Side-by-side city decision # Ulsan vs Oaxaca City. A direct comparison of monthly costs, connectivity, safety, quality of life and remote-work fit. Share comparison Copy link UlsanSouth Korea3 VS Oaxaca CityMexico3 $1,045Ulsan monthly budget $970Oaxaca City monthly budget 150 MbpsUlsan internet 30 MbpsOaxaca City internet Decision summary No universal winner The result is balanced. Your priorities should decide the better fit. Cost Best budget Oaxaca City Speed Fastest internet Ulsan Vibe Best nomad vibe Oaxaca City Safety Highest safety Ulsan Air Cleanest air Ulsan Walk Most walkable Oaxaca City Quick read ## Two cities at a glance The headline numbers before you examine the full comparison. [Ulsan](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/south-korea/ulsan.md) South Korea 3/6 Budget$1,045 Internet150 Mbps Vibe6/10 [Oaxaca City](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/mexico/oaxaca-city.md) Mexico 3/6 Budget$970 Internet30 Mbps Vibe9/10 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 $1,045 $970 1-bed center rent $500 $500 Coworking desk $180 $150 Local meal $6 $5 Cappuccino $3.5 $2.5 Gym membership $50 $35 Transport budget $45 $15 ### Work and infrastructure 2 signals Internet speed 150 Mbps 30 Mbps Nomad vibe 6/10 9/10 ### Quality of life 5 signals Safety index 85/100 60/100 Air quality 65/100 55/100 Walkability 5/10 8/10 Female safety 8/10 6/10 LGBTQ+ friendly 5/10 7/10 ### Culture and climate 4 signals Healthcare quality Good Average English proficiency Average Basic Climate type Humid subtropical Subtropical highland Best time to visit Apr - Jun 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. [Ulsan](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/south-korea/ulsan.md) South Korea → ### Strengths * Low cost of living compared to Seoul * Very safe city with low crime * Excellent public transportation and infrastructure * Close to beautiful national parks and coastline * Less crowded and more relaxed than major cities * Great seafood and local cuisine ### Trade-offs * Limited nightlife and entertainment options * Heavy industrial pollution affects air quality * English is not widely spoken outside tourist spots * Few coworking spaces for digital nomads * Cold winters can be harsh * Small expat community makes networking harder ### Common visa routes * Workation Visa (F-1-D) * Tourist Visa (B-1) * D-10 Job Seeker Visa [Oaxaca City](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/mexico/oaxaca-city.md) Mexico → ### Strengths * Rich cultural heritage and traditions * Exceptional local cuisine (mole, tlayudas, mezcal) * Very affordable cost of living * Friendly and welcoming locals * Beautiful colonial architecture * Close to natural attractions like Monte Albán and Hierve el Agua ### Trade-offs * Limited English proficiency outside tourist areas * Internet can be inconsistent during rainy season * Tap water is not drinkable * Altitude (1,555 m) may cause fatigue initially * Street harassment can occur, especially at night * Occasional protests or blockades in the city center ### Common visa routes * 180-day tourist permit * Temporary resident visa (income-based) * Permanent resident visa (after 4 years) 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.