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Alajuela vs Tulum – Digital Nomad Guide

Trying to decide between Alajuela, Costa Rica and Tulum, 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 8.2% lower than Tulum's $2,550.

🌐 Internet Infrastructure

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

☀️ Current Weather

The weather in Alajuela is currently 28°C 🌧️, while Tulum is experiencing 32°C 🌤️.

🛡️ Safety Comparison

Alajuela has a safety score of 76.0 , while Tulum scores 60.0 .

Costs
$2,340
per month
Internet
100
Mbps
Weather
28° 🌧️
High today
Costs
$2,550
per month
Internet
100
Mbps
Weather
32° 🌤️
High today
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Overall

70.0
Overall Score
69.0

Quality of Life Alajuela wins

76.0
Safety
60.0

Alajuela is 16% better

77.0
Healthcare
67.0

Alajuela is 10% better

Cost

71.0
Cost of Living
71.0

Climate Alajuela wins

88.0
Air Quality
82.0

Alajuela is 6% better

Infrastructure Alajuela wins

74.0
Internet Speed
68.0

Alajuela is 6% better

Social Tulum wins

59.0
Nightlife
71.0

Tulum is 12% better

78.0
Culture
76.0
72.0
Food Scene
80.0

Tulum is 8% better

Total Cost of Living Comparison

Category Alajuela Tulum Difference
Monthly Total $2,340 $2,550 -8.2%
Daily Average $78 $85 per day

Housing

Item Alajuela Tulum Difference
Apartment (1 bedroom) $450.00 per month $650.00 per month -30.8%

Daily Life

Item Alajuela Tulum Difference
Coffee $1.50 per cup $2.50 per cup -40.0%

Transportation

Item Alajuela Tulum Difference

Utilities

Item Alajuela Tulum Difference
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Final Verdict: Alajuela vs Tulum

Alajuela ranks as the better digital nomad destination, scoring 1.0% higher than Tulum overall.

💰 Cost Analysis

  • Monthly Budget: $2,340 vs $2,550
  • Daily Expenses: $78 vs $85
  • Alajuela is 8.2% cheaper for digital nomads

🌐 Infrastructure

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

🎯 Key Advantages

Alajuela Wins In:
  • Safety (16% better)
  • Healthcare (10% better)
  • Air Quality (6% better)
  • Internet Speed (6% better)
Tulum Wins In:
  • Nightlife (12% better)
  • Food Scene (8% better)

💡 Final Recommendation

Choose Alajuela if you prioritize better quality of life metrics and Safety. However, Tulum 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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