Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Philippines

South Africa
Based on our comparison, Baguio wins 6 out of 8 categories.Johannesburg wins 2 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Baguio and Johannesburg, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Baguio
$711/mo
Best Internet
Johannesburg
100 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Johannesburg
7.3/10
Our Recommendation: Choose Baguio if budget is your top priority, or Johannesburg if you need the fastest internet for remote work.
When comparing Baguio and Johannesburg for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Baguio offers a more affordable lifestyle at $711/month compared to Johannesburg's $1,069/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Johannesburg provides faster connectivity at 100 Mbps compared to Baguio's 70 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 6.6/10, Baguio provides a more secure environment than Johannesburg (1.9/10).
Overall: Johannesburg's NomadIQ score of 7.3/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.
Baguio is 34% cheaper than Johannesburg.
Baguio has a higher safety score (6.6/10) compared to Johannesburg (1.9/10).
6.6/10
Baguio
1.9/10
Johannesburg
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Johannesburg offers faster internet at 100 Mbps vs 70 Mbps.
70 Mbps
Baguio
100 Mbps
Johannesburg
Based on our analysis, Baguio edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 6 of 8 comparison factors.
Baguio: Best for budget-conscious expats
Johannesburg: Best for those prioritizing amenities
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