San José vs Oaxaca – Digital Nomad Guide
Trying to decide between San José, Costa Rica and Oaxaca, 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 10.8% higher than Oaxaca's $2,030.
🌐 Internet Infrastructure
For internet speeds, San José offers 50 Mbps, while Oaxaca provides 20 Mbps – making San José's connection 150.0% faster .
☀️ Current Weather
The weather in San José is currently 25°C ⛈️, while Oaxaca is experiencing 28°C ⛈️.
🛡️ Safety Comparison
San José has a safety score of 67.0 , while Oaxaca scores 68.0 .

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Overall
Quality of Life
San José wins
San José is 9% better
Cost
Oaxaca wins
Oaxaca is 26% better
Climate
Oaxaca wins
Oaxaca is 13% better
Infrastructure
San José wins
San José is 5% better
Social
Oaxaca wins
Oaxaca is 17% better
Oaxaca is 20% better
Total Cost of Living Comparison
Category | San José | Oaxaca | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Monthly Total | $2,250 | $2,030 | +10.8% |
Daily Average | $75 | $68 | per day |
Housing
Item | San José | Oaxaca | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Apartment (1 bedroom) | $550.00 per month | $350.00 per month | +57.1% |
Daily Life
Item | San José | Oaxaca | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Coffee | $2.50 per cup | $1.50 per cup | +66.7% |
Transportation
Item | San José | Oaxaca | Difference |
---|
Utilities
Item | San José | Oaxaca | Difference |
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Final Verdict: San José vs Oaxaca
Oaxaca ranks as the better digital nomad destination, scoring 1.0% higher than San José overall.
💰 Cost Analysis
- Monthly Budget: $2,250 vs $2,030
- Daily Expenses: $75 vs $68
- Oaxaca is 10.8% cheaper for digital nomads
🌐 Infrastructure
- Internet Speed: San José leads with 150% faster connection
- Public Transport: Oaxaca has better public transportation
🎯 Key Advantages
San José Wins In:
- Healthcare (9% better)
- Internet Speed (5% better)
Oaxaca Wins In:
- Cost of Living (26% better)
- Air Quality (13% better)
- Culture (17% better)
- Food Scene (20% better)
💡 Final Recommendation
Choose Oaxaca 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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