Side-by-side city decision # Oaxaca City vs Siem Reap. A direct comparison of monthly costs, connectivity, safety, quality of life and remote-work fit. Share comparison Copy link Oaxaca CityMexico4/6 VS Siem ReapCambodia2/6 $1,475Oaxaca City monthly budget $835Siem Reap monthly budget 75 MbpsOaxaca City internet 45 MbpsSiem Reap internet Decision summary Oaxaca City Oaxaca City leads on more of the six headline signals. Cost Best budget Siem Reap Speed Fastest internet Oaxaca City Vibe Best nomad vibe Oaxaca City Safety Highest safety Siem Reap Air Cleanest air Oaxaca City Walk Most walkable Oaxaca City Quick read ## Two cities at a glance The headline numbers before you examine the full comparison. [Oaxaca City](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/mexico/oaxaca-city.md) Mexico 4/6 Budget$1,475 Internet75 Mbps Vibe9/10 [Siem Reap](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/cambodia/siem-reap.md) Cambodia 2/6 Budget$835 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 MetricOaxaca CitySiem Reap Total estimated budget $1,475 $835 1-bed center rent $850 $350 Coworking desk $180 $95 Local meal $6.5 $3 Cappuccino $3.2 $2.4 Gym membership $35 $35 Transport budget $45 $65 ### Work and infrastructure 2 signals MetricOaxaca CitySiem Reap Internet speed 75 Mbps 45 Mbps Nomad vibe 9/10 8/10 ### Quality of life 5 signals MetricOaxaca CitySiem Reap Safety index 62/100 68/100 Air quality 70/100 63/100 Walkability 8/10 7/10 Female safety 6/10 7/10 LGBTQ+ friendly 7/10 6/10 ### Culture and climate 4 signals MetricOaxaca CitySiem Reap Healthcare quality Good Average English proficiency Average Good Climate type Subtropical highland with summer rains Tropical monsoon Best time to visit Oct - 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. [Oaxaca City](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/mexico/oaxaca-city.md) Mexico → ### Strengths * Exceptional food culture and affordable local markets * Walkable historic center with rich Zapotec and Mixtec heritage * Large, creative international remote-worker community * Mild highland climate for much of the year * Good value compared with Mexico City and major beach hubs * Frequent cultural events, galleries, mezcal bars, and workshops ### Trade-offs * Rents rise sharply during high season and major festivals * Tap water is not safe to drink * Internet and power can be less reliable in heavy rain * Spanish is important outside tourist-oriented businesses * Petty theft and street harassment require normal urban caution * Airport connections are limited compared with larger Mexican cities ### Common visa routes * 180-day visitor permit * Temporary Resident Visa * Permanent Resident Visa [Siem Reap](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/cambodia/siem-reap.md) Cambodia → ### Strengths * Very affordable apartments, meals, and daily services * Relaxed pace with a strong remote-worker scene * Excellent access to Angkor Archaeological Park * English is widely used in tourism and hospitality * Compact central neighborhoods are easy to explore * Large choice of cafés with workable Wi-Fi ### Trade-offs * Intense heat and humidity for much of the year * Healthcare options are limited for serious medical needs * Power and internet can be less reliable during heavy storms * Tap water is not safe to drink * The new airport is far from the city center * Tourism can make central streets noisy and repetitive ### Common visa routes * Tourist Visa (T-class, 30 days, extendable once) * Ordinary Visa (E-class, renewable with long-stay extensions) * Visa exemption not generally available for most Western passport holders 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.