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

Thailand
Based on our comparison, Aktau wins 5 out of 8 categories.Phuket wins 3 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Aktau and Phuket, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Aktau
$568/mo
Best Internet
Phuket
300 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Phuket
7.9/10
Our Recommendation: Choose Aktau if budget is your top priority, or Phuket if you need the fastest internet for remote work.
When comparing Aktau and Phuket for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Aktau offers a more affordable lifestyle at $568/month compared to Phuket's $1,094/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Phuket provides faster connectivity at 300 Mbps compared to Aktau's 70 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 6/10, Phuket offers better security than Aktau (4.6/10).
Overall: Phuket's NomadIQ score of 7.9/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.
Aktau is 48% cheaper than Phuket.
Phuket has a higher safety score (6/10) compared to Aktau (4.6/10).
4.6/10
Aktau
6/10
Phuket
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Phuket offers faster internet at 300 Mbps vs 70 Mbps.
70 Mbps
Aktau
300 Mbps
Phuket
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
Phuket: 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.