Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Taiwan
Saudi Arabia
Based on our comparison, Kaohsiung wins 5 out of 8 categories.Riyadh wins 3 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Kaohsiung and Riyadh, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Riyadh
$522/mo
Best Internet
Kaohsiung
210 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Kaohsiung
8.7/10
Our Recommendation: Choose Riyadh if budget is your top priority, or Kaohsiung if you need the fastest internet for remote work.
When comparing Kaohsiung and Riyadh for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Riyadh is the more budget-friendly option at $522/month versus Kaohsiung's $911/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Kaohsiung leads with 210 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. Riyadh offers 95 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 7.9/10, Kaohsiung provides a more secure environment than Riyadh (7.5/10).
Overall: Kaohsiung earns a higher NomadIQ score of 8.7/10, making it slightly more suited for the digital nomad lifestyle.
Riyadh is 43% cheaper than Kaohsiung.
Kaohsiung has a higher safety score (7.9/10) compared to Riyadh (7.5/10).
7.9/10
Kaohsiung
7.5/10
Riyadh
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Kaohsiung offers faster internet at 210 Mbps vs 95 Mbps.
210 Mbps
Kaohsiung
95 Mbps
Riyadh
Based on our analysis, Kaohsiung edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 5 of 8 comparison factors.
Kaohsiung: Best for those prioritizing amenities
Riyadh: Best for budget-conscious expats
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