Puerto Viejo vs Tulum – Digital Nomad Guide
Trying to decide between Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica and Tulum, 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 9.4% lower than Tulum's $2,550.
🌐 Internet Infrastructure
For internet speeds, Puerto Viejo offers 20 Mbps, while Tulum provides 100 Mbps – making Tulum's connection 400.0% faster .
☀️ Current Weather
The weather in Puerto Viejo is currently 30°C 🌤️, while Tulum is experiencing 31°C 🌤️.
🛡️ Safety Comparison
Puerto Viejo has a safety score of 74.0 , while Tulum scores 57.0 .
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Overall
Quality of Life
Puerto Viejo wins
Puerto Viejo is 17% better
Cost
Climate
Infrastructure
Tulum wins
Tulum is 5% better
Social
Tulum wins
Tulum is 7% better
Total Cost of Living Comparison
Category | Puerto Viejo | Tulum | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Monthly Total | $2,310 | $2,550 | -9.4% |
Daily Average | $77 | $85 | per day |
Housing
Item | Puerto Viejo | Tulum | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Apartment (1 bedroom) | $450.00 per month | $650.00 per month | -30.8% |
Daily Life
Item | Puerto Viejo | Tulum | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Coffee | $2.50 per cup | $2.50 per cup | 0.0% |
Transportation
Item | Puerto Viejo | Tulum | Difference |
---|
Utilities
Item | Puerto Viejo | Tulum | Difference |
---|
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Final Verdict: Puerto Viejo vs Tulum
Tulum ranks as the better digital nomad destination, scoring 1.0% higher than Puerto Viejo overall.
💰 Cost Analysis
- Monthly Budget: $2,310 vs $2,550
- Daily Expenses: $77 vs $85
- Puerto Viejo is 9.4% cheaper for digital nomads
🌐 Infrastructure
- Internet Speed: Tulum leads with 80% faster connection
- Public Transport: Tulum has better public transportation
🎯 Key Advantages
Puerto Viejo Wins In:
- Safety (17% better)
Tulum Wins In:
- Internet Speed (5% better)
- Nightlife (7% better)
💡 Final Recommendation
Choose Tulum if you prioritize cost effectiveness and Internet Speed. However, Puerto Viejo might be preferable if Internet Speed 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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