Side-by-side city decision # Puerto Viejo vs Chicago. A direct comparison of monthly costs, connectivity, safety, quality of life and remote-work fit. Share comparison Copy link Puerto ViejoCosta Rica3/6 VS ChicagoUnited States2/6 $1,640Puerto Viejo monthly budget $3,275Chicago monthly budget 45 MbpsPuerto Viejo internet 260 MbpsChicago internet Decision summary Puerto Viejo Puerto Viejo leads on more of the six headline signals. Cost Best budget Puerto Viejo Speed Fastest internet Chicago Vibe Best nomad vibe Tie Safety Highest safety Puerto Viejo Air Cleanest air Puerto Viejo Walk Most walkable Chicago Quick read ## Two cities at a glance The headline numbers before you examine the full comparison. [Puerto Viejo](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/costa-rica/puerto-viejo.md) Costa Rica 3/6 Budget$1,640 Internet45 Mbps Vibe8/10 [Chicago](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/united-states/chicago.md) United States 2/6 Budget$3,275 Internet260 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 MetricPuerto ViejoChicago Total estimated budget $1,640 $3,275 1-bed center rent $950 $2,200 Coworking desk $180 $450 Local meal $9 $22 Cappuccino $3.8 $5.5 Gym membership $45 $75 Transport budget $90 $75 ### Work and infrastructure 2 signals MetricPuerto ViejoChicago Internet speed 45 Mbps 260 Mbps Nomad vibe 8/10 8/10 ### Quality of life 5 signals MetricPuerto ViejoChicago Safety index 62/100 48/100 Air quality 88/100 72/100 Walkability 6/10 8/10 Female safety 6/10 6/10 LGBTQ+ friendly 7/10 9/10 ### Culture and climate 4 signals MetricPuerto ViejoChicago Healthcare quality Average Excellent English proficiency Good Excellent Climate type Tropical rainforest Humid continental Best time to visit Feb - Apr May - Oct 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. [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 [Chicago](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/united-states/chicago.md) United States → ### Strengths * Fast, reliable internet and extensive coworking options * Excellent public transit and highly walkable central neighborhoods * World-class food, music, museums, and architecture * Large international, startup, and remote-worker community * Strong healthcare and major airport connections * Inclusive LGBTQ+ scene and diverse neighborhoods ### Trade-offs * High rent, taxes, and everyday costs * Long, cold, windy winters * Safety varies sharply by neighborhood * Traffic and rush-hour trains can be crowded * US visitor status generally does not authorize local employment * Healthcare is expensive without suitable insurance ### Common visa routes * Visa Waiver Program / ESTA * B-2 visitor visa * H-1B or employer-sponsored work 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.