Side-by-side city decision # Wanaka vs Santa Teresa. A direct comparison of monthly costs, connectivity, safety, quality of life and remote-work fit. Share comparison Copy link WanakaNew Zealand4 VS Santa TeresaCosta Rica1 $2,150Wanaka monthly budget $1,650Santa Teresa monthly budget 50 MbpsWanaka internet 25 MbpsSanta Teresa internet Decision summary Wanaka Wanaka leads on more of the six headline signals. Cost Best budget Santa Teresa Speed Fastest internet Wanaka Vibe Best nomad vibe Tie Safety Highest safety Wanaka Air Cleanest air Wanaka Walk Most walkable Wanaka Quick read ## Two cities at a glance The headline numbers before you examine the full comparison. [Wanaka](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/new-zealand/wanaka.md) New Zealand 4/6 Budget$2,150 Internet50 Mbps Vibe8/10 [Santa Teresa](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/costa-rica/santa-teresa.md) Costa Rica 1/6 Budget$1,650 Internet25 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 $2,150 $1,650 1-bed center rent $1,300 $900 Coworking desk $250 $200 Local meal $20 $12 Cappuccino $4.5 $3.5 Gym membership $50 $60 Transport budget $50 $150 ### Work and infrastructure 2 signals Internet speed 50 Mbps 25 Mbps Nomad vibe 8/10 8/10 ### Quality of life 5 signals Safety index 90/100 70/100 Air quality 95/100 85/100 Walkability 7/10 6/10 Female safety 9/10 7/10 LGBTQ+ friendly 9/10 8/10 ### Culture and climate 4 signals Healthcare quality Good Average English proficiency Excellent Average Climate type Oceanic Tropical monsoon Best time to visit Jan - Mar Dec - 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. [Wanaka](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/new-zealand/wanaka.md) New Zealand → ### Strengths * Breathtaking natural scenery * Endless outdoor activities * Very safe and friendly community * Clean air and excellent water quality * Good internet connectivity * Relaxed pace of life ### Trade-offs * High cost of living * Limited nightlife options * Remote location, far from major cities * Cold and wet winters * Few dedicated coworking spaces * Peak season crowds and price surges ### Common visa routes * Visitor Visa (up to 3 months) * Working Holiday Visa * Student Visa [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 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.