Side-by-side city decision # Girona vs Puerto Viejo. A direct comparison of monthly costs, connectivity, safety, quality of life and remote-work fit. Share comparison Copy link GironaSpain4/6 VS Puerto ViejoCosta Rica1/6 $1,550Girona monthly budget $1,640Puerto Viejo monthly budget 360 MbpsGirona internet 45 MbpsPuerto Viejo internet Decision summary Girona Girona leads on more of the six headline signals. Cost Best budget Girona Speed Fastest internet Girona Vibe Best nomad vibe Tie Safety Highest safety Girona Air Cleanest air Puerto Viejo Walk Most walkable Girona Quick read ## Two cities at a glance The headline numbers before you examine the full comparison. [Girona](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/spain/girona.md) Spain 4/6 Budget$1,550 Internet360 Mbps Vibe8/10 [Puerto Viejo](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/costa-rica/puerto-viejo.md) Costa Rica 1/6 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 MetricGironaPuerto Viejo Total estimated budget $1,550 $1,640 1-bed center rent $950 $950 Coworking desk $190 $180 Local meal $15.5 $9 Cappuccino $2.1 $3.8 Gym membership $45 $45 Transport budget $40 $90 ### Work and infrastructure 2 signals MetricGironaPuerto Viejo Internet speed 360 Mbps 45 Mbps Nomad vibe 8/10 8/10 ### Quality of life 5 signals MetricGironaPuerto Viejo Safety index 78/100 62/100 Air quality 82/100 88/100 Walkability 9/10 6/10 Female safety 8/10 6/10 LGBTQ+ friendly 8/10 7/10 ### Culture and climate 4 signals MetricGironaPuerto Viejo Healthcare quality Excellent Average English proficiency Average 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. [Girona](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/spain/girona.md) Spain → ### Strengths * Beautiful, highly walkable historic center * Generally safe and relaxed daily life * Fast fiber internet is widely available * Excellent Catalan food and produce * Easy rail access to Barcelona and France * Close to the Costa Brava and Pyrenees ### Trade-offs * Long-term rentals are competitive and rising * Smaller nomad scene than Barcelona * English is less common outside tourism and younger circles * Winters can feel damp and quiet * Girona Airport has limited year-round routes * Some services close for afternoon breaks or holidays ### Common visa routes * Spain Digital Nomad Visa * Schengen short-stay visa waiver or visa * Spanish Non-Lucrative 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.