Side-by-side city decision # Chongqing vs Puerto Viejo. A direct comparison of monthly costs, connectivity, safety, quality of life and remote-work fit. Share comparison Copy link ChongqingChina3/6 VS Puerto ViejoCosta Rica2/6 $830Chongqing monthly budget $1,640Puerto Viejo monthly budget 210 MbpsChongqing internet 45 MbpsPuerto Viejo internet Decision summary Chongqing Chongqing leads on more of the six headline signals. Cost Best budget Chongqing Speed Fastest internet Chongqing Vibe Best nomad vibe Puerto Viejo Safety Highest safety Chongqing Air Cleanest air Puerto Viejo Walk Most walkable Tie Quick read ## Two cities at a glance The headline numbers before you examine the full comparison. [Chongqing](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/china/chongqing.md) China 3/6 Budget$830 Internet210 Mbps Vibe7/10 [Puerto Viejo](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/costa-rica/puerto-viejo.md) Costa Rica 2/6 Budget$1,640 Internet45 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 MetricChongqingPuerto Viejo Total estimated budget $830 $1,640 1-bed center rent $430 $950 Coworking desk $135 $180 Local meal $3.2 $9 Cappuccino $3.4 $3.8 Gym membership $35 $45 Transport budget $30 $90 ### Work and infrastructure 2 signals MetricChongqingPuerto Viejo Internet speed 210 Mbps 45 Mbps Nomad vibe 7/10 8/10 ### Quality of life 5 signals MetricChongqingPuerto Viejo Safety index 76/100 62/100 Air quality 55/100 88/100 Walkability 6/10 6/10 Female safety 7/10 6/10 LGBTQ+ friendly 4/10 7/10 ### Culture and climate 4 signals MetricChongqingPuerto Viejo Healthcare quality Good Average English proficiency Basic Good Climate type Humid subtropical monsoon Tropical rainforest Best time to visit Mar - May Feb - 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. [Chongqing](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/china/chongqing.md) China → ### Strengths * Very affordable rent, food, and public transport for a major Chinese city * Exceptional Sichuan and Chongqing cuisine with abundant late-night dining * Extensive metro network connects major districts and both airports * Fast, inexpensive fiber and widespread 5G coverage * Dramatic riverside scenery, hills, and lively urban energy * Generally safe streets and convenient cashless daily life ### Trade-offs * Summer heat, humidity, and winter damp can be uncomfortable * English is limited outside major hotels and international venues * A reliable VPN is essential for many foreign work tools and websites * Air quality can worsen during haze episodes * The hilly terrain, stairs, and layered roads reduce easy walkability * There is no dedicated digital nomad visa and immigration rules are strict ### Common visa routes * Tourist visa (L visa) * Business visa (M visa) * Work visa and residence permit (Z visa) [Puerto Viejo](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/costa-rica/puerto-viejo.md) Costa Rica → ### Strengths * Caribbean beaches, jungle, and wildlife are minutes away * Relaxed international community with strong surf culture * English is widely spoken in tourism-facing businesses * Warm weather year-round * Good range of vegan, vegetarian, and Caribbean food * Lower traffic and a slower pace than San José ### Trade-offs * Rent and groceries are expensive for a small beach town * Internet quality varies sharply by property and weather * Heavy rain, humidity, mold, and mosquitoes are persistent * Healthcare options are limited outside larger towns * Scooters, bikes, and valuables can be targets for theft * Roads, sidewalks, and public transport are basic ### Common visa routes * Tourist entry stamp, typically up to 180 days at immigration discretion * Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa * Rentista or Pensionado temporary-residence pathways 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.