🇨🇷 Santa Teresa vs Puerto Viejo 🇨🇷
Which is the better remote-work base? Here's how Santa Teresa, Costa Rica and Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica compare on the things that matter to nomads.
| Metric | 🇨🇷 Santa Teresa | 🇨🇷 Puerto Viejo |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $2,000 | $1,500 ✓ |
| Nomad score | 3.8/5 ✓ | 3.7/5 |
| Internet | 3.5/5 ✓ | 3.4/5 |
| Safety | 4.3/5 ✓ | 4.1/5 |
| Walkability | 3.7/5 | 3.9/5 ✓ |
| Fun & nightlife | 4.4/5 ✓ | 4.3/5 |
| Weather | 4.6/5 ✓ | 4.4/5 |
| Air quality | 4.6/5 ✓ | 4.5/5 |
Santa Teresa vs Puerto Viejo: the verdict
If budget is your priority, Puerto Viejo wins at $1,500/month versus $2,000. On our overall nomad scorecard, Santa Teresa takes the lead with 3.8/5. But the best base depends on what you value — Santa Teresa rates 4.6/5 for weather and 4.4/5 for nightlife, while Puerto Viejo rates 4.4/5 and 4.3/5. Dig into each city's full guide below for cost breakdowns, live internet speeds, visa rules and economic context.
Ready to go? Set up for Santa Teresa or Puerto Viejo
Whichever you choose, here's the remote-work kit worth sorting before you land:
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Frequently asked questions
Is Santa Teresa or Puerto Viejo cheaper for digital nomads?
Puerto Viejo is cheaper, at roughly $1,500/month versus $2,000/month for the other. Both figures are typical monthly nomad budgets covering rent, food and coworking.
Which has better internet, Santa Teresa or Puerto Viejo?
On our nomad scorecard, Santa Teresa rates 3.5/5 for internet and Puerto Viejo rates 3.4/5. Santa Teresa has the edge.
Which is safer, Santa Teresa or Puerto Viejo?
Santa Teresa scores 4.3/5 for safety and Puerto Viejo scores 4.1/5. Santa Teresa rates higher for day-to-day safety.
Santa Teresa or Puerto Viejo — which is better overall for remote work?
Overall, Santa Teresa edges it with a 3.8/5 nomad score, but the right choice depends on your priorities — cost, climate, community or visa access. Compare the full breakdown above.