Side-by-side city decision # Amed vs Tamarindo. A direct comparison of monthly costs, connectivity, safety, quality of life and remote-work fit. Share comparison Copy link AmedIndonesia2 VS TamarindoCosta Rica3 $610Amed monthly budget $1,500Tamarindo monthly budget 25 MbpsAmed internet 30 MbpsTamarindo internet Decision summary Tamarindo Tamarindo leads on more of the six headline signals. Cost Best budget Amed Speed Fastest internet Tamarindo Vibe Best nomad vibe Tamarindo Safety Highest safety Amed Air Cleanest air Tie Walk Most walkable Tamarindo Quick read ## Two cities at a glance The headline numbers before you examine the full comparison. [Amed](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/indonesia/amed.md) Indonesia 2/6 Budget$610 Internet25 Mbps Vibe7/10 [Tamarindo](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/costa-rica/tamarindo.md) Costa Rica 3/6 Budget$1,500 Internet30 Mbps Vibe8/10 Full comparison ## Compare what matters Green marks the stronger numeric result. Text-only categories are presented without a winner. Differences only ### Monthly budget and costs 7 signals Total estimated budget $610 $1,500 1-bed center rent $250 $850 Coworking desk $80 $220 Local meal $3 $10 Cappuccino $2.5 $3.5 Gym membership $30 $55 Transport budget $60 $50 ### Work and infrastructure 2 signals Internet speed 25 Mbps 30 Mbps Nomad vibe 7/10 8/10 ### Quality of life 5 signals Safety index 85/100 60/100 Air quality 85/100 85/100 Walkability 4/10 6/10 Female safety 7/10 7/10 LGBTQ+ friendly 5/10 7/10 ### Culture and climate 4 signals Healthcare quality Average Average English proficiency Average Good Climate type Tropical monsoon Tropical wet and dry Best time to visit May - Oct Dec - Apr Beyond the numbers ## What each city asks you to trade Costs and scores help narrow the choice. These practical strengths and limitations finish the picture. [Amed](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/indonesia/amed.md) Indonesia → ### Strengths * Incredible snorkeling and diving right off the shore * Very low cost of living compared to southern Bali * Peaceful, slow-paced lifestyle away from crowds * Stunning sunrise views over Mount Agung * Friendly local community with authentic Balinese culture * Good internet in villas with fiber optic ### Trade-offs * Very limited coworking spaces – most work from cafes or home * Need a scooter to get around – limited public transport * Nightlife is almost non-existent – quiet after dark * Healthcare facilities are basic; serious issues require trip to Denpasar * Frequent power cuts and water shortages during dry season * Few international dining options – mostly local warungs ### Common visa routes * B211A Business Visa * Social-Cultural Visa * KITAS (Temporary Stay) [Tamarindo](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/costa-rica/tamarindo.md) Costa Rica → ### Strengths * World-class surfing and beaches * Lively expat and digital nomad community * Abundant yoga and wellness activities * Dry season sunshine from December to April * Good selection of international restaurants * Close to national parks and eco-adventures ### Trade-offs * High cost of living compared to other Costa Rican towns * Limited public transportation; need a car or scooter * Tap water not drinkable, must buy bottled * Touristy and crowded during peak season * Slow internet during heavy rain and storms * Expensive accommodation, especially during high season ### Common visa routes * Tourist visa (90 days) * Extension (visa run every 90 days) * Remote Worker Visa (1 year) Reading the result ## Use this as a planning benchmark The headline score compares six directional signals. It does not weight personal priorities, visa eligibility, household size or individual lifestyle choices. Costs are monthly estimates, not guaranteed prices. Higher is better for quality scores and connectivity. Lower is better for budgets and individual expenses.