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Alajuela vs Mérida – Digital Nomad Guide

Trying to decide between Alajuela, Costa Rica and Mérida, Mexico? Here's a detailed comparison to help digital nomads and remote workers make an informed choice.

💰 Cost of Living

Alajuela has a monthly cost of $2,340, which is 6.8% higher than Mérida's $2,190.

🌐 Internet Infrastructure

For internet speeds, Alajuela offers 100 Mbps, while Mérida provides 100 Mbps making Mérida's connection 0.0% faster .

☀️ Current Weather

The weather in Alajuela is currently 28°C 🌧️, while Mérida is experiencing 38°C 🌤️.

🛡️ Safety Comparison

Alajuela has a safety score of 76.0 , while Mérida scores 63.0 .

Costs
$2,340
per month
Internet
100
Mbps
Weather
28° 🌧️
High today
Costs
$2,190
per month
Internet
100
Mbps
Weather
38° 🌤️
High today
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Overall

70.0
Overall Score
72.0

Quality of Life Alajuela wins

76.0
Safety
63.0

Alajuela is 13% better

77.0
Healthcare
79.0

Cost Mérida wins

71.0
Cost of Living
87.0

Mérida is 16% better

Climate Alajuela wins

88.0
Air Quality
71.0

Alajuela is 17% better

Infrastructure

74.0
Internet Speed
76.0

Social Mérida wins

59.0
Nightlife
64.0

Mérida is 5% better

78.0
Culture
89.0

Mérida is 11% better

72.0
Food Scene
87.0

Mérida is 15% better

Total Cost of Living Comparison

Category Alajuela Mérida Difference
Monthly Total $2,340 $2,190 +6.8%
Daily Average $78 $73 per day

Housing

Item Alajuela Mérida Difference
Apartment (1 bedroom) $450.00 per month $350.00 per month +28.6%

Daily Life

Item Alajuela Mérida Difference
Coffee $1.50 per cup $1.50 per cup 0.0%

Transportation

Item Alajuela Mérida Difference

Utilities

Item Alajuela Mérida Difference
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Final Verdict: Alajuela vs Mérida

Mérida ranks as the better digital nomad destination, scoring 2.0% higher than Alajuela overall.

💰 Cost Analysis

  • Monthly Budget: $2,340 vs $2,190
  • Daily Expenses: $78 vs $73
  • Mérida is 6.8% cheaper for digital nomads

🌐 Infrastructure

  • Internet Speed: Mérida leads with 0% faster connection
  • Public Transport: Mérida has better public transportation

🎯 Key Advantages

Alajuela Wins In:
  • Safety (13% better)
  • Air Quality (17% better)
Mérida Wins In:
  • Cost of Living (16% better)
  • Nightlife (5% better)
  • Culture (11% better)
  • Food Scene (15% better)

💡 Final Recommendation

Choose Mérida if you prioritize cost effectiveness and Cost of Living. However, Alajuela might be preferable if Cost of Living 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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Health insurance for travelers.

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