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Santa Marta vs Tulum – Digital Nomad Guide

Trying to decide between Santa Marta, Colombia and Tulum, 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 31.8% lower than Tulum's $2,550.

🌐 Internet Infrastructure

For internet speeds, Santa Marta offers 30 Mbps, while Tulum provides 100 Mbps making Tulum's connection 233.3% faster .

☀️ Current Weather

The weather in Santa Marta is currently 30°C ⛈️, while Tulum is experiencing 32°C 🌤️.

🛡️ Safety Comparison

Santa Marta has a safety score of 55.0 , while Tulum scores 60.0 .

Costs
$1,740
per month
Internet
30
Mbps
Weather
30° ⛈️
High today
Costs
$2,550
per month
Internet
100
Mbps
Weather
32° 🌤️
High today
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Overall Tulum wins

66.0
Overall Score
69.0

Quality of Life Tulum wins

55.0
Safety
60.0

Tulum is 5% better

67.0
Healthcare
67.0

Cost Santa Marta wins

87.0
Cost of Living
71.0

Santa Marta is 16% better

Climate Tulum wins

71.0
Air Quality
82.0

Tulum is 11% better

Infrastructure

68.0
Internet Speed
68.0

Social

70.0
Nightlife
71.0
80.0
Culture
76.0
78.0
Food Scene
80.0

Total Cost of Living Comparison

Category Santa Marta Tulum Difference
Monthly Total $1,740 $2,550 -31.8%
Daily Average $58 $85 per day

Housing

Item Santa Marta Tulum Difference
Apartment (1 bedroom) $320.00 per month $650.00 per month -50.8%

Daily Life

Item Santa Marta Tulum Difference
Coffee $1.20 per cup $2.50 per cup -52.0%

Transportation

Item Santa Marta Tulum Difference

Utilities

Item Santa Marta Tulum Difference
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Final Verdict: Santa Marta vs Tulum

Tulum ranks as the better digital nomad destination, scoring 3.0% higher than Santa Marta overall.

💰 Cost Analysis

  • Monthly Budget: $1,740 vs $2,550
  • Daily Expenses: $58 vs $85
  • Santa Marta is 31.8% cheaper for digital nomads

🌐 Infrastructure

  • Internet Speed: Tulum leads with 70% faster connection
  • Public Transport: Tulum has better public transportation

🎯 Key Advantages

Santa Marta Wins In:
  • Cost of Living (16% better)
Tulum Wins In:
  • Safety (5% better)
  • Air Quality (11% better)

💡 Final Recommendation

Choose Tulum if you prioritize cost effectiveness and Safety. However, Santa Marta might be preferable if Safety 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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