Koh Tao vs El Nido
🛂
Thailand offers a digital nomad visa
💰 Cost of Living Breakdown
Monthly expenses comparison in USD
Expense
Koh Tao
El Nido
Total Budget
$1,200/mo
$1,100/mo ✓
Rent (1BR)
$450/mo
$400/mo ✓
Coworking
$100/mo ✓
$120/mo
Meal Out
$3 ✓
$4
Coffee
$3
$2 ✓
El Nido is $100/mo cheaper (9% savings)
💻 Remote Work Essentials
Internet, timezone, and language comparison
🇹🇭 Koh Tao
📶 Internet50 Mbps
🕐 TimezoneUTC+7
🗣️ Englishmedium
🛂 Nomad VisaAvailable
Working hours overlap:
🇺🇸 US West0h
🇺🇸 US East0h
🇬🇧 London4h
🇩🇪 Berlin5h
🇵🇭 El Nido
📶 Internet50 Mbps
🕐 TimezoneUTC+8
🗣️ Englishhigh
🛂 Nomad VisaNot available
Working hours overlap:
🇺🇸 US West0h
🇺🇸 US East0h
🇬🇧 London3h
🇩🇪 Berlin4h
🌡️ Climate Comparison
Weather patterns and best times to visit
Koh Tao
ClimateTropical Wet
Avg Temp28°C
Rainy Days197/year
Best months: January, March, February, April
El Nido
ClimateTropical Wet
Avg Temp27°C
Rainy Days245/year
Best months: February, March, April
Quarterly Temperatures
Jan
27°26°
Apr
29°28°
Jul
28°27°
Oct
27°27°
Koh TaoEl Nido
📊 Full Comparison
Category
🇹🇭Koh Tao
🇵🇭El Nido
💰
Monthly Budget
$1,200
$1,100
📶
Internet Speed
50 Mbps
50 Mbps
🛡️
Safety
3.5/5
4.3/5
Winner⭐
Nomad Score
3.9/10
4.2/10
🍽️
Food Scene
7/10
7/10
🎉
Nightlife
7/10
6/10
🚶
Walkability
5/10
6/10
👥
Community
small
small
0
Koh Tao wins
vs
1
El Nido wins
Which City is Right for You?
Recommendations based on your nomad style
💵Budget Nomad
Either works
Similar costs - choose based on other factors
💻Developer
Either works
Both have adequate internet for development work
🦋Social Butterfly
Either works
Similar social opportunities
🛡️Safety-First
El Nido
Significantly higher safety rating
🍜Foodie
Either works
Both have great food scenes
🎉Party Person
Either works
Both have great nightlife
🇹🇭Koh Tao
Pros
- +World capital of scuba diving with affordable PADI certifications
- +Stunning beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters perfect for snorkeling
- +Very affordable cost of living with budget-friendly accommodation
- +Small compact island means everything is easily accessible
Cons
- −Controversial safety reputation due to past mysterious tourist deaths
- −Power outages are common and can disrupt remote work productivity
- −Limited coworking options compared to larger destinations
- −Scooter is essential as there is no public transport on island
🇵🇭El Nido
Pros
- +World-class island hopping with stunning lagoons and beaches
- +Incredibly beautiful limestone cliffs and turquoise waters
- +Excellent diving and snorkeling with vibrant marine life
- +Growing coworking scene with fast fiber internet options
Cons
- −Internet can be unreliable outside coworking spaces
- −Remote location - 5-6 hour drive from Puerto Princesa airport
- −Limited healthcare - serious issues require evacuation
- −Power outages still occur occasionally