Is Astana or Riyadh cheaper to live in?

Riyadh is 45% cheaper than Astana. The average monthly cost in Riyadh is $522, while Astana costs $948 per month.

Which city is better for digital nomads: Astana or Riyadh?

For digital nomads, Astana offers faster internet at 130 Mbps. Riyadh is more budget-friendly with lower living costs. Both cities have their strengths - Astana has a NomadIQ score of 7.9/10 while Riyadh scores 8.6/10.

What is the rent difference between Astana and Riyadh?

A 1-bedroom apartment costs $528/month in Astana and $305/month in Riyadh. Riyadh has 42% lower rent.

Is Astana or Riyadh safer?

Riyadh has a higher safety score of 7.5/10. Astana scores 6.7/10 for safety while Riyadh scores 7.5/10.

Should I move to Astana or Riyadh as an expat?

The choice depends on your priorities. Choose Riyadh if budget is important ($522/month). Choose Riyadh for better safety. Astana is better for remote work with 130 Mbps internet.

Back to Comparison Tool

Astana vs Riyadh

Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Astana

Kazakhstan

$948/mo7.9/10

Riyadh

Saudi Arabia

$522/mo8.6/10

Astana

Kazakhstan

$948/moNomadIQ 7.9/10

Riyadh

Saudi Arabia

$522/moNomadIQ 8.6/10

Detailed Comparison

Factor

Astana

Riyadh

Winner

Total Monthly Cost

$948

$522

Riyadh

Rent (1BR)

$528

$305

Riyadh

Groceries

$290

$57

Riyadh

Transport

$30

$21

Riyadh

Healthcare

$85

$120

Astana

Safety Score

6.7/10

7.5/10

Riyadh

Internet Speed

130 Mbps

95 Mbps

Astana

NomadIQ Score

7.9/10

8.6/10

Riyadh

Overall Winner: Riyadh

Based on our comparison, Riyadh wins 6 out of 8 categories.Astana wins 2 categories.

Which city is better for digital nomads?

For digital nomads choosing between Astana and Riyadh, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:

Best for Budget

Riyadh

$522/mo

Best Internet

Astana

130 Mbps

Best NomadIQ Score

Riyadh

8.6/10

Our Recommendation: Riyadh is the clear winner for digital nomads, offering both affordability and excellent nomad infrastructure.

Digital Nomad Analysis: Astana vs Riyadh

When comparing Astana and Riyadh for digital nomads, several factors come into play.

Cost of Living: Riyadh is the more budget-friendly option at $522/month versus Astana's $948/month.

Internet & Remote Work: Astana leads with 130 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. Riyadh offers 95 Mbps.

Safety: With a safety score of 7.5/10, Riyadh offers better security than Astana (6.7/10).

Overall: Riyadh's NomadIQ score of 8.6/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.

Cost of Living Comparison

Riyadh is 45% cheaper than Astana.

• Astana rent: $528/mo
• Riyadh rent: $305/mo
• Difference: $223/mo

Safety Comparison

Riyadh has a higher safety score (7.5/10) compared to Astana (6.7/10).

6.7/10

Astana

7.5/10

Riyadh

Digital Nomad Friendliness

For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Astana offers faster internet at 130 Mbps vs 95 Mbps.

130 Mbps

Astana

95 Mbps

Riyadh

Which City Is Better for Expats?

Based on our analysis, Riyadh edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 6 of 8 comparison factors.

Astana: Best for those prioritizing amenities

Riyadh: Best for budget-conscious expats

Astana vs Riyadh

Astana

Riyadh

Astana

Riyadh

Detailed Comparison

Overall Winner: Riyadh

Which city is better for digital nomads?

Digital Nomad Analysis: Astana vs Riyadh

Cost of Living Comparison

Safety Comparison

Digital Nomad Friendliness

Which City Is Better for Expats?

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Frequently Asked Questions: Astana vs Riyadh