San Juan del Sur vs Mérida – Digital Nomad Guide
Trying to decide between San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua and Mérida, Mexico? Here's a detailed comparison to help digital nomads and remote workers make an informed choice.
💰 Cost of Living
San Juan del Sur has a monthly cost of $1,950, which is 11.0% lower than Mérida's $2,190.
🌐 Internet Infrastructure
For internet speeds, San Juan del Sur offers 25 Mbps, while Mérida provides 100 Mbps – making Mérida's connection 300.0% faster .
☀️ Current Weather
The weather in San Juan del Sur is currently 31°C 🌤️, while Mérida is experiencing 38°C 🌤️.
🛡️ Safety Comparison
San Juan del Sur has a safety score of 63.0 , while Mérida scores 63.0 .

Fractional real estate investing in Dubai's hottest properties. Invest in Dubai, pocket the gains.
Overall
Mérida wins
Mérida is 10% better
Quality of Life
Mérida wins
Mérida is 21% better
Cost
Climate
San Juan del Sur wins
San Juan del Sur is 10% better
Infrastructure
Mérida wins
Mérida is 8% better
Social
Mérida wins
Mérida is 14% better
Mérida is 17% better
Total Cost of Living Comparison
Category | San Juan del Sur | Mérida | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Monthly Total | $1,950 | $2,190 | -11.0% |
Daily Average | $65 | $73 | per day |
Housing
Item | San Juan del Sur | Mérida | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Apartment (1 bedroom) | $350.00 per month | $350.00 per month | 0.0% |
Daily Life
Item | San Juan del Sur | Mérida | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Coffee | $1.50 per cup | $1.50 per cup | 0.0% |
Transportation
Item | San Juan del Sur | Mérida | Difference |
---|
Utilities
Item | San Juan del Sur | Mérida | Difference |
---|
Simple, easy-to-understand health insurance for world residents. Global health insurance for nomads.
Final Verdict: San Juan del Sur vs Mérida
Mérida ranks as the better digital nomad destination, scoring 10.0% higher than San Juan del Sur overall.
💰 Cost Analysis
- Monthly Budget: $1,950 vs $2,190
- Daily Expenses: $65 vs $73
- San Juan del Sur is 11.0% cheaper for digital nomads
🌐 Infrastructure
- Internet Speed: Mérida leads with 75% faster connection
- Public Transport: Mérida has better public transportation
🎯 Key Advantages
San Juan del Sur Wins In:
- Air Quality (10% better)
Mérida Wins In:
- Overall Score (10% better)
- Healthcare (21% better)
- Internet Speed (8% better)
- Culture (14% better)
- Food Scene (17% better)
💡 Final Recommendation
Choose Mérida if you prioritize cost effectiveness and Overall Score. However, San Juan del Sur 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.
Global health insurance designed for nomads & long-term travelers. Health insurance for travelers.