Side-by-side city decision # Ghent vs Puerto Viejo. A direct comparison of monthly costs, connectivity, safety, quality of life and remote-work fit. Share comparison Copy link GhentBelgium3/6 VS Puerto ViejoCosta Rica2/6 $1,915Ghent monthly budget $1,640Puerto Viejo monthly budget 180 MbpsGhent internet 45 MbpsPuerto Viejo internet Decision summary Ghent Ghent leads on more of the six headline signals. Cost Best budget Puerto Viejo Speed Fastest internet Ghent Vibe Best nomad vibe Tie Safety Highest safety Ghent Air Cleanest air Puerto Viejo Walk Most walkable Ghent Quick read ## Two cities at a glance The headline numbers before you examine the full comparison. [Ghent](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/belgium/ghent.md) Belgium 3/6 Budget$1,915 Internet180 Mbps Vibe8/10 [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 MetricGhentPuerto Viejo Total estimated budget $1,915 $1,640 1-bed center rent $1,160 $950 Coworking desk $260 $180 Local meal $19.5 $9 Cappuccino $3.9 $3.8 Gym membership $48 $45 Transport budget $55 $90 ### Work and infrastructure 2 signals MetricGhentPuerto Viejo Internet speed 180 Mbps 45 Mbps Nomad vibe 8/10 8/10 ### Quality of life 5 signals MetricGhentPuerto Viejo Safety index 72/100 62/100 Air quality 78/100 88/100 Walkability 9/10 6/10 Female safety 8/10 6/10 LGBTQ+ friendly 9/10 7/10 ### Culture and climate 4 signals MetricGhentPuerto Viejo Healthcare quality Excellent Average English proficiency Excellent Good Climate type Temperate oceanic Tropical rainforest Best time to visit May - Sep 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. [Ghent](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/belgium/ghent.md) Belgium → ### Strengths * Exceptionally walkable and bicycle-friendly historic center * Fast, reliable fiber internet and strong mobile coverage * High English proficiency among students and young professionals * Excellent rail links to Brussels, Antwerp, Bruges, and Europe * Inclusive, progressive atmosphere with a lively cultural calendar * Safe tap water and high-quality public healthcare ### Trade-offs * Housing is expensive and well-priced furnished flats move quickly * Rain, wind, and gray winter days can feel persistent * Belgian taxes and administrative procedures are complex * Restaurants, alcohol, and everyday services cost more than in southern Europe * There is no dedicated Belgian digital nomad visa * Cycling requires confidence around tram tracks and heavy bike traffic ### Common visa routes * Schengen short-stay visa * Belgian self-employed professional card route * EU Blue Card or local employment permit [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.