Istanbul vs Jurmala: cost of living for digital nomads
Istanbul, Turkey and Jurmala, Latvia, 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
- Istanbul is about 0% cheaper than Jurmala for a month of nomad living ($1,400 vs $1,405).
- Rent is the biggest gap: $600 in Jurmala against $650 in Istanbul.
- Jurmala scores higher on safety (8/10 vs 7/10).
- Internet is faster in Jurmala: 190 Mbps typical against 60 Mbps.
- Istanbul is mediterranean; Jurmala is continental.
Istanbul wins 2 of the measured lines; Jurmala wins 6.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Istanbul or Jurmala?
Istanbul is cheaper: about $1,400/month against $1,405/month in Jurmala, roughly 0% less for a typical remote worker's budget.
Which city is safer, Istanbul or Jurmala?
Jurmala scores higher on safety: 8/10 against 7/10 for Istanbul.
Which has faster internet, Istanbul or Jurmala?
Jurmala has faster typical internet: 190 Mbps against 60 Mbps in Istanbul.
| Line | Istanbul | Jurmala |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $1,400 | $1,405 |
| Rent | $650 | $600 |
| Food | $380 | $370 |
| Transport | $45 | $35 |
| Coworking | $110 | $100 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 60 | 190 |
| Climate | mediterranean | continental |
| City size | metro | small |
| Setting | coast | coast |
| Nomad score (out of 10) | 8/10 | 6/10 |
Compare Istanbul with
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): Istanbul November 1, 2026, Jurmala September 11, 2026.