Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Brunei

Sri Lanka
Based on our comparison, Kandy wins 5 out of 8 categories.Bandar Seri Begawan wins 3 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Bandar Seri Begawan and Kandy, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Kandy
$408/mo
Best Internet
Bandar Seri Begawan
80 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Kandy
7.5/10
Our Recommendation: Kandy is the clear winner for digital nomads, offering both affordability and excellent nomad infrastructure.
When comparing Bandar Seri Begawan and Kandy for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Kandy is the more budget-friendly option at $408/month versus Bandar Seri Begawan's $1,257/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Bandar Seri Begawan leads with 80 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. Kandy offers 65 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 7.2/10, Bandar Seri Begawan provides a more secure environment than Kandy (5.8/10).
Overall: Kandy's NomadIQ score of 7.5/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.
Kandy is 68% cheaper than Bandar Seri Begawan.
Bandar Seri Begawan has a higher safety score (7.2/10) compared to Kandy (5.8/10).
7.2/10
Bandar Seri Begawan
5.8/10
Kandy
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Bandar Seri Begawan offers faster internet at 80 Mbps vs 65 Mbps.
80 Mbps
Bandar Seri Begawan
65 Mbps
Kandy
Based on our analysis, Kandy edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 5 of 8 comparison factors.
Bandar Seri Begawan: Best for those prioritizing amenities
Kandy: Best for budget-conscious expats
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