Side-by-side city decision # Perhentian Islands vs Milan. A direct comparison of monthly costs, connectivity, safety, quality of life and remote-work fit. Share comparison Copy link Perhentian IslandsMalaysia3/6 VS MilanItaly3/6 $955Perhentian Islands monthly budget $2,495Milan monthly budget 25 MbpsPerhentian Islands internet 185 MbpsMilan internet Decision summary No universal winner The result is balanced. Your priorities should decide the better fit. Cost Best budget Perhentian Islands Speed Fastest internet Milan Vibe Best nomad vibe Milan Safety Highest safety Perhentian Islands Air Cleanest air Perhentian Islands Walk Most walkable Milan Quick read ## Two cities at a glance The headline numbers before you examine the full comparison. [Perhentian Islands](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/malaysia/perhentian-islands.md) Malaysia 3/6 Budget$955 Internet25 Mbps Vibe7/10 [Milan](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/italy/milan.md) Italy 3/6 Budget$2,495 Internet185 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 MetricPerhentian IslandsMilan Total estimated budget $955 $2,495 1-bed center rent $450 $1,650 Coworking desk $0 $310 Local meal $4 $16.5 Cappuccino $3.5 $2.1 Gym membership $0 $65 Transport budget $45 $45 ### Work and infrastructure 2 signals MetricPerhentian IslandsMilan Internet speed 25 Mbps 185 Mbps Nomad vibe 7/10 8/10 ### Quality of life 5 signals MetricPerhentian IslandsMilan Safety index 72/100 62/100 Air quality 88/100 52/100 Walkability 6/10 9/10 Female safety 6/10 7/10 LGBTQ+ friendly 4/10 8/10 ### Culture and climate 4 signals MetricPerhentian IslandsMilan Healthcare quality Poor Excellent English proficiency Good Good Climate type Tropical monsoon Humid subtropical with continental influences Best time to visit Mar - Sep Apr - Jun 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. [Perhentian Islands](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/malaysia/perhentian-islands.md) Malaysia → ### Strengths * Exceptional snorkeling, diving, beaches, and clear water * Relaxed car-free island atmosphere * Affordable local Malaysian food * English is widely understood in tourism businesses * Very clean air and lush tropical scenery * Strong seasonal backpacker and dive community ### Trade-offs * Internet can be unreliable, especially during rain and peak season * No established coworking spaces or conventional gyms * Most accommodation closes during monsoon season * Healthcare is limited and serious cases require the mainland * Cash is still essential on both islands * Long-term rental choices are scarce and seasonal ### Common visa routes * Visa-free social visit pass for eligible nationalities, commonly up to 90 days * Malaysia DE Rantau Nomad Pass for qualifying remote professionals, generally 3 to 12 months with renewal potential * Single-entry tourist visa for nationalities not eligible for visa-free entry [Milan](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/italy/milan.md) Italy → ### Strengths * Excellent metro, tram, and rail connections * Strong international business and creative scene * Walkable neighborhoods with outstanding food * Fast home fiber and widespread 5G * High-quality public and private healthcare * Easy access to lakes, Alps, and European cities ### Trade-offs * Rents are among Italy's highest * Winter smog and summer heat can be uncomfortable * Finding long-term housing is highly competitive * Bureaucracy can be slow and document-heavy * Nightlife and dining costs add up quickly * English is less common outside international circles ### Common visa routes * Italy Digital Nomad Visa * Schengen short-stay visa exemption or visa * Italian self-employment 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.