Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Nepal

Nicaragua
Based on our comparison, Kathmandu wins 5 out of 8 categories.San Juan del Sur wins 3 categories.
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.
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.
Kathmandu is 60% cheaper than San Juan del Sur.
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
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
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
We use cookies, analytics tools and advertising technologies, including Google Analytics, Meta Pixel and other advertising/analytics cookies, to improve our site, measure performance and personalise your experience. You can accept or decline at any time.