[![Image]() Meet Jobicy Copilot — free AI autofill for job applications + remote job alerts ›](#) Side-by-side city decision # Surat vs Ghent. A direct comparison of monthly costs, connectivity, safety, quality of life and remote-work fit. Share comparison Copy link SuratIndia1 VS GhentBelgium5 $497Surat monthly budget $1,915Ghent monthly budget 73 MbpsSurat internet 180 MbpsGhent internet Decision summary Ghent Ghent leads on more of the six headline signals. Cost Best budget Surat Speed Fastest internet Ghent Vibe Best nomad vibe Ghent Safety Highest safety Ghent Air Cleanest air Ghent Walk Most walkable Ghent Quick read ## Two cities at a glance The headline numbers before you examine the full comparison. [Surat](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/india/surat.md) India 1/6 Budget$497 Internet73 Mbps Vibe6/10 [Ghent](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/belgium/ghent.md) Belgium 5/6 Budget$1,915 Internet180 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 $497 $1,915 1-bed center rent $230 $1,160 Coworking desk $95 $260 Local meal $2.4 $19.5 Cappuccino $2.2 $3.9 Gym membership $22 $48 Transport budget $32 $55 ### Work and infrastructure 2 signals Internet speed 73 Mbps 180 Mbps Nomad vibe 6/10 8/10 ### Quality of life 5 signals Safety index 66/100 72/100 Air quality 53/100 78/100 Walkability 5/10 9/10 Female safety 6/10 8/10 LGBTQ+ friendly 4/10 9/10 ### Culture and climate 4 signals Healthcare quality Good Excellent English proficiency Average Excellent Climate type Tropical savanna with monsoon season Temperate oceanic Best time to visit Nov - 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. [Surat](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/india/surat.md) India → ### Strengths * Very affordable housing, food, and everyday services * Fast mobile data and widely available fiber internet * Strong vegetarian food culture with excellent local snacks * Generally safer and calmer than many larger Indian metros * Convenient domestic flights from Surat Airport * Digital payments are accepted almost everywhere ### Trade-offs * Extreme heat and humidity for much of the year * Limited international expat and nomad community * Traffic, dust, and inconsistent pedestrian infrastructure * Few dedicated coworking spaces compared with major metros * Tap water is not safe for visitors to drink * Nightlife is restrained because Gujarat is a dry state ### Common visa routes * India e-Tourist Visa * India Business Visa * India Employment Visa [Ghent](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/belgium/ghent.md) Belgium → ### Strengths * Exceptionally walkable and bicycle-friendly historic center * Fast, reliable fiber internet and strong mobile coverage * High English proficiency among students and young professionals * Excellent rail links to Brussels, Antwerp, Bruges, and Europe * Inclusive, progressive atmosphere with a lively cultural calendar * Safe tap water and high-quality public healthcare ### Trade-offs * Housing is expensive and well-priced furnished flats move quickly * Rain, wind, and gray winter days can feel persistent * Belgian taxes and administrative procedures are complex * Restaurants, alcohol, and everyday services cost more than in southern Europe * There is no dedicated Belgian digital nomad visa * Cycling requires confidence around tram tracks and heavy bike traffic ### Common visa routes * Schengen short-stay visa * Belgian self-employed professional card route * EU Blue Card or local employment permit 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.