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Montevideo or San José

Comprehensive comparison between Montevideo (Uruguay) 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, San José is more affordable than Montevideo. Montevideo has a cost rating of 50/100, while San José has a cost rating of 50/100.
In terms of safety, Montevideo ranks higher with a safety score of 86/100, compared to San José at 76/100. Montevideo's safety score is 86/100 and San José's safety score is 76/100.
Average rent in Montevideo is typically €550 - €900 per month, whereas typical rent in San José averages €650 - €1,000 per month.
For Montevideo, the visa process is rated as: Uruguay Digital Nomad Visa & Direct PR Track (Uruguay offers a 180-day Digital Nomad Visa (renewable up to 1 year) and one of the fastest permanent residency pathways in the Americas.). 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.).