Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Kazakhstan

Greece
Based on our comparison, Astana wins 6 out of 8 categories.Heraklion wins 1 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Astana and Heraklion, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Astana
$948/mo
Best Internet
Astana
130 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Astana
7.9/10
Our Recommendation: Astana is the clear winner for digital nomads, offering both affordability and excellent nomad infrastructure.
When comparing Astana and Heraklion for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Astana offers a more affordable lifestyle at $948/month compared to Heraklion's $1,198/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Astana leads with 130 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. Heraklion offers 110 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 7.3/10, Heraklion offers better security than Astana (6.7/10).
Overall: Astana earns a higher NomadIQ score of 7.9/10, making it slightly more suited for the digital nomad lifestyle.
Astana is 21% cheaper than Heraklion.
Heraklion has a higher safety score (7.3/10) compared to Astana (6.7/10).
6.7/10
Astana
7.3/10
Heraklion
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Astana offers faster internet at 130 Mbps vs 110 Mbps.
130 Mbps
Astana
110 Mbps
Heraklion
Based on our analysis, Astana edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 6 of 8 comparison factors.
Astana: Best for budget-conscious expats
Heraklion: Best for those prioritizing amenities
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