Santo Domingo vs Mérida – Digital Nomad Guide
Trying to decide between Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and Mérida, Mexico? Here's a detailed comparison to help digital nomads and remote workers make an informed choice.
💰 Cost of Living
Santo Domingo has a monthly cost of $2,320, which is 5.9% higher than Mérida's $2,190.
🌐 Internet Infrastructure
For internet speeds, Santo Domingo offers 30 Mbps, while Mérida provides 100 Mbps – making Mérida's connection 233.3% faster .
☀️ Current Weather
The weather in Santo Domingo is currently 31°C ⛈️, while Mérida is experiencing 38°C 🌤️.
🛡️ Safety Comparison
Santo Domingo has a safety score of 55.0 , while Mérida scores 63.0 .
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Overall
Mérida wins
Mérida is 10% better
Quality of Life
Mérida wins
Mérida is 8% better
Mérida is 17% better
Cost
Mérida wins
Mérida is 9% better
Climate
Mérida wins
Mérida is 21% better
Infrastructure
Mérida wins
Mérida is 8% better
Social
Santo Domingo is 6% better
Mérida is 7% better
Total Cost of Living Comparison
Category | Santo Domingo | Mérida | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Monthly Total | $2,320 | $2,190 | +5.9% |
Daily Average | $77 | $73 | per day |
Housing
Item | Santo Domingo | Mérida | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Apartment (1 bedroom) | $350.00 per month | $350.00 per month | 0.0% |
Daily Life
Item | Santo Domingo | Mérida | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Coffee | $1.50 per cup | $1.50 per cup | 0.0% |
Transportation
Item | Santo Domingo | Mérida | Difference |
---|
Utilities
Item | Santo Domingo | Mérida | Difference |
---|
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Final Verdict: Santo Domingo vs Mérida
Mérida ranks as the better digital nomad destination, scoring 10.0% higher than Santo Domingo overall.
💰 Cost Analysis
- Monthly Budget: $2,320 vs $2,190
- Daily Expenses: $77 vs $73
- Mérida is 5.9% cheaper for digital nomads
🌐 Infrastructure
- Internet Speed: Mérida leads with 70% faster connection
- Public Transport: Mérida has better public transportation
🎯 Key Advantages
Santo Domingo Wins In:
- Nightlife (6% better)
Mérida Wins In:
- Overall Score (10% better)
- Safety (8% better)
- Healthcare (17% better)
- Cost of Living (9% better)
- Air Quality (21% better)
- Internet Speed (8% better)
- Food Scene (7% better)
💡 Final Recommendation
Choose Mérida if you prioritize cost effectiveness and Overall Score. However, Santo Domingo 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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