Side-by-side city decision

# Santa Teresa vs Baguio.

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

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Santa TeresaCosta Rica3
VS
BaguioPhilippines2

$1,650Santa Teresa monthly budget
$630Baguio monthly budget
25 MbpsSanta Teresa internet
20 MbpsBaguio internet

Decision summary
Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa leads on more of the six headline signals.

Cost
Best budget
Baguio

Speed
Fastest internet
Santa Teresa

Vibe
Best nomad vibe
Santa Teresa

Safety
Highest safety
Tie

Air
Cleanest air
Santa Teresa

Walk
Most walkable
Baguio

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

3/6

Budget$1,650
Internet25 Mbps
Vibe8/10

[Baguio](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/philippines/baguio.md)
Philippines

2/6

Budget$630
Internet20 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
$630

1-bed center rent
$900
$300

Coworking desk
$200
$100

Local meal
$12
$4

Cappuccino
$3.5
$2.5

Gym membership
$60
$30

Transport budget
$150
$30

### Work and infrastructure

2 signals

Internet speed
25 Mbps
20 Mbps

Nomad vibe
8/10
7/10

### Quality of life

5 signals

Safety index
70/100
70/100

Air quality
85/100
40/100

Walkability
6/10
7/10

Female safety
7/10
7/10

LGBTQ+ friendly
8/10
6/10

### Culture and climate

4 signals

Healthcare quality
Average
Average

English proficiency
Average
Excellent

Climate type
Tropical monsoon
Tropical monsoon

Best time to visit
Dec - Apr
Nov - May

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

[Baguio](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/philippines/baguio.md)
Philippines

→

### Strengths

* Cool climate year-round

* Very affordable cost of living

* Widespread English proficiency

* Friendly and welcoming locals

* Beautiful mountain scenery and parks

* Rich local cuisine and fresh produce

### Trade-offs

* Chronic traffic congestion especially weekends

* Frequent power interruptions

* Unreliable internet speeds

* Heavy rainfall and typhoons from July to September

* Limited coworking spaces compared to Manila

* Air pollution from vehicles and burning

### Common visa routes

* 30-day visa-free

* 59-day extension

* Special Resident Retiree's 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.