Puerto Viejo vs Mérida – Digital Nomad Guide
Trying to decide between Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica and Mérida, Mexico? Here's a detailed comparison to help digital nomads and remote workers make an informed choice.
💰 Cost of Living
Puerto Viejo has a monthly cost of $2,310, which is 5.5% higher than Mérida's $2,190.
🌐 Internet Infrastructure
For internet speeds, Puerto Viejo offers 20 Mbps, while Mérida provides 100 Mbps – making Mérida's connection 400.0% faster .
☀️ Current Weather
The weather in Puerto Viejo is currently 31°C 🌧️, while Mérida is experiencing 39°C 🌤️.
🛡️ Safety Comparison
Puerto Viejo has a safety score of 68.0 , while Mérida scores 63.0 .
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Overall
Mérida wins
Mérida is 7% better
Quality of Life
Mérida wins
Puerto Viejo is 5% better
Mérida is 16% better
Cost
Mérida wins
Mérida is 16% better
Climate
Puerto Viejo wins
Puerto Viejo is 16% better
Infrastructure
Mérida wins
Mérida is 9% better
Social
Mérida wins
Mérida is 14% better
Mérida is 13% better
Mérida is 13% better
Total Cost of Living Comparison
| Category | Puerto Viejo | Mérida | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Total | $2,310 | $2,190 | +5.5% |
| Daily Average | $77 | $73 | per day |
Housing
| Item | Puerto Viejo | Mérida | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment (1 bedroom) | $450.00 per month | $350.00 per month | +28.6% |
Daily Life
| Item | Puerto Viejo | Mérida | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coffee | $2.50 per cup | $1.50 per cup | +66.7% |
| Beer | $3.00 per pint | $1.80 per pint | +66.7% |
| Meal (Inexpensive) | $6.00 per meal | $4.00 per meal | +50.0% |
Transportation
| Item | Puerto Viejo | Mérida | Difference |
|---|
Utilities
| Item | Puerto Viejo | Mérida | Difference |
|---|
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Final Verdict: Puerto Viejo vs Mérida
Mérida ranks as the better digital nomad destination, scoring 7.0% higher than Puerto Viejo overall.
💰 Cost Analysis
- Monthly Budget: $2,310 vs $2,190
- Daily Expenses: $77 vs $73
- Mérida is 5.5% cheaper for digital nomads
🌐 Infrastructure
- Internet Speed: Mérida leads with 80% faster connection
- Public Transport: Mérida has better public transportation
🎯 Key Advantages
Puerto Viejo Wins In:
- Safety (5% better)
- Air Quality (16% better)
Mérida Wins In:
- Overall Score (7% better)
- Healthcare (16% better)
- Cost of Living (16% better)
- Internet Speed (9% better)
- Nightlife (14% better)
- Culture (13% better)
- Food Scene (13% better)
💡 Final Recommendation
Choose Mérida if you prioritize cost effectiveness and Overall Score. However, Puerto Viejo 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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