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Santa Teresa vs Mérida – Digital Nomad Guide
Trying to decide between Santa Teresa, Costa Rica and Mérida, Mexico? 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 26.9% higher than Mérida's $2,190.
🌐 Internet Infrastructure
For internet speeds, Santa Teresa offers 30 Mbps, while Mérida provides 100 Mbps – making Mérida's connection 233.3% faster .
☀️ Current Weather
The weather in Santa Teresa is currently 29°C ⛈️, while Mérida is experiencing 35°C 🌧️.
🛡️ Safety Comparison
Santa Teresa has a safety score of 73.0 , while Mérida scores 65.0 .
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Overall
Mérida wins
Quality of Life
Santa Teresa is 8% better
Mérida is 6% better
Cost
Mérida wins
Mérida is 16% better
Climate
Santa Teresa wins
Santa Teresa is 16% better
Infrastructure
Mérida wins
Mérida is 11% better
Social
Mérida wins
Mérida is 7% better
Mérida is 13% better
Mérida is 11% better
Total Cost of Living Comparison
| Category | Santa Teresa | Mérida | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Total | $2,780 | $2,190 | +26.9% |
| Daily Average | $93 | $73 | per day |
Housing
| Item | Santa Teresa | Mérida | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment (1 bedroom) | $650.00 per month | $350.00 per month | +85.7% |
Daily Life
| Item | Santa Teresa | Mérida | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coffee | $2.50 per cup | $1.50 per cup | +66.7% |
Transportation
| Item | Santa Teresa | Mérida | Difference |
|---|
Utilities
| Item | Santa Teresa | Mérida | Difference |
|---|
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Final Verdict: Santa Teresa vs Mérida
Mérida ranks as the better digital nomad destination, scoring 4.0% higher than Santa Teresa overall.
💰 Cost Analysis
- Monthly Budget: $2,780 vs $2,190
- Daily Expenses: $93 vs $73
- Mérida is 26.9% cheaper for digital nomads
🌐 Infrastructure
- Internet Speed: Mérida leads with 70% faster connection
- Public Transport: Mérida has better public transportation
🎯 Key Advantages
Santa Teresa Wins In:
- Safety (8% better)
- Air Quality (16% better)
Mérida Wins In:
- Healthcare (6% better)
- Cost of Living (16% better)
- Internet Speed (11% better)
- Nightlife (7% better)
- Culture (13% better)
- Food Scene (11% better)
💡 Final Recommendation
Choose Mérida if you prioritize cost effectiveness and Healthcare. However, Santa Teresa might be preferable if Healthcare 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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