Playa El Tunco vs Tulum – Digital Nomad Guide
Trying to decide between Playa El Tunco, El Salvador and Tulum, Mexico? Here's a detailed comparison to help digital nomads and remote workers make an informed choice.
💰 Cost of Living
Playa El Tunco has a monthly cost of $2,100, which is 17.6% lower than Tulum's $2,550.
🌐 Internet Infrastructure
For internet speeds, Playa El Tunco offers 30 Mbps, while Tulum provides 100 Mbps – making Tulum's connection 233.3% faster .
☀️ Current Weather
The weather in Playa El Tunco is currently 30°C 🌧️, while Tulum is experiencing 31°C 🌤️.
🛡️ Safety Comparison
Playa El Tunco has a safety score of 50.0 , while Tulum scores 57.0 .
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Overall
Tulum wins
Quality of Life
Tulum wins
Tulum is 7% better
Tulum is 12% better
Cost
Playa El Tunco wins
Playa El Tunco is 16% better
Climate
Tulum wins
Tulum is 13% better
Infrastructure
Tulum wins
Social
Total Cost of Living Comparison
Category | Playa El Tunco | Tulum | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Monthly Total | $2,100 | $2,550 | -17.6% |
Daily Average | $70 | $85 | per day |
Housing
Item | Playa El Tunco | Tulum | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Apartment (1 bedroom) | $350.00 per month | $650.00 per month | -46.2% |
Daily Life
Item | Playa El Tunco | Tulum | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Coffee | $1.50 per cup | $2.50 per cup | -40.0% |
Transportation
Item | Playa El Tunco | Tulum | Difference |
---|
Utilities
Item | Playa El Tunco | Tulum | Difference |
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Final Verdict: Playa El Tunco vs Tulum
Tulum ranks as the better digital nomad destination, scoring 3.0% higher than Playa El Tunco overall.
💰 Cost Analysis
- Monthly Budget: $2,100 vs $2,550
- Daily Expenses: $70 vs $85
- Playa El Tunco is 17.6% cheaper for digital nomads
🌐 Infrastructure
- Internet Speed: Tulum leads with 70% faster connection
- Public Transport: Tulum has better public transportation
🎯 Key Advantages
Playa El Tunco Wins In:
- Cost of Living (16% better)
Tulum Wins In:
- Safety (7% better)
- Healthcare (12% better)
- Air Quality (13% better)
💡 Final Recommendation
Choose Tulum if you prioritize cost effectiveness and Safety. However, Playa El Tunco 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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