Side-by-side city decision # Florence vs Puerto Viejo. A direct comparison of monthly costs, connectivity, safety, quality of life and remote-work fit. Share comparison Copy link FlorenceItaly4/6 VS Puerto ViejoCosta Rica2/6 $2,408Florence monthly budget $1,640Puerto Viejo monthly budget 115 MbpsFlorence internet 45 MbpsPuerto Viejo internet Decision summary Florence Florence leads on more of the six headline signals. Cost Best budget Puerto Viejo Speed Fastest internet Florence Vibe Best nomad vibe Florence Safety Highest safety Florence Air Cleanest air Puerto Viejo Walk Most walkable Florence Quick read ## Two cities at a glance The headline numbers before you examine the full comparison. [Florence](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/italy/florence.md) Italy 4/6 Budget$2,408 Internet115 Mbps Vibe9/10 [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 MetricFlorencePuerto Viejo Total estimated budget $2,408 $1,640 1-bed center rent $1,550 $950 Coworking desk $295 $180 Local meal $17.5 $9 Cappuccino $1.9 $3.8 Gym membership $65 $45 Transport budget $38 $90 ### Work and infrastructure 2 signals MetricFlorencePuerto Viejo Internet speed 115 Mbps 45 Mbps Nomad vibe 9/10 8/10 ### Quality of life 5 signals MetricFlorencePuerto Viejo Safety index 72/100 62/100 Air quality 67/100 88/100 Walkability 10/10 6/10 Female safety 8/10 6/10 LGBTQ+ friendly 7/10 7/10 ### Culture and climate 4 signals MetricFlorencePuerto Viejo Healthcare quality Excellent Average English proficiency Good Good Climate type Mediterranean Tropical rainforest Best time to visit Apr - Jun 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. [Florence](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/italy/florence.md) Italy → ### Strengths * World-class art, architecture, and food * Highly walkable compact historic center * Strong rail links to Rome, Milan, and Bologna * Reliable fiber internet in many central apartments * Large international student and expat community * Excellent public healthcare and drinking water ### Trade-offs * High rents and fierce competition for furnished flats * Summer heat, crowds, and tourist congestion * Historic apartments can be dark, noisy, or poorly insulated * Italian bureaucracy can be slow and document-heavy * Limited late-night public transport * Petty theft risks rise around major tourist sites ### Common visa routes * Italy Digital Nomad Visa * Schengen short-stay visa-free or tourist visa * Italian elective residence 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.