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San José vs Mérida – Digital Nomad Guide
Trying to decide between San José, Costa Rica and Mérida, Mexico? Here's a detailed comparison to help digital nomads and remote workers make an informed choice.
💰 Cost of Living
San José has a monthly cost of $2,250, which is 2.7% higher than Mérida's $2,190.
🌐 Internet Infrastructure
For internet speeds, San José offers 50 Mbps, while Mérida provides 100 Mbps – making Mérida's connection 100.0% faster .
☀️ Current Weather
The weather in San José is currently 25°C ⛈️, while Mérida is experiencing 36°C 🌧️.
🛡️ Safety Comparison
San José has a safety score of 67.0 , while Mérida scores 65.0 .
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Overall
Mérida wins
Quality of Life
Cost
Mérida wins
Mérida is 26% better
Climate
Mérida wins
Mérida is 11% better
Infrastructure
Social
Mérida wins
Mérida is 14% better
Mérida is 14% better
Total Cost of Living Comparison
| Category | San José | Mérida | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Total | $2,250 | $2,190 | +2.7% |
| Daily Average | $75 | $73 | per day |
Housing
| Item | San José | Mérida | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment (1 bedroom) | $550.00 per month | $350.00 per month | +57.1% |
Daily Life
| Item | San José | Mérida | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coffee | $2.50 per cup | $1.50 per cup | +66.7% |
Transportation
| Item | San José | Mérida | Difference |
|---|
Utilities
| Item | San José | Mérida | Difference |
|---|
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Final Verdict: San José vs Mérida
Mérida ranks as the better digital nomad destination, scoring 3.0% higher than San José overall.
💰 Cost Analysis
- Monthly Budget: $2,250 vs $2,190
- Daily Expenses: $75 vs $73
- Mérida is 2.7% cheaper for digital nomads
🌐 Infrastructure
- Internet Speed: Mérida leads with 50% faster connection
- Public Transport: Mérida has better public transportation
🎯 Key Advantages
San José Wins In:
- No significant advantages found
Mérida Wins In:
- Cost of Living (26% better)
- Air Quality (11% better)
- Culture (14% better)
- Food Scene (14% better)
💡 Final Recommendation
Choose Mérida if you prioritize cost effectiveness and Cost of Living. However, San José might be preferable if Cost of Living 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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