Single · Comfortable · $3,000/mo

JijelOverall winner

Machakos is approximately 112% less expensive than Jijel based on cost of living including rent. This makes Machakos a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.

Machakos has a FIRE Score of 80/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The city's safety index is 50, suggesting moderate safety levels.

Recommended profile: Machakos is ideal for GeoArbitragers and remote workers looking to maximize savings.

Side by side

Best in row

Algeria

Jijel

Increased Caution
FIRE82

Kenya

Machakos

Increased Caution
FIRE80
Cost
Cost of living index
Best in row. 29.8
32.1
One person, excluding rent
Best in row. $462/mo
$498/mo
Family of four, excluding rent
Best in row. $1,669/mo
$1,798/mo
Total monthly, rent included
Best in row. $320/mo
$353/mo
Monthly savings
Best in row. $2,680/mo
$2,647/mo
Housing
1BR, city centre
$196
Best in row. $92
1BR, outside centre
$122
Best in row. $69
3BR, city centre
$509
Best in row. $154
3BR, outside centre
$316
Best in row. $115
Scores
FIRE score
88/100
Best in row. 89/100
Nomad score
Best in row. 48/100
20/100
Retiree score
Best in row. 51/100
49/100
Overall score
Best in row. 82/100
80/100
Safety & infrastructure
Safety index
Best in row. 72
50
Internet speed
9 Mbps
Best in row. 20 Mbps
Walkability score
-
-

Estimates from published local prices. N/A means no figure is published for that city.

About these cities

About Jijel

Jijel is a bargain hunter's dream: a 1-bedroom in the center runs $196/mo, utilities $39/mo, and a monthly public transport pass just $3/mo, all against a cost of living index of 30/100. The catch is income, since the average monthly net salary of $252/mo barely covers a single person's $380/mo in non-rent costs, so remote workers and retirees with outside money win here while local wage earners struggle. Add poor healthcare, limited English, a very few expat community, and 9 Mbps internet, and you get a cheap, safe Mediterranean town that rewards self-sufficiency over convenience.

About Algeria

Ultra-low rent, $150/mo for a 1BR city center unit, only makes sense for someone with no digital nomad visa path and no interest in navigating a 35% income tax on local earnings. This fits a remote worker paid entirely from US sources who values cheap living over legal residency clarity. Bad fit: anyone needing English-speaking healthcare, a real expat community, or an easy visa route to stay long-term.

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Jijel vs Machakos -- Frequently Asked Questions

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