Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Ecuador

Philippines
Based on our comparison, Davao wins 7 out of 8 categories.Cuenca wins 0 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Cuenca and Davao, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Davao
$612/mo
Best Internet
Davao
80 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Davao
7.8/10
Our Recommendation: Davao is the clear winner for digital nomads, offering both affordability and excellent nomad infrastructure.
When comparing Cuenca and Davao for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Davao is the more budget-friendly option at $612/month versus Cuenca's $819/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Both cities offer comparable internet speeds around 80 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 7.1/10, Davao offers better security than Cuenca (5.4/10).
Overall: Davao's NomadIQ score of 7.8/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.
Davao is 25% cheaper than Cuenca.
Davao has a higher safety score (7.1/10) compared to Cuenca (5.4/10).
5.4/10
Cuenca
7.1/10
Davao
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Both cities offer similar internet speeds.
80 Mbps
Cuenca
80 Mbps
Davao
Based on our analysis, Davao edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 7 of 8 comparison factors.
Cuenca: Best for those prioritizing amenities
Davao: Best for budget-conscious expats
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