Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)
Turkey
Uzbekistan
Based on our comparison, Samarkand wins 7 out of 8 categories.Ankara wins 1 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Ankara and Samarkand, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Samarkand
$464/mo
Best Internet
Ankara
80 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Samarkand
7.3/10
Our Recommendation: Samarkand is the clear winner for digital nomads, offering both affordability and excellent nomad infrastructure.
When comparing Ankara and Samarkand for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Samarkand is the more budget-friendly option at $464/month versus Ankara's $1,133/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Ankara leads with 80 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. Samarkand offers 55 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 7.3/10, Samarkand offers better security than Ankara (6.1/10).
Overall: Samarkand's NomadIQ score of 7.3/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.
Samarkand is 59% cheaper than Ankara.
Samarkand has a higher safety score (7.3/10) compared to Ankara (6.1/10).
6.1/10
Ankara
7.3/10
Samarkand
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Ankara offers faster internet at 80 Mbps vs 55 Mbps.
80 Mbps
Ankara
55 Mbps
Samarkand
Based on our analysis, Samarkand edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 7 of 8 comparison factors.
Ankara: Best for those prioritizing amenities
Samarkand: Best for budget-conscious expats
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