Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Kazakhstan

Iceland
Based on our comparison, Astana wins 6 out of 8 categories.Selfoss wins 2 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Astana and Selfoss, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Astana
$948/mo
Best Internet
Selfoss
170 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 Selfoss for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Astana offers a more affordable lifestyle at $948/month compared to Selfoss's $1,900/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Selfoss provides faster connectivity at 170 Mbps compared to Astana's 130 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 9.6/10, Selfoss 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 50% cheaper than Selfoss.
Selfoss has a higher safety score (9.6/10) compared to Astana (6.7/10).
6.7/10
Astana
9.6/10
Selfoss
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Selfoss offers faster internet at 170 Mbps vs 130 Mbps.
130 Mbps
Astana
170 Mbps
Selfoss
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
Selfoss: Best for those prioritizing amenities
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