Side-by-side city decision

# Medan vs Edinburgh.

A direct comparison of monthly costs, connectivity, safety, quality of life and remote-work fit.

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MedanIndonesia1
VS
EdinburghUnited Kingdom5

$570Medan monthly budget
$2,200Edinburgh monthly budget
25 MbpsMedan internet
70 MbpsEdinburgh internet

Decision summary
Edinburgh

Edinburgh leads on more of the six headline signals.

Cost
Best budget
Medan

Speed
Fastest internet
Edinburgh

Vibe
Best nomad vibe
Edinburgh

Safety
Highest safety
Edinburgh

Air
Cleanest air
Edinburgh

Walk
Most walkable
Edinburgh

Quick read

## Two cities at a glance

The headline numbers before you examine the full comparison.

[Medan](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/indonesia/medan.md)
Indonesia

1/6

Budget$570
Internet25 Mbps
Vibe6/10

[Edinburgh](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/united-kingdom/edinburgh.md)
United Kingdom

5/6

Budget$2,200
Internet70 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

Total estimated budget
$570
$2,200

1-bed center rent
$250
$1,200

Coworking desk
$60
$350

Local meal
$2.5
$22

Cappuccino
$1.5
$4.5

Gym membership
$25
$55

Transport budget
$20
$80

### Work and infrastructure

2 signals

Internet speed
25 Mbps
70 Mbps

Nomad vibe
6/10
8/10

### Quality of life

5 signals

Safety index
55/100
75/100

Air quality
42/100
75/100

Walkability
5/10
9/10

Female safety
6/10
8/10

LGBTQ+ friendly
5/10
9/10

### Culture and climate

4 signals

Healthcare quality
Average
Good

English proficiency
Basic
Excellent

Climate type
Tropical monsoon
Oceanic

Best time to visit
Dec - Feb
May - Sep

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.

[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)

[Edinburgh](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/united-kingdom/edinburgh.md)
United Kingdom

→

### Strengths

* Rich history and stunning architecture

* Vibrant cultural scene with world-famous festivals

* Walkable city with excellent public transport

* Friendly and welcoming locals

* Gateway to the Scottish Highlands

* Strong community of remote workers and creatives

### Trade-offs

* High cost of living, especially rent

* Gloomy and rainy weather for much of the year

* Crowded with tourists during peak season

* Competitive housing market

* No specific digital nomad visa

* Short daylight hours in winter

### Common visa routes

* Standard Visitor (6 months)

* Youth Mobility Scheme (2 years)

* Skilled Worker 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.