Istanbul vs Puerto Escondido: cost of living for digital nomads
Istanbul, Turkey and Puerto Escondido, Mexico, line by line from the catalogue: what a month costs, rent, food, coworking, safety and internet. Every figure links back to its source on the city page.
The short version
- Istanbul is about 3% cheaper than Puerto Escondido for a month of nomad living ($1,400 vs $1,450).
- Both score 7/10 on safety.
- Internet is faster in Istanbul: 60 Mbps typical against 50 Mbps.
- Istanbul is mediterranean; Puerto Escondido is tropical.
Istanbul wins 3 of the measured lines; Puerto Escondido wins 0.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Istanbul or Puerto Escondido?
Istanbul is cheaper: about $1,400/month against $1,450/month in Puerto Escondido, roughly 3% less for a typical remote worker's budget.
Which city is safer, Istanbul or Puerto Escondido?
Istanbul and Puerto Escondido score the same on safety, 7/10 each.
Which has faster internet, Istanbul or Puerto Escondido?
Istanbul has faster typical internet: 60 Mbps against 50 Mbps in Puerto Escondido.
| Line | Istanbul | Puerto Escondido |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $1,400 | $1,450 |
| Rent | $650 | $650 |
| Food | $380 | $400 |
| Transport | $45 | $45 |
| Coworking | $110 | $110 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 60 | 50 |
| Climate | mediterranean | tropical |
| City size | metro | small |
| Setting | coast | coast |
| Nomad score (out of 10) | 8/10 | 8/10 |
Puerto Escondido
Pacific surf town in Oaxaca — a quieter, cheaper alternative to Tulum with a strong nomad following.
Compare Istanbul with
Costs are typical monthly figures for one person in USD, from the sources named on each city page; safety and internet are the catalogue's own ratings. Cost figures verified (Eastern Time): Istanbul November 1, 2026, Puerto Escondido August 30, 2026.