Side-by-side city decision # Sarandë vs Makati. A direct comparison of monthly costs, connectivity, safety, quality of life and remote-work fit. Share comparison Copy link SarandëAlbania3 VS MakatiPhilippines0 $890Sarandë monthly budget $980Makati monthly budget 30 MbpsSarandë internet 30 MbpsMakati internet Decision summary Sarandë Sarandë leads on more of the six headline signals. Cost Best budget Sarandë Speed Fastest internet Tie Vibe Best nomad vibe Tie Safety Highest safety Tie Air Cleanest air Sarandë Walk Most walkable Sarandë Quick read ## Two cities at a glance The headline numbers before you examine the full comparison. [Sarandë](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/albania/sarande.md) Albania 3/6 Budget$890 Internet30 Mbps Vibe7/10 [Makati](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/philippines/makati.md) Philippines 0/6 Budget$980 Internet30 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 $890 $980 1-bed center rent $450 $600 Coworking desk $150 $180 Local meal $8 $5 Cappuccino $2 $3.5 Gym membership $30 $40 Transport budget $40 $30 ### Work and infrastructure 2 signals Internet speed 30 Mbps 30 Mbps Nomad vibe 7/10 7/10 ### Quality of life 5 signals Safety index 65/100 65/100 Air quality 85/100 45/100 Walkability 9/10 7/10 Female safety 6/10 6/10 LGBTQ+ friendly 5/10 7/10 ### Culture and climate 4 signals Healthcare quality Average Average English proficiency Average Good Climate type Mediterranean Tropical monsoon Best time to visit May - Oct Nov - Mar 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. [Sarandë](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/albania/sarande.md) Albania → ### Strengths * Affordable cost of living * Stunning beaches and clear water * Warm Mediterranean climate almost year-round * Friendly and welcoming locals * Close to Greek island ferry connections * Slow, relaxing lifestyle ### Trade-offs * Limited coworking spaces and remote work infrastructure * Internet can be unreliable during peak season * Tourist crowds in July and August * Language barrier outside tourist areas * Public transport is sporadic and chaotic * Winter is quiet with many businesses closed ### Common visa routes * Visa-free up to 90 days * Tourist visa extension * Residency permit [Makati](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/philippines/makati.md) Philippines → ### Strengths * Excellent expat community and networking events * Affordable cost of living compared to Western capitals * High density of coworking spaces and cafes * Widespread English proficiency * Modern amenities with malls and restaurants * Convenient location for exploring other Asian destinations ### Trade-offs * Heavy traffic congestion during peak hours * Air quality can be poor due to pollution * Tap water is not safe to drink * Power outages occasionally occur * Typhoon season can disrupt plans * Metro Manila overall safety varies by area ### Common visa routes * Visa-free entry (30 days) * Visa extension (up to 36 months) * Special Resident Retiree Visa (SRRV) 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.