Side-by-side city decision # Puerto Viejo vs Nassau. A direct comparison of monthly costs, connectivity, safety, quality of life and remote-work fit. Share comparison Copy link Puerto ViejoCosta Rica5/6 VS NassauBahamas1/6 $1,640Puerto Viejo monthly budget $2,980Nassau monthly budget 45 MbpsPuerto Viejo internet 105 MbpsNassau internet Decision summary Puerto Viejo Puerto Viejo leads on more of the six headline signals. Cost Best budget Puerto Viejo Speed Fastest internet Nassau Vibe Best nomad vibe Puerto Viejo Safety Highest safety Puerto Viejo Air Cleanest air Puerto Viejo Walk Most walkable Puerto Viejo 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 5/6 Budget$1,640 Internet45 Mbps Vibe8/10 [Nassau](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/bahamas/nassau.md) Bahamas 1/6 Budget$2,980 Internet105 Mbps Vibe7/10 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 ViejoNassau Total estimated budget $1,640 $2,980 1-bed center rent $950 $1,800 Coworking desk $180 $350 Local meal $9 $22 Cappuccino $3.8 $5.3 Gym membership $45 $85 Transport budget $90 $180 ### Work and infrastructure 2 signals MetricPuerto ViejoNassau Internet speed 45 Mbps 105 Mbps Nomad vibe 8/10 7/10 ### Quality of life 5 signals MetricPuerto ViejoNassau Safety index 62/100 52/100 Air quality 88/100 84/100 Walkability 6/10 5/10 Female safety 6/10 6/10 LGBTQ+ friendly 7/10 6/10 ### Culture and climate 4 signals MetricPuerto ViejoNassau Healthcare quality Average Good English proficiency Good Excellent Climate type Tropical rainforest Tropical savanna Best time to visit Feb - Apr Nov - 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. [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 [Nassau](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/bahamas/nassau.md) Bahamas → ### Strengths * English is the official language * Beautiful beaches and clear water close to the city * No personal income tax for residents * Reliable mobile coverage in central Nassau * Direct flight links to the United States and Canada * Warm weather throughout the year ### Trade-offs * Housing, groceries, and imported goods are expensive * Public transportation is limited and inconsistent * Car traffic can be heavy around peak hours * Hurricane season can disrupt travel and connectivity * Crime requires neighborhood awareness and routine precautions * Coworking options are more limited than in larger nomad hubs ### Common visa routes * Visa-free visitor entry for many nationalities, typically up to 90 days * Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS) permit * Annual Residence Permit for qualifying remote workers and families 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.