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Santa Teresa vs San José – Digital Nomad Guide
Trying to decide between Santa Teresa, Costa Rica and San José, Costa Rica? Here's a detailed comparison to help digital nomads and remote workers make an informed choice.
💰 Cost of Living
Santa Teresa has a monthly cost of $2,780, which is 23.6% higher than San José's $2,250.
🌐 Internet Infrastructure
For internet speeds, Santa Teresa offers 30 Mbps, while San José provides 50 Mbps – making San José's connection 66.7% faster .
☀️ Current Weather
The weather in Santa Teresa is currently 29°C ⛈️, while San José is experiencing 26°C ⛈️.
🛡️ Safety Comparison
Santa Teresa has a safety score of 73.0 , while San José scores 67.0 .
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Overall
Quality of Life
Santa Teresa is 6% better
San José is 8% better
Cost
Santa Teresa wins
Santa Teresa is 10% better
Climate
Santa Teresa wins
Santa Teresa is 27% better
Infrastructure
San José wins
San José is 11% better
Social
San José is 7% better
Total Cost of Living Comparison
| Category | Santa Teresa | San José | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Total | $2,780 | $2,250 | +23.6% |
| Daily Average | $93 | $75 | per day |
Housing
| Item | Santa Teresa | San José | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment (1 bedroom) | $650.00 per month | $550.00 per month | +18.2% |
Daily Life
| Item | Santa Teresa | San José | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coffee | $2.50 per cup | $2.50 per cup | 0.0% |
Transportation
| Item | Santa Teresa | San José | Difference |
|---|
Utilities
| Item | Santa Teresa | San José | Difference |
|---|
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Final Verdict: Santa Teresa vs San José
San José ranks as the better digital nomad destination, scoring 1.0% higher than Santa Teresa overall.
💰 Cost Analysis
- Monthly Budget: $2,780 vs $2,250
- Daily Expenses: $93 vs $75
- San José is 23.6% cheaper for digital nomads
🌐 Infrastructure
- Internet Speed: San José leads with 40% faster connection
- Public Transport: San José has better public transportation
🎯 Key Advantages
Santa Teresa Wins In:
- Safety (6% better)
- Cost of Living (10% better)
- Air Quality (27% better)
San José Wins In:
- Healthcare (8% better)
- Internet Speed (11% better)
- Nightlife (7% better)
💡 Final Recommendation
Choose San José if you prioritize cost effectiveness and Healthcare. However, Santa Teresa 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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