Side-by-side city decision # Kathmandu vs Iloilo City. A direct comparison of monthly costs, connectivity, safety, quality of life and remote-work fit. Share comparison Copy link KathmanduNepal2 VS Iloilo CityPhilippines2 $730Kathmandu monthly budget $800Iloilo City monthly budget 30 MbpsKathmandu internet 25 MbpsIloilo City internet Decision summary No universal winner The result is balanced. Your priorities should decide the better fit. Cost Best budget Kathmandu Speed Fastest internet Kathmandu Vibe Best nomad vibe Tie Safety Highest safety Iloilo City Air Cleanest air Iloilo City Walk Most walkable Tie Quick read ## Two cities at a glance The headline numbers before you examine the full comparison. [Kathmandu](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/nepal/kathmandu.md) Nepal 2/6 Budget$730 Internet30 Mbps Vibe7/10 [Iloilo City](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/philippines/iloilo-city.md) Philippines 2/6 Budget$800 Internet25 Mbps Vibe7/10 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 $730 $800 1-bed center rent $350 $350 Coworking desk $120 $100 Local meal $4 $3.5 Cappuccino $2.5 $2.5 Gym membership $30 $30 Transport budget $30 $20 ### Work and infrastructure 2 signals Internet speed 30 Mbps 25 Mbps Nomad vibe 7/10 7/10 ### Quality of life 5 signals Safety index 60/100 72/100 Air quality 35/100 62/100 Walkability 6/10 6/10 Female safety 5/10 7/10 LGBTQ+ friendly 4/10 7/10 ### Culture and climate 4 signals Healthcare quality Average Average English proficiency Average Good Climate type Subtropical highland Tropical monsoon Best time to visit Oct - Mar Dec - Apr 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. [Kathmandu](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/nepal/kathmandu.md) Nepal → ### Strengths * Extremely low cost of living * Rich cultural heritage and temples * Great trekking opportunities nearby * Friendly local community * Growing digital nomad scene * Delicious and affordable local food ### Trade-offs * Frequent power cuts and load shedding * Poor air quality, especially in winter * Traffic congestion in central areas * Tap water is not drinkable * Limited cashless payment options * Occasional political strikes (bandhs) ### Common visa routes * Tourist Visa (15/30/90 days) * Business Visa * Work Permit via employer [Iloilo City](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/philippines/iloilo-city.md) Philippines → ### Strengths * Very low cost of living compared to Manila * Friendly and English-speaking locals * Delicious and affordable street food * Slow, relaxed pace of life * Improving internet infrastructure * Relatively safe city with low crime ### Trade-offs * Traffic congestion during peak hours * Limited nightlife options outside weekends * Frequent power outages in some areas * High humidity and heat year-round * Public transport is basic and crowded * Healthcare facilities are not world-class ### Common visa routes * 30-day visa-free * Balikbayan visa * 9A tourist visa extension * SRRV special investor 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.