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San José vs Tulum – Digital Nomad Guide
Trying to decide between San José, Costa Rica and Tulum, 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 11.8% lower than Tulum's $2,550.
🌐 Internet Infrastructure
For internet speeds, San José offers 50 Mbps, while Tulum provides 100 Mbps – making Tulum's connection 100.0% faster .
☀️ Current Weather
The weather in San José is currently 25°C ⛈️, while Tulum is experiencing 34°C 🌤️.
🛡️ Safety Comparison
San José has a safety score of 67.0 , while Tulum scores 55.0 .
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Overall
Quality of Life
San José wins
San José is 12% better
San José is 16% better
Cost
Tulum wins
Tulum is 10% better
Climate
Tulum wins
Tulum is 16% better
Infrastructure
San José wins
San José is 12% better
Social
Tulum is 6% better
Total Cost of Living Comparison
| Category | San José | Tulum | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Total | $2,250 | $2,550 | -11.8% |
| Daily Average | $75 | $85 | per day |
Housing
| Item | San José | Tulum | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment (1 bedroom) | $550.00 per month | $650.00 per month | -15.4% |
Daily Life
| Item | San José | Tulum | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coffee | $2.50 per cup | $2.50 per cup | 0.0% |
Transportation
| Item | San José | Tulum | Difference |
|---|
Utilities
| Item | San José | Tulum | Difference |
|---|
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Final Verdict: San José vs Tulum
San José ranks as the better digital nomad destination, scoring 2.0% higher than Tulum overall.
💰 Cost Analysis
- Monthly Budget: $2,250 vs $2,550
- Daily Expenses: $75 vs $85
- San José is 11.8% cheaper for digital nomads
🌐 Infrastructure
- Internet Speed: Tulum leads with 50% faster connection
- Public Transport: Tulum has better public transportation
🎯 Key Advantages
San José Wins In:
- Safety (12% better)
- Healthcare (16% better)
- Internet Speed (12% better)
Tulum Wins In:
- Cost of Living (10% better)
- Air Quality (16% better)
- Food Scene (6% better)
💡 Final Recommendation
Choose San José if you prioritize cost effectiveness and Cost of Living. However, Tulum 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.
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