Tamarindo vs Santa Teresa - Digital Nomad Guide
Trying to decide between Tamarindo, Costa Rica and Santa Teresa, Costa Rica? Here's a detailed comparison to help digital nomads and remote workers make an informed choice.
💰 Cost of Living
Tamarindo has a monthly cost of $2,739, which is 5.7% higher than Santa Teresa's $2,592.
🌐 Internet Infrastructure
For internet speeds, Tamarindo offers 25 Mbps, while Santa Teresa provides 30 Mbps - making Santa Teresa's connection 20.0% faster .
☀️ Current Weather
The weather in Tamarindo is currently 36°C 🌤️, while Santa Teresa is experiencing 36°C 🌤️.
🛡️ Safety Comparison
Tamarindo has a safety score of 70.0 , while Santa Teresa scores 70.0 .
Overall
Tamarindo wins
Quality of Life
Cost
Climate
Infrastructure
Tamarindo wins
Tamarindo is 10% better
Social
Tamarindo is 5% better
Total Cost of Living Comparison
| Category | Tamarindo | Santa Teresa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Total | $2,739 | $2,592 | +5.7% |
| Daily Average | $91 | $86 | per day |
Housing
| Item | Tamarindo | Santa Teresa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment (1 bedroom) | $750.25 per month | $650.00 per month | +15.4% |
Daily Life
| Item | Tamarindo | Santa Teresa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coffee | $3.25 per cup | $3.50 per cup | -7.1% |
| Meal (Inexpensive) | $9.50 per meal | $8.00 per meal | +18.8% |
Transportation
| Item | Tamarindo | Santa Teresa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Transport Pass | $45.00 per month | $50.00 per month | -10.0% |
Utilities
| Item | Tamarindo | Santa Teresa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet (60 Mbps+) | $50.00 per month | $55.00 per month | -9.1% |
Final Verdict: Tamarindo vs Santa Teresa
Tamarindo ranks as the better digital nomad destination, scoring 3.0% higher than Santa Teresa overall.
💰 Cost Analysis
- Monthly Budget: $2,739 vs $2,592
- Daily Expenses: $91 vs $86
- Santa Teresa is 5.7% cheaper for digital nomads
🌐 Infrastructure
- Internet Speed: Santa Teresa leads with 17% faster connection
- Public Transport: Santa Teresa has better public transportation
🎯 Key Advantages
Tamarindo Wins In:
- Internet Speed (10% better)
- Culture (5% better)
Santa Teresa Wins In:
- No significant advantages found
💡 Final Recommendation
Choose Tamarindo if you prioritize better quality of life metrics and Internet Speed. However, Santa Teresa might be preferable if Internet Speed is your top priority. Both cities offer unique advantages for digital nomads, with distinct trade-offs in cost of living, infrastructure, and lifestyle options.