Side-by-side city decision # Yaoundé vs Puerto Viejo. A direct comparison of monthly costs, connectivity, safety, quality of life and remote-work fit. Share comparison Copy link YaoundéCameroon1/6 VS Puerto ViejoCosta Rica5/6 $715Yaoundé monthly budget $1,640Puerto Viejo monthly budget 25 MbpsYaoundé internet 45 MbpsPuerto Viejo internet Decision summary Puerto Viejo Puerto Viejo leads on more of the six headline signals. Cost Best budget Yaoundé Speed Fastest internet Puerto Viejo Vibe Best nomad vibe Puerto Viejo Safety Highest safety Puerto Viejo Air Cleanest air Puerto Viejo Walk Most walkable Puerto Viejo Quick read ## Two cities at a glance The headline numbers before you examine the full comparison. [Yaoundé](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/cameroon/yaounde.md) Cameroon 1/6 Budget$715 Internet25 Mbps Vibe5/10 [Puerto Viejo](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/costa-rica/puerto-viejo.md) Costa Rica 5/6 Budget$1,640 Internet45 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 MetricYaoundéPuerto Viejo Total estimated budget $715 $1,640 1-bed center rent $350 $950 Coworking desk $120 $180 Local meal $3.5 $9 Cappuccino $2.4 $3.8 Gym membership $35 $45 Transport budget $45 $90 ### Work and infrastructure 2 signals MetricYaoundéPuerto Viejo Internet speed 25 Mbps 45 Mbps Nomad vibe 5/10 8/10 ### Quality of life 5 signals MetricYaoundéPuerto Viejo Safety index 43/100 62/100 Air quality 58/100 88/100 Walkability 4/10 6/10 Female safety 4/10 6/10 LGBTQ+ friendly 1/10 7/10 ### Culture and climate 4 signals MetricYaoundéPuerto Viejo Healthcare quality Average Average English proficiency Basic Good Climate type Tropical wet and dry highland Tropical rainforest Best time to visit Nov - Feb Feb - 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. [Yaoundé](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/cameroon/yaounde.md) Cameroon → ### Strengths * Affordable local food, taxis, and everyday services * Mild highland temperatures compared with many equatorial cities * Administrative capital with embassies and useful services * Strong Cameroonian food culture and lively markets * French immersion opportunities * Easy access to nearby hills, forests, and cultural sites ### Trade-offs * Unreliable power and internet can disrupt remote work * Heavy traffic and limited pedestrian infrastructure * French is essential for most daily interactions * Tap water is not reliably safe to drink * Limited formal coworking and cashless payment acceptance * Restrictive legal and social environment for LGBTQ+ travelers ### Common visa routes * Tourist visa obtained before travel through a Cameroonian embassy or e-visa process where available * Business visa for documented meetings, conferences, or commercial activities * Long-stay visa or residence permit through employment, family ties, or local sponsorship [Puerto Viejo](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/costa-rica/puerto-viejo.md) Costa Rica → ### Strengths * Caribbean beaches, jungle, and wildlife are minutes away * Relaxed international community with strong surf culture * English is widely spoken in tourism-facing businesses * Warm weather year-round * Good range of vegan, vegetarian, and Caribbean food * Lower traffic and a slower pace than San José ### Trade-offs * Rent and groceries are expensive for a small beach town * Internet quality varies sharply by property and weather * Heavy rain, humidity, mold, and mosquitoes are persistent * Healthcare options are limited outside larger towns * Scooters, bikes, and valuables can be targets for theft * Roads, sidewalks, and public transport are basic ### Common visa routes * Tourist entry stamp, typically up to 180 days at immigration discretion * Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa * Rentista or Pensionado temporary-residence pathways 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.