Playa del Coco vs Tulum – Digital Nomad Guide
Trying to decide between Playa del Coco, Costa Rica and Tulum, Mexico? Here's a detailed comparison to help digital nomads and remote workers make an informed choice.
💰 Cost of Living
Playa del Coco has a monthly cost of $2,630, which is 3.1% higher than Tulum's $2,550.
🌐 Internet Infrastructure
For internet speeds, Playa del Coco offers 60 Mbps, while Tulum provides 100 Mbps – making Tulum's connection 66.7% faster .
☀️ Current Weather
The weather in Playa del Coco is currently 30°C ⛈️, while Tulum is experiencing 32°C 🌤️.
🛡️ Safety Comparison
Playa del Coco has a safety score of 70.0 , while Tulum scores 57.0 .

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Overall
Quality of Life
Playa del Coco wins
Playa del Coco is 13% better
Cost
Climate
Infrastructure
Social
Tulum wins
Tulum is 7% better
Tulum is 7% better
Total Cost of Living Comparison
Category | Playa del Coco | Tulum | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Monthly Total | $2,630 | $2,550 | +3.1% |
Daily Average | $88 | $85 | per day |
Housing
Item | Playa del Coco | Tulum | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Apartment (1 bedroom) | $650.00 per month | $650.00 per month | 0.0% |
Daily Life
Item | Playa del Coco | Tulum | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Coffee | $2.50 per cup | $2.50 per cup | 0.0% |
Transportation
Item | Playa del Coco | Tulum | Difference |
---|
Utilities
Item | Playa del Coco | Tulum | Difference |
---|
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Final Verdict: Playa del Coco vs Tulum
Tulum ranks as the better digital nomad destination, scoring 0.0% higher than Playa del Coco overall.
💰 Cost Analysis
- Monthly Budget: $2,630 vs $2,550
- Daily Expenses: $88 vs $85
- Tulum is 3.1% cheaper for digital nomads
🌐 Infrastructure
- Internet Speed: Tulum leads with 40% faster connection
- Public Transport: Tulum has better public transportation
🎯 Key Advantages
Playa del Coco Wins In:
- Safety (13% better)
Tulum Wins In:
- Nightlife (7% better)
- Food Scene (7% better)
💡 Final Recommendation
Choose Tulum if you prioritize cost effectiveness and Nightlife. However, Playa del Coco might be preferable if Nightlife 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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