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Santiago de Cuba vs Mérida – Digital Nomad Guide
Trying to decide between Santiago de Cuba, Cuba and Mérida, Mexico? Here's a detailed comparison to help digital nomads and remote workers make an informed choice.
💰 Cost of Living
Santiago de Cuba has a monthly cost of $1,500, which is 31.5% lower than Mérida's $2,190.
🌐 Internet Infrastructure
For internet speeds, Santiago de Cuba offers 20 Mbps, while Mérida provides 100 Mbps – making Mérida's connection 400.0% faster .
☀️ Current Weather
The weather in Santiago de Cuba is currently 31°C 🌤️, while Mérida is experiencing 38°C 🌤️.
🛡️ Safety Comparison
Santiago de Cuba has a safety score of 70.0 , while Mérida scores 65.0 .
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Overall
Mérida wins
Mérida is 25% better
Quality of Life
Mérida wins
Santiago de Cuba is 5% better
Mérida is 29% better
Cost
Mérida wins
Mérida is 9% better
Climate
Infrastructure
Mérida wins
Mérida is 54% better
Social
Mérida wins
Mérida is 5% better
Mérida is 22% better
Total Cost of Living Comparison
| Category | Santiago de Cuba | Mérida | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Total | $1,500 | $2,190 | -31.5% |
| Daily Average | $50 | $73 | per day |
Housing
| Item | Santiago de Cuba | Mérida | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment (1 bedroom) | $180.00 per month | $350.00 per month | -48.6% |
Daily Life
| Item | Santiago de Cuba | Mérida | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coffee | $0.80 per cup | $1.50 per cup | -46.7% |
| Beer | $1.20 per pint | $1.80 per pint | -33.3% |
| Meal (Inexpensive) | $3.50 per meal | $4.00 per meal | -12.5% |
Transportation
| Item | Santiago de Cuba | Mérida | Difference |
|---|
Utilities
| Item | Santiago de Cuba | Mérida | Difference |
|---|
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Final Verdict: Santiago de Cuba vs Mérida
Mérida ranks as the better digital nomad destination, scoring 25.0% higher than Santiago de Cuba overall.
💰 Cost Analysis
- Monthly Budget: $1,500 vs $2,190
- Daily Expenses: $50 vs $73
- Santiago de Cuba is 31.5% cheaper for digital nomads
🌐 Infrastructure
- Internet Speed: Mérida leads with 80% faster connection
- Public Transport: Mérida has better public transportation
🎯 Key Advantages
Santiago de Cuba Wins In:
- Safety (5% better)
Mérida Wins In:
- Overall Score (25% better)
- Healthcare (29% better)
- Cost of Living (9% better)
- Internet Speed (54% better)
- Nightlife (5% better)
- Food Scene (22% better)
💡 Final Recommendation
Choose Mérida if you prioritize cost effectiveness and Overall Score. However, Santiago de Cuba 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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