Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Kazakhstan

Thailand
Based on our comparison, Astana wins 4 out of 8 categories.Phuket wins 3 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Astana and Phuket, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Astana
$948/mo
Best Internet
Phuket
300 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Phuket
7.9/10
Our Recommendation: Choose Astana if budget is your top priority, or Phuket if you need the fastest internet for remote work.
When comparing Astana and Phuket for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Astana offers a more affordable lifestyle at $948/month compared to Phuket's $1,094/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Phuket provides faster connectivity at 300 Mbps compared to Astana's 130 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 6.7/10, Astana provides a more secure environment than Phuket (6/10).
Overall: Both cities score similarly on our NomadIQ scale at 7.9/10.
Astana is 13% cheaper than Phuket.
Astana has a higher safety score (6.7/10) compared to Phuket (6/10).
6.7/10
Astana
6/10
Phuket
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Phuket offers faster internet at 300 Mbps vs 130 Mbps.
130 Mbps
Astana
300 Mbps
Phuket
Based on our analysis, Astana edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 4 of 8 comparison factors.
Astana: Best for budget-conscious expats
Phuket: Best for those prioritizing amenities
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