Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)
Kazakhstan

Turkey
Based on our comparison, Aktau wins 7 out of 8 categories.İzmir wins 1 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Aktau and İzmir, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Aktau
$568/mo
Best Internet
Aktau
70 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Aktau
6.8/10
Our Recommendation: Aktau is the clear winner for digital nomads, offering both affordability and excellent nomad infrastructure.
When comparing Aktau and İzmir for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Aktau offers a more affordable lifestyle at $568/month compared to İzmir's $1,061/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Aktau leads with 70 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. İzmir offers 55 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 6.7/10, İzmir offers better security than Aktau (4.6/10).
Overall: Aktau earns a higher NomadIQ score of 6.8/10, making it slightly more suited for the digital nomad lifestyle.
Aktau is 46% cheaper than İzmir.
İzmir has a higher safety score (6.7/10) compared to Aktau (4.6/10).
4.6/10
Aktau
6.7/10
İzmir
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Aktau offers faster internet at 70 Mbps vs 55 Mbps.
70 Mbps
Aktau
55 Mbps
İzmir
Based on our analysis, Aktau edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 7 of 8 comparison factors.
Aktau: Best for budget-conscious expats
İzmir: Best for those prioritizing amenities
We use cookies, analytics tools and advertising technologies, including Google Analytics, Meta Pixel and other advertising/analytics cookies, to improve our site, measure performance and personalise your experience. You can accept or decline at any time.