Side-by-side city decision # Belfast vs Medan. A direct comparison of monthly costs, connectivity, safety, quality of life and remote-work fit. Share comparison Copy link BelfastUnited Kingdom5 VS MedanIndonesia1 $1,575Belfast monthly budget $570Medan monthly budget 70 MbpsBelfast internet 25 MbpsMedan internet Decision summary Belfast Belfast leads on more of the six headline signals. Cost Best budget Medan Speed Fastest internet Belfast Vibe Best nomad vibe Belfast Safety Highest safety Belfast Air Cleanest air Belfast Walk Most walkable Belfast Quick read ## Two cities at a glance The headline numbers before you examine the full comparison. [Belfast](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/united-kingdom/belfast.md) United Kingdom 5/6 Budget$1,575 Internet70 Mbps Vibe7/10 [Medan](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/indonesia/medan.md) Indonesia 1/6 Budget$570 Internet25 Mbps Vibe6/10 Full comparison ## Compare what matters Green marks the stronger numeric result. Text-only categories are presented without a winner. Differences only ### Monthly budget and costs 7 signals Total estimated budget $1,575 $570 1-bed center rent $900 $250 Coworking desk $180 $60 Local meal $15 $2.5 Cappuccino $3.5 $1.5 Gym membership $40 $25 Transport budget $75 $20 ### Work and infrastructure 2 signals Internet speed 70 Mbps 25 Mbps Nomad vibe 7/10 6/10 ### Quality of life 5 signals Safety index 75/100 55/100 Air quality 80/100 42/100 Walkability 8/10 5/10 Female safety 8/10 6/10 LGBTQ+ friendly 8/10 5/10 ### Culture and climate 4 signals Healthcare quality Good Average English proficiency Excellent Basic Climate type Temperate oceanic Tropical monsoon Best time to visit May - Sep Dec - Feb Beyond the numbers ## What each city asks you to trade Costs and scores help narrow the choice. These practical strengths and limitations finish the picture. [Belfast](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/united-kingdom/belfast.md) United Kingdom → ### Strengths * Friendly and welcoming locals * Affordable cost of living compared to UK average * Stunning coastal and countryside scenery * Rich history and vibrant pub culture * Decent internet and growing coworking scene * Compact city with good walkability ### Trade-offs * Frequent rain and overcast weather * Limited nightlife compared to larger cities * High alcohol and utility taxes * Slow pace of life may not suit everyone * Brexit uncertainties affect trade and travel * Some areas have political murals and tensions ### Common visa routes * Standard Visitor Visa * Youth Mobility Scheme * Skilled Worker Visa [Medan](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/indonesia/medan.md) Indonesia → ### Strengths * Extremely low cost of living * Rich culinary scene with diverse street food * Friendly and welcoming locals * Excellent base for exploring Lake Toba and Sumatra * Growing digital nomad community * Delicious local coffee culture ### Trade-offs * Heavy traffic congestion, especially during rush hours * Air pollution due to motorbikes and industry * Limited English proficiency outside tourist areas * Frequent power outages and internet fluctuations * Tap water not drinkable; need bottled water * Few coworking spaces compared to Bali ### Common visa routes * Visa on Arrival (30 days) * B211A Social Visa (60 days, extendable) * KITAS (Temporary Stay Permit) Reading the result ## Use this as a planning benchmark The headline score compares six directional signals. It does not weight personal priorities, visa eligibility, household size or individual lifestyle choices. Costs are monthly estimates, not guaranteed prices. Higher is better for quality scores and connectivity. Lower is better for budgets and individual expenses.