Side-by-side city decision

# Santa Teresa vs Ankara.

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

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Santa TeresaCosta Rica2
VS
AnkaraTurkey2

$1,650Santa Teresa monthly budget
$830Ankara monthly budget
25 MbpsSanta Teresa internet
50 MbpsAnkara internet

Decision summary
No universal winner

The result is balanced. Your priorities should decide the better fit.

Cost
Best budget
Ankara

Speed
Fastest internet
Ankara

Vibe
Best nomad vibe
Santa Teresa

Safety
Highest safety
Tie

Air
Cleanest air
Santa Teresa

Walk
Most walkable
Tie

Quick read

## Two cities at a glance

The headline numbers before you examine the full comparison.

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

2/6

Budget$1,650
Internet25 Mbps
Vibe8/10

[Ankara](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/turkey/ankara.md)
Turkey

2/6

Budget$830
Internet50 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

Total estimated budget
$1,650
$830

1-bed center rent
$900
$450

Coworking desk
$200
$150

Local meal
$12
$5

Cappuccino
$3.5
$2.5

Gym membership
$60
$30

Transport budget
$150
$30

### Work and infrastructure

2 signals

Internet speed
25 Mbps
50 Mbps

Nomad vibe
8/10
7/10

### Quality of life

5 signals

Safety index
70/100
70/100

Air quality
85/100
70/100

Walkability
6/10
6/10

Female safety
7/10
6/10

LGBTQ+ friendly
8/10
4/10

### Culture and climate

4 signals

Healthcare quality
Average
Good

English proficiency
Average
Basic

Climate type
Tropical monsoon
Continental semi-arid

Best time to visit
Dec - Apr
Apr - Jun

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.

[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

[Ankara](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/turkey/ankara.md)
Turkey

→

### Strengths

* Low cost of living

* Rich history

* Great food

* Reliable internet

* Central location in Turkey

* Friendly locals

### Trade-offs

* Limited English

* Bureaucratic processes

* Air pollution in winter

* Conservative social norms

* Limited nightlife

* Cold winters

### Common visa routes

* e-Visa (online, 90 days)

* Tourist visa (visa-free for many)

* Residence permit (if renting)

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.