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Istanbul or San José

Comprehensive comparison between Istanbul (Turkey) and San José (Costa Rica). Analyze differences in purchasing power, housing, safety, and visas to make your next move.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Based on 2026 cost of living data, Istanbul is more affordable than San José. Istanbul has a cost rating of 85/100, while San José has a cost rating of 50/100.
In terms of safety, San José ranks higher with a safety score of 76/100, compared to Istanbul at 75/100. Istanbul's safety score is 75/100 and San José's safety score is 76/100.
Average rent in Istanbul is typically $1,000 per month, whereas typical rent in San José averages €650 - €1,000 per month.
For Istanbul, the visa process is rated as: Accessible (Residency permits (Ikamet) are standard, though rules for property-based residency have tightened.). For San José, the process is rated as: Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa (Estancia) (Costa Rica’s Digital Nomad Visa offers 1 year (renewable for 2) with full income tax exemption and duty-free import of work equipment.).

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