Santa Marta vs Mérida – Digital Nomad Guide
Trying to decide between Santa Marta, Colombia and Mérida, Mexico? Here's a detailed comparison to help digital nomads and remote workers make an informed choice.
💰 Cost of Living
Santa Marta has a monthly cost of $1,740, which is 20.5% lower than Mérida's $2,190.
🌐 Internet Infrastructure
For internet speeds, Santa Marta offers 30 Mbps, while Mérida provides 100 Mbps – making Mérida's connection 233.3% faster .
☀️ Current Weather
The weather in Santa Marta is currently 35°C 🌤️, while Mérida is experiencing 39°C 🌤️.
🛡️ Safety Comparison
Santa Marta has a safety score of 55.0 , while Mérida scores 63.0 .
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Overall
Mérida wins
Mérida is 6% better
Quality of Life
Mérida wins
Mérida is 8% better
Mérida is 12% better
Cost
Climate
Infrastructure
Mérida wins
Mérida is 8% better
Social
Mérida wins
Santa Marta is 6% better
Mérida is 9% better
Mérida is 9% better
Total Cost of Living Comparison
| Category | Santa Marta | Mérida | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Total | $1,740 | $2,190 | -20.5% |
| Daily Average | $58 | $73 | per day |
Housing
| Item | Santa Marta | Mérida | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment (1 bedroom) | $320.00 per month | $350.00 per month | -8.6% |
Daily Life
| Item | Santa Marta | Mérida | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coffee | $1.20 per cup | $1.50 per cup | -20.0% |
Transportation
| Item | Santa Marta | Mérida | Difference |
|---|
Utilities
| Item | Santa Marta | Mérida | Difference |
|---|
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Final Verdict: Santa Marta vs Mérida
Mérida ranks as the better digital nomad destination, scoring 6.0% higher than Santa Marta overall.
💰 Cost Analysis
- Monthly Budget: $1,740 vs $2,190
- Daily Expenses: $58 vs $73
- Santa Marta is 20.5% cheaper for digital nomads
🌐 Infrastructure
- Internet Speed: Mérida leads with 70% faster connection
- Public Transport: Mérida has better public transportation
🎯 Key Advantages
Santa Marta Wins In:
- Nightlife (6% better)
Mérida Wins In:
- Overall Score (6% better)
- Safety (8% better)
- Healthcare (12% better)
- Internet Speed (8% better)
- Culture (9% better)
- Food Scene (9% better)
💡 Final Recommendation
Choose Mérida if you prioritize cost effectiveness and Overall Score. However, Santa Marta might be preferable if Overall Score is your top priority. Both cities offer unique advantages for digital nomads, with distinct trade-offs in cost of living, infrastructure, and lifestyle options.
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