Florence vs Malé: cost of living for digital nomads

Florence, Italy and Malé, Maldives, line by line from the catalogue: what a month costs, rent, food, coworking, safety and internet. Every figure links back to its source on the city page.

The short version

  • Florence is about 7% cheaper than Malé for a month of nomad living ($2,140 vs $2,300).
  • Rent is the biggest gap: $1,000 in Florence against $1,200 in Malé.
  • Both score 8/10 on safety.
  • Internet is faster in Florence: 110 Mbps typical against 35 Mbps.
  • Florence is mediterranean; Malé is tropical.

Florence wins 5 of the measured lines; Malé wins 2.

Frequently asked questions

Which city is cheaper, Florence or Malé?

Florence is cheaper: about $2,140/month against $2,300/month in Malé, roughly 7% less for a typical remote worker's budget.

Which city is safer, Florence or Malé?

Florence and Malé score the same on safety, 8/10 each.

Which has faster internet, Florence or Malé?

Florence has faster typical internet: 110 Mbps against 35 Mbps in Malé.

LineFlorenceMalé
Monthly total (USD)$2,140$2,300
Rent$1,000$1,200
Food$520$500
Transport$40$80
Coworking$160$150
Safety (out of 10)8/108/10
Internet (Mbps)11035
Climatemediterraneantropical
City sizemidmid
Settinginlandisland
Nomad score (out of 10)7/106/10

Malé

Expensive island capital; many nomads base on cheaper local islands.

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Costs are typical monthly figures for one person in USD, from the sources named on each city page; safety and internet are the catalogue's own ratings. Cost figures verified (Eastern Time): Florence September 10, 2026, Malé November 4, 2026.