Side-by-side city decision # Medan vs Galway. A direct comparison of monthly costs, connectivity, safety, quality of life and remote-work fit. Share comparison Copy link MedanIndonesia1/6 VS GalwayIreland5/6 $575Medan monthly budget $2,805Galway monthly budget 55 MbpsMedan internet 150 MbpsGalway internet Decision summary Galway Galway leads on more of the six headline signals. Cost Best budget Medan Speed Fastest internet Galway Vibe Best nomad vibe Galway Safety Highest safety Galway Air Cleanest air Galway Walk Most walkable Galway 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$575 Internet55 Mbps Vibe6/10 [Galway](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/ireland/galway.md) Ireland 5/6 Budget$2,805 Internet150 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 MetricMedanGalway Total estimated budget $575 $2,805 1-bed center rent $260 $1,850 Coworking desk $95 $280 Local meal $1.7 $19.5 Cappuccino $2.2 $4.4 Gym membership $24 $55 Transport budget $45 $75 ### Work and infrastructure 2 signals MetricMedanGalway Internet speed 55 Mbps 150 Mbps Nomad vibe 6/10 8/10 ### Quality of life 5 signals MetricMedanGalway Safety index 58/100 72/100 Air quality 57/100 86/100 Walkability 4/10 8/10 Female safety 5/10 8/10 LGBTQ+ friendly 3/10 8/10 ### Culture and climate 4 signals MetricMedanGalway Healthcare quality Good Excellent English proficiency Basic Excellent Climate type Tropical rainforest Temperate oceanic Best time to visit Jun - Sep 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 * Very affordable local food and everyday services * Excellent gateway to Lake Toba and North Sumatra * Strong and varied Indonesian Chinese food scene * Reliable 4G and expanding fiber internet coverage * Modern malls, hospitals, and practical urban conveniences * Friendly local residents and a less touristy atmosphere ### Trade-offs * Traffic is heavy and road conditions can be chaotic * Sidewalks are inconsistent and walking is difficult * English is limited outside hotels and major malls * Heat, humidity, and sudden rain are year-round realities * Coworking and nomad community options are limited * Tap water is not safe to drink ### Common visa routes * Visa on Arrival for eligible nationalities * B211A Visit Visa * E33G Remote Worker Visa [Galway](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/ireland/galway.md) Ireland → ### Strengths * Friendly, English-speaking city with a strong social atmosphere * Excellent access to Connemara, the Burren, and Atlantic beaches * Compact and highly walkable central districts * Strong arts, music, pub, and festival culture * Reliable fibre internet and widespread contactless payments * Generally safe with good healthcare access ### Trade-offs * Housing is expensive and difficult to secure * Frequent rain, wind, and rapidly changing weather * Public transport is improving but limited outside core routes * Limited direct international flight options from Galway Airport * Restaurant, grocery, and nightlife prices are high * Winter daylight hours are short ### Common visa routes * Ireland Working Holiday Authorisation * Stamp 1 employment permission * Stamp 0 independent means permission 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.