Side-by-side city decision

# Santa Teresa vs Las Vegas.

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

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Santa TeresaCosta Rica4
VS
Las VegasUnited States1

$1,650Santa Teresa monthly budget
$2,180Las Vegas monthly budget
25 MbpsSanta Teresa internet
100 MbpsLas Vegas internet

Decision summary
Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa leads on more of the six headline signals.

Cost
Best budget
Santa Teresa

Speed
Fastest internet
Las Vegas

Vibe
Best nomad vibe
Tie

Safety
Highest safety
Santa Teresa

Air
Cleanest air
Santa Teresa

Walk
Most walkable
Santa Teresa

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

4/6

Budget$1,650
Internet25 Mbps
Vibe8/10

[Las Vegas](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/united-states/las-vegas.md)
United States

1/6

Budget$2,180
Internet100 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

Total estimated budget
$1,650
$2,180

1-bed center rent
$900
$1,400

Coworking desk
$200
$200

Local meal
$12
$18

Cappuccino
$3.5
$5

Gym membership
$60
$40

Transport budget
$150
$80

### Work and infrastructure

2 signals

Internet speed
25 Mbps
100 Mbps

Nomad vibe
8/10
8/10

### Quality of life

5 signals

Safety index
70/100
55/100

Air quality
85/100
60/100

Walkability
6/10
4/10

Female safety
7/10
7/10

LGBTQ+ friendly
8/10
9/10

### Culture and climate

4 signals

Healthcare quality
Average
Good

English proficiency
Average
Excellent

Climate type
Tropical monsoon
Arid desert

Best time to visit
Dec - Apr
Oct - 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.

[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

[Las Vegas](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/united-states/las-vegas.md)
United States

→

### Strengths

* 24/7 entertainment and nightlife

* No state income tax (Nevada)

* Affordable housing compared to other US metros

* World-class dining from cheap eats to Michelin stars

* Strong and reliable internet infrastructure

* Stunning desert landscapes and outdoor adventures nearby

### Trade-offs

* Extreme summer heat (often above 40°C)

* Low walkability outside the Strip

* Tourist crowds and constant noise on the Strip

* Gambling and alcohol temptations can be costly

* Limited public transit system

* Healthcare is expensive without good insurance

### Common visa routes

* Visa Waiver Program

* B-2 Tourist Visa

* H-1B 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.