Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Colombia

Sri Lanka
Based on our comparison, Kandy wins 5 out of 8 categories.Cali wins 1 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Cali and Kandy, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Kandy
$408/mo
Best Internet
Cali
85 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 Cali and Kandy for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Kandy is the more budget-friendly option at $408/month versus Cali's $763/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Cali leads with 85 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. Kandy offers 65 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 5.8/10, Kandy offers better security than Cali (2.9/10).
Overall: Both cities score similarly on our NomadIQ scale at 7.5/10.
Kandy is 47% cheaper than Cali.
Kandy has a higher safety score (5.8/10) compared to Cali (2.9/10).
2.9/10
Cali
5.8/10
Kandy
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Cali offers faster internet at 85 Mbps vs 65 Mbps.
85 Mbps
Cali
65 Mbps
Kandy
Based on our analysis, Kandy edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 5 of 8 comparison factors.
Cali: Best for those prioritizing amenities
Kandy: Best for budget-conscious expats
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