Tulum vs Puerto Vallarta – Digital Nomad Guide
Trying to decide between Tulum, Mexico and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico? Here's a detailed comparison to help digital nomads and remote workers make an informed choice.
💰 Cost of Living
Tulum has a monthly cost of $2,550, which is 1.2% lower than Puerto Vallarta's $2,580.
🌐 Internet Infrastructure
For internet speeds, Tulum offers 100 Mbps, while Puerto Vallarta provides 50 Mbps – making Tulum's connection 100.0% faster .
☀️ Current Weather
The weather in Tulum is currently 34°C 🌤️, while Puerto Vallarta is experiencing 28°C 🌤️.
🛡️ Safety Comparison
Tulum has a safety score of 55.0 , while Puerto Vallarta scores 63.0 .

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Overall
Puerto Vallarta wins
Quality of Life
Puerto Vallarta wins
Puerto Vallarta is 8% better
Puerto Vallarta is 12% better
Cost
Puerto Vallarta wins
Puerto Vallarta is 7% better
Climate
Tulum wins
Tulum is 9% better
Infrastructure
Puerto Vallarta wins
Puerto Vallarta is 8% better
Social
Puerto Vallarta wins
Puerto Vallarta is 12% better
Puerto Vallarta is 11% better
Puerto Vallarta is 9% better
Total Cost of Living Comparison
Category | Tulum | Puerto Vallarta | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Monthly Total | $2,550 | $2,580 | -1.2% |
Daily Average | $85 | $86 | per day |
Housing
Item | Tulum | Puerto Vallarta | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Apartment (1 bedroom) | $650.00 per month | $650.00 per month | 0.0% |
Daily Life
Item | Tulum | Puerto Vallarta | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Coffee | $2.50 per cup | $1.80 per cup | +38.9% |
Transportation
Item | Tulum | Puerto Vallarta | Difference |
---|
Utilities
Item | Tulum | Puerto Vallarta | Difference |
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Final Verdict: Tulum vs Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta ranks as the better digital nomad destination, scoring 4.0% higher than Tulum overall.
💰 Cost Analysis
- Monthly Budget: $2,550 vs $2,580
- Daily Expenses: $85 vs $86
- Tulum is 1.2% cheaper for digital nomads
🌐 Infrastructure
- Internet Speed: Tulum leads with 100% faster connection
- Public Transport: Puerto Vallarta has better public transportation
🎯 Key Advantages
Tulum Wins In:
- Air Quality (9% better)
Puerto Vallarta Wins In:
- Safety (8% better)
- Healthcare (12% better)
- Cost of Living (7% better)
- Internet Speed (8% better)
- Nightlife (12% better)
- Culture (11% better)
- Food Scene (9% better)
💡 Final Recommendation
Choose Puerto Vallarta if you prioritize cost effectiveness and Safety. However, Tulum might be preferable if Safety 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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