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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 31°C 🌤️, while Mérida is experiencing 39°C 🌤️.

🛡️ Safety Comparison

Santa Teresa has a safety score of 67.0 , while Mérida scores 63.0 .

Costs
$2,780
per month
Internet
30
Mbps
Weather
31° 🌤️
High today
Costs
$2,190
per month
Internet
100
Mbps
Weather
39° 🌤️
High today
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Overall Mérida wins

67.0
Overall Score
72.0

Mérida is 5% better

Quality of Life Mérida wins

67.0
Safety
63.0
67.0
Healthcare
79.0

Mérida is 12% better

Cost Mérida wins

71.0
Cost of Living
87.0

Mérida is 16% better

Climate Santa Teresa wins

87.0
Air Quality
71.0

Santa Teresa is 16% better

Infrastructure Mérida wins

67.0
Internet Speed
76.0

Mérida is 9% better

Social Mérida wins

58.0
Nightlife
64.0

Mérida is 6% better

74.0
Culture
89.0

Mérida is 15% better

70.0
Food Scene
87.0

Mérida is 17% 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 5.0% 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:
  • Air Quality (16% better)
Mérida Wins In:
  • Overall Score (5% better)
  • Healthcare (12% better)
  • Cost of Living (16% better)
  • Internet Speed (9% better)
  • Nightlife (6% better)
  • Culture (15% better)
  • Food Scene (17% better)

💡 Final Recommendation

Choose Mérida if you prioritize cost effectiveness and Overall Score. However, Santa Teresa might be preferable if Overall Score 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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Premium benefits, global data.

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