La Fortuna vs San José – Digital Nomad Guide
Trying to decide between La Fortuna, Costa Rica and San José, Costa Rica? Here's a detailed comparison to help digital nomads and remote workers make an informed choice.
💰 Cost of Living
La Fortuna has a monthly cost of $2,330, which is 3.6% higher than San José's $2,250.
🌐 Internet Infrastructure
For internet speeds, La Fortuna offers 30 Mbps, while San José provides 50 Mbps – making San José's connection 66.7% faster .
☀️ Current Weather
The weather in La Fortuna is currently 29°C 🌧️, while San José is experiencing 27°C ⛈️.
🛡️ Safety Comparison
La Fortuna has a safety score of 76.0 , while San José scores 67.0 .
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Overall
San José wins
Quality of Life
La Fortuna is 9% better
San José is 11% better
Cost
La Fortuna wins
La Fortuna is 10% better
Climate
La Fortuna wins
La Fortuna is 30% better
Infrastructure
San José wins
San José is 12% better
Social
San José wins
San José is 24% better
Total Cost of Living Comparison
Category | La Fortuna | San José | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Monthly Total | $2,330 | $2,250 | +3.6% |
Daily Average | $78 | $75 | per day |
Housing
Item | La Fortuna | San José | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Apartment (1 bedroom) | $450.00 per month | $550.00 per month | -18.2% |
Daily Life
Item | La Fortuna | San José | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Coffee | $2.50 per cup | $2.50 per cup | 0.0% |
Transportation
Item | La Fortuna | San José | Difference |
---|
Utilities
Item | La Fortuna | San José | Difference |
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Final Verdict: La Fortuna vs San José
San José ranks as the better digital nomad destination, scoring 3.0% higher than La Fortuna overall.
💰 Cost Analysis
- Monthly Budget: $2,330 vs $2,250
- Daily Expenses: $78 vs $75
- San José is 3.6% cheaper for digital nomads
🌐 Infrastructure
- Internet Speed: San José leads with 40% faster connection
- Public Transport: San José has better public transportation
🎯 Key Advantages
La Fortuna Wins In:
- Safety (9% better)
- Cost of Living (10% better)
- Air Quality (30% better)
San José Wins In:
- Healthcare (11% better)
- Internet Speed (12% better)
- Nightlife (24% better)
💡 Final Recommendation
Choose San José if you prioritize cost effectiveness and Healthcare. However, La Fortuna 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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