle at $568/month compared to Heraklion's $1,198/month.

Internet & Remote Work: Heraklion provides faster connectivity at 110 Mbps compared to Aktau's 70 Mbps.

Safety: With a safety score of 7.3/10, Heraklion offers better security than Aktau (4.6/10).

Overall: Heraklion's NomadIQ score of 7.8/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.

Cost of Living Comparison

Aktau is 53% cheaper than Heraklion.

• Aktau rent: $307/mo
• Heraklion rent: $668/mo
• Difference: $361/mo

Safety Comparison

Heraklion has a higher safety score (7.3/10) compared to Aktau (4.6/10).

4.6/10

Aktau

7.3/10

Heraklion

Digital Nomad Friendliness

For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Heraklion offers faster internet at 110 Mbps vs 70 Mbps.

70 Mbps

Aktau

110 Mbps

Heraklion

Which City Is Better for Expats?

Based on our analysis, Aktau edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 5 of 8 comparison factors.

Aktau: Best for budget-conscious expats

Heraklion: Best for those prioritizing amenities

Aktau vs Heraklion

Aktau

Heraklion

Aktau

Heraklion

Detailed Comparison

Overall Winner: Aktau

Which city is better for digital nomads?

Digital Nomad Analysis: Aktau vs Heraklion

Cost of Living Comparison

Safety Comparison

Digital Nomad Friendliness

Which City Is Better for Expats?

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Frequently Asked Questions: Aktau vs Heraklion