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 33°C 🌧️, while Tulum is experiencing 33°C 🌤️.
🛡️ Safety Comparison
Playa del Coco has a safety score of 73.0 , while Tulum scores 60.0 .

Invest in Dubai real estate from just $500. Fractional property investing.
Overall
Quality of Life
Playa del Coco wins
Playa del Coco is 13% better
Playa del Coco is 10% better
Cost
Climate
Playa del Coco wins
Playa del Coco is 6% better
Infrastructure
Playa del Coco wins
Playa del Coco is 6% better
Social
Tulum wins
Tulum is 17% better
Tulum is 8% 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 |
---|
Revolut Ultra: Unlimited lounge access & 3GB global data monthly. Unlock £5k+ benefits.
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)
- Healthcare (10% better)
- Air Quality (6% better)
- Internet Speed (6% better)
Tulum Wins In:
- Nightlife (17% better)
- Food Scene (8% better)
💡 Final Recommendation
Choose Tulum if you prioritize better quality of life metrics and Safety. However, Playa del Coco 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.

Diversify your portfolio with Dubai property shares starting at $500. Own shares in Dubai properties.