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Kathmandu vs San Juan del Sur

Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Kathmandu

Kathmandu

Nepal

$365/mo6.5/10
San Juan del Sur

San Juan del Sur

Nicaragua

$915/mo6.7/10

Detailed Comparison

Factor
Kathmandu
San Juan del Sur
Winner
Total Monthly Cost
$365
$915
Kathmandu
Rent (1BR)
$179
$450
Kathmandu
Groceries
$127
$240
Kathmandu
Transport
$10
$75
Kathmandu
Healthcare
$40
$110
Kathmandu
Safety Score
6.4/10
7/10
San Juan del Sur
Internet Speed
35 Mbps
55 Mbps
San Juan del Sur
NomadIQ Score
6.5/10
6.7/10
San Juan del Sur

Overall Winner: Kathmandu

Based on our comparison, Kathmandu wins 5 out of 8 categories.San Juan del Sur wins 3 categories.

Which city is better for digital nomads?

For digital nomads choosing between Kathmandu and San Juan del Sur, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:

Best for Budget

Kathmandu

$365/mo

Best Internet

San Juan del Sur

55 Mbps

Best NomadIQ Score

San Juan del Sur

6.7/10

Our Recommendation: Choose Kathmandu if budget is your top priority, or San Juan del Sur if you need the fastest internet for remote work.

Digital Nomad Analysis: Kathmandu vs San Juan del Sur

When comparing Kathmandu and San Juan del Sur for digital nomads, several factors come into play.

Cost of Living: Kathmandu offers a more affordable lifestyle at $365/month compared to San Juan del Sur's $915/month.

Internet & Remote Work: San Juan del Sur provides faster connectivity at 55 Mbps compared to Kathmandu's 35 Mbps.

Safety: With a safety score of 7/10, San Juan del Sur offers better security than Kathmandu (6.4/10).

Overall: San Juan del Sur's NomadIQ score of 6.7/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.

Cost of Living Comparison

Kathmandu is 60% cheaper than San Juan del Sur.

  • • Kathmandu rent: $179/mo
  • • San Juan del Sur rent: $450/mo
  • • Difference: $271/mo

Safety Comparison

San Juan del Sur has a higher safety score (7/10) compared to Kathmandu (6.4/10).

6.4/10

Kathmandu

7/10

San Juan del Sur

Digital Nomad Friendliness

For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. San Juan del Sur offers faster internet at 55 Mbps vs 35 Mbps.

35 Mbps

Kathmandu

55 Mbps

San Juan del Sur

Which City Is Better for Expats?

Based on our analysis, Kathmandu edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 5 of 8 comparison factors.

Kathmandu: Best for budget-conscious expats

San Juan del Sur: Best for those prioritizing amenities

Frequently Asked Questions: Kathmandu vs San Juan del Sur