Side-by-side city decision # Jacó vs Makati. A direct comparison of monthly costs, connectivity, safety, quality of life and remote-work fit. Share comparison Copy link JacóCosta Rica1/6 VS MakatiPhilippines4/6 $1,840Jacó monthly budget $1,280Makati monthly budget 95 MbpsJacó internet 125 MbpsMakati internet Decision summary Makati Makati leads on more of the six headline signals. Cost Best budget Makati Speed Fastest internet Makati Vibe Best nomad vibe Makati Safety Highest safety Makati Air Cleanest air Jacó Walk Most walkable Tie Quick read ## Two cities at a glance The headline numbers before you examine the full comparison. [Jacó](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/costa-rica/jaco.md) Costa Rica 1/6 Budget$1,840 Internet95 Mbps Vibe7/10 [Makati](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/philippines/makati.md) Philippines 4/6 Budget$1,280 Internet125 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 MetricJacóMakati Total estimated budget $1,840 $1,280 1-bed center rent $1,050 $720 Coworking desk $180 $190 Local meal $9 $4.3 Cappuccino $3.8 $3.5 Gym membership $55 $48 Transport budget $110 $70 ### Work and infrastructure 2 signals MetricJacóMakati Internet speed 95 Mbps 125 Mbps Nomad vibe 7/10 8/10 ### Quality of life 5 signals MetricJacóMakati Safety index 55/100 61/100 Air quality 82/100 48/100 Walkability 6/10 6/10 Female safety 6/10 6/10 LGBTQ+ friendly 6/10 7/10 ### Culture and climate 4 signals MetricJacóMakati Healthcare quality Average Excellent English proficiency Good Excellent Climate type Tropical monsoon Tropical monsoon Best time to visit Dec - Apr Nov - Feb 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. [Jacó](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/costa-rica/jaco.md) Costa Rica → ### Strengths * Pacific beaches and surfing are minutes from town * Strong dry-season weather from December through April * Good choice of furnished apartments and condos * English is widely spoken in tourism-facing businesses * Active international surf and remote-worker community * Easy access to San José and Juan Santamaría Airport ### Trade-offs * Rents rise sharply during high season * Rainy-season humidity and downpours can be intense * Petty theft and nightlife-related crime require caution * Sidewalks and pedestrian crossings are inconsistent * Reliable workspace options are fewer than in San José * Traffic and road noise affect central beach areas ### Common visa routes * Tourist entry: up to 180 days at immigration discretion * Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa: renewable one-year residence * Rentista or pensionado temporary-residence pathways [Makati](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/philippines/makati.md) Philippines → ### Strengths * Excellent English proficiency and easy daily communication * Strong café, coworking, and corporate-business ecosystem * High-quality private hospitals and specialist care nearby * Wide choice of condos, malls, restaurants, and delivery services * Cashless payments and ride-hailing are widely available * Large international and Filipino social scene ### Trade-offs * Severe road traffic can make short trips slow * Central neighborhoods have relatively high rents * Heat, humidity, and monsoon downpours are persistent * Air quality is often poor beside major roads * Sidewalks can be uneven, blocked, or limited * Tap water is not recommended for drinking ### Common visa routes * Visa-free entry or visitor visa extension * Long-Stay Visitor Visa Extension * Special Resident Retiree's Visa 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.