Manuel Antonio vs Playa del Coco – Digital Nomad Guide
Trying to decide between Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica and Playa del Coco, Costa Rica? Here's a detailed comparison to help digital nomads and remote workers make an informed choice.
💰 Cost of Living
Manuel Antonio has a monthly cost of $2,730, which is 3.8% higher than Playa del Coco's $2,630.
🌐 Internet Infrastructure
For internet speeds, Manuel Antonio offers 25 Mbps, while Playa del Coco provides 60 Mbps – making Playa del Coco's connection 140.0% faster .
☀️ Current Weather
The weather in Manuel Antonio is currently 30°C ⛈️, while Playa del Coco is experiencing 33°C ⛈️.
🛡️ Safety Comparison
Manuel Antonio has a safety score of 70.0 , while Playa del Coco scores 73.0 .
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Overall
Playa del Coco wins
Playa del Coco is 6% better
Quality of Life
Cost
Playa del Coco wins
Playa del Coco is 10% better
Climate
Infrastructure
Playa del Coco wins
Playa del Coco is 10% better
Social
Playa del Coco wins
Playa del Coco is 9% better
Playa del Coco is 7% better
Total Cost of Living Comparison
Category | Manuel Antonio | Playa del Coco | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Monthly Total | $2,730 | $2,630 | +3.8% |
Daily Average | $91 | $88 | per day |
Housing
Item | Manuel Antonio | Playa del Coco | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Apartment (1 bedroom) | $650.00 per month | $650.00 per month | 0.0% |
Daily Life
Item | Manuel Antonio | Playa del Coco | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Coffee | $2.50 per cup | $2.50 per cup | 0.0% |
Beer | $3.00 per pint | $3.00 per pint | 0.0% |
Meal (Inexpensive) | $8.00 per meal | $7.00 per meal | +14.3% |
Transportation
Item | Manuel Antonio | Playa del Coco | Difference |
---|
Utilities
Item | Manuel Antonio | Playa del Coco | Difference |
---|

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Final Verdict: Manuel Antonio vs Playa del Coco
Playa del Coco ranks as the better digital nomad destination, scoring 6.0% higher than Manuel Antonio overall.
💰 Cost Analysis
- Monthly Budget: $2,730 vs $2,630
- Daily Expenses: $91 vs $88
- Playa del Coco is 3.8% cheaper for digital nomads
🌐 Infrastructure
- Internet Speed: Playa del Coco leads with 58% faster connection
- Public Transport: Playa del Coco has better public transportation
🎯 Key Advantages
Manuel Antonio Wins In:
- No significant advantages found
Playa del Coco Wins In:
- Overall Score (6% better)
- Cost of Living (10% better)
- Internet Speed (10% better)
- Nightlife (9% better)
- Food Scene (7% better)
💡 Final Recommendation
Choose Playa del Coco if you prioritize cost effectiveness and Overall Score. However, Manuel Antonio 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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