Side-by-side city decision # Cali vs Fukuoka. A direct comparison of monthly costs, connectivity, safety, quality of life and remote-work fit. Share comparison Copy link CaliColombia1/6 VS FukuokaJapan4/6 $895Cali monthly budget $1,280Fukuoka monthly budget 180 MbpsCali internet 180 MbpsFukuoka internet Decision summary Fukuoka Fukuoka leads on more of the six headline signals. Cost Best budget Cali Speed Fastest internet Tie Vibe Best nomad vibe Fukuoka Safety Highest safety Fukuoka Air Cleanest air Fukuoka Walk Most walkable Fukuoka Quick read ## Two cities at a glance The headline numbers before you examine the full comparison. [Cali](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/colombia/cali.md) Colombia 1/6 Budget$895 Internet180 Mbps Vibe7/10 [Fukuoka](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/japan/fukuoka.md) Japan 4/6 Budget$1,280 Internet180 Mbps Vibe8/10 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 MetricCaliFukuoka Total estimated budget $895 $1,280 1-bed center rent $450 $650 Coworking desk $130 $220 Local meal $4.5 $6.8 Cappuccino $2.1 $3.5 Gym membership $35 $65 Transport budget $45 $70 ### Work and infrastructure 2 signals MetricCaliFukuoka Internet speed 180 Mbps 180 Mbps Nomad vibe 7/10 8/10 ### Quality of life 5 signals MetricCaliFukuoka Safety index 38/100 87/100 Air quality 68/100 78/100 Walkability 6/10 8/10 Female safety 5/10 9/10 LGBTQ+ friendly 6/10 6/10 ### Culture and climate 4 signals MetricCaliFukuoka Healthcare quality Good Excellent English proficiency Basic Average Climate type Tropical savanna Humid subtropical Best time to visit Jun - Sep Oct - Nov 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. [Cali](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/colombia/cali.md) Colombia → ### Strengths * Affordable rents and everyday expenses compared with Medellin or Bogota * Warm weather year-round with nearby mountains and nature * Excellent salsa culture, nightlife, and local food * Fast fiber internet is widely available in central neighborhoods * Strong private healthcare at comparatively reasonable prices * Less saturated with digital nomads than Medellin ### Trade-offs * Petty theft and street crime require consistent caution * English is limited outside hotels, upscale venues, and expat circles * Traffic can be intense and public transport is not ideal for every route * Humidity, heat, and heavy rain can be tiring * Neighborhood quality and safety vary sharply block by block * Air connections usually require using the airport outside the city ### Common visa routes * Visa-free visitor stay: typically 90 days, extendable up to 180 days in a calendar year * Colombia Digital Nomad Visa: remote-work residence option for qualifying applicants * Migrant Visa through employment, investment, family, or other qualifying categories [Fukuoka](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/japan/fukuoka.md) Japan → ### Strengths * Lower living costs than Tokyo and Osaka * Fast, reliable fiber internet and extensive 5G * Exceptionally safe and clean urban environment * Excellent ramen, seafood, and casual dining * Airport is remarkably close to the city center * Walkable core with efficient subway connections ### Trade-offs * Summer heat, humidity, and typhoon risk can be intense * English is limited outside international-facing businesses * Apartments often require substantial upfront move-in fees * Digital-nomad community is smaller than Tokyo's * Some smaller shops and bars remain cash-oriented * Visa options for long-term remote workers are restrictive ### Common visa routes * Japan Digital Nomad Visa * Temporary Visitor Visa Waiver * Working Holiday Visa 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.