Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Ecuador
Croatia
Based on our comparison, Cuenca wins 5 out of 8 categories.Split wins 3 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Cuenca and Split, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Cuenca
$819/mo
Best Internet
Split
140 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Split
7.6/10
Our Recommendation: Choose Cuenca if budget is your top priority, or Split if you need the fastest internet for remote work.
When comparing Cuenca and Split for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Cuenca offers a more affordable lifestyle at $819/month compared to Split's $1,565/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Split provides faster connectivity at 140 Mbps compared to Cuenca's 80 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 7/10, Split offers better security than Cuenca (5.4/10).
Overall: Split's NomadIQ score of 7.6/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.
Cuenca is 48% cheaper than Split.
Split has a higher safety score (7/10) compared to Cuenca (5.4/10).
5.4/10
Cuenca
7/10
Split
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Split offers faster internet at 140 Mbps vs 80 Mbps.
80 Mbps
Cuenca
140 Mbps
Split
Based on our analysis, Cuenca edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 5 of 8 comparison factors.
Cuenca: Best for budget-conscious expats
Split: Best for those prioritizing amenities
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