Side-by-side city decision

# Koh Rong vs Santa Teresa.

A direct comparison of monthly costs, connectivity, safety, quality of life and remote-work fit.

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Koh RongCambodia2
VS
Santa TeresaCosta Rica1

$950Koh Rong monthly budget
$1,650Santa Teresa monthly budget
15 MbpsKoh Rong internet
25 MbpsSanta Teresa internet

Decision summary
Koh Rong

Koh Rong leads on more of the six headline signals.

Cost
Best budget
Koh Rong

Speed
Fastest internet
Santa Teresa

Vibe
Best nomad vibe
Tie

Safety
Highest safety
Koh Rong

Air
Cleanest air
Tie

Walk
Most walkable
Tie

Quick read

## Two cities at a glance

The headline numbers before you examine the full comparison.

[Koh Rong](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/cambodia/koh-rong.md)
Cambodia

2/6

Budget$950
Internet15 Mbps
Vibe8/10

[Santa Teresa](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/costa-rica/santa-teresa.md)
Costa Rica

1/6

Budget$1,650
Internet25 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

Total estimated budget
$950
$1,650

1-bed center rent
$500
$900

Coworking desk
$120
$200

Local meal
$6
$12

Cappuccino
$2.5
$3.5

Gym membership
$40
$60

Transport budget
$50
$150

### Work and infrastructure

2 signals

Internet speed
15 Mbps
25 Mbps

Nomad vibe
8/10
8/10

### Quality of life

5 signals

Safety index
75/100
70/100

Air quality
85/100
85/100

Walkability
6/10
6/10

Female safety
7/10
7/10

LGBTQ+ friendly
7/10
8/10

### Culture and climate

4 signals

Healthcare quality
Poor
Average

English proficiency
Average
Average

Climate type
Tropical monsoon
Tropical monsoon

Best time to visit
Nov - May
Dec - 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.

[Koh Rong](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/cambodia/koh-rong.md)
Cambodia

→

### Strengths

* Stunning white-sand beaches and clear turquoise water

* Very affordable compared to other Southeast Asian islands

* Relaxed, slow-paced island lifestyle

* Friendly local Khmer community

* Great for diving, snorkeling, and kayaking

* No crowds outside of peak season

### Trade-offs

* Internet is slow and unreliable for heavy remote work

* Very few coworking spaces or cafes with power backup

* Healthcare is extremely limited – nearest hospital in Sihanoukville

* No ATMs on the island – must bring cash

* Power cuts are common, especially in wet season

* Limited dining and nightlife options outside main village

### Common visa routes

* Visa on arrival

* e-Visa (30 days)

* Business visa (extendable)

[Santa Teresa](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/costa-rica/santa-teresa.md)
Costa Rica

→

### Strengths

* World-class surf breaks

* Strong expat and nomad community

* Stunning sunsets and beaches

* Delicious and diverse food scene

* Abundant yoga and wellness options

* Friendly pura vida culture

### Trade-offs

* High cost of imported goods

* Poor road conditions (dusty potholes)

* Limited healthcare facilities nearby

* Unreliable internet during heavy rain

* Mosquitoes and tropical diseases

* Cash-dependent economy

### Common visa routes

* Digital Nomad Visa

* Tourist Visa (90 days)

* Rentista 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.