⚖️ City comparison
Seattle vs San José
Thinking of leaving Seattle for San José? Here is how life in San José, Costa Rica compares with Seattle on cost, weather, safety, internet, and what it takes to stay.
The short version
- San José is 51% cheaper: $1,991 vs $4,048 a month all-in for one person.
- Rent is lower in San José: $959 vs $2,470 for a 1-bedroom in the centre.
- San José has more pleasant weather: 11 pleasant months a year vs 5.
- San José is warmer: highs average 18°F more across the year (coldest-month high 75°F vs 46°F in Seattle; hottest 82°F vs 79°F).
- Internet is faster in Seattle: 411 vs 252 Mbps median download.
- To live in San José you'd need a visa: Costa Rica offers the Digital Nomad Stay (Estancia) ($3,000/mo), and 90 days visa-free to look around first.
Side by side
| Measure | 🇨🇷 San José | 🇺🇸 Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| ⭐ Fit score (default weights) | 69 | 51 |
| 💰 All-in / month | $1,991 | $4,048 |
| 🏠 1BR rent, centre | $959 | $2,470 |
| 🛒 Living costs, no rent | $1,032 | $1,579 |
| ☀️ Pleasant months | 11 | 5 |
| 🌡️ Highs, coldest–hottest month | 75–82°F | 46–79°F |
| 🛡️ Safety | 44/100 (residents) | 45/100 (residents) |
| 📶 Internet, median download | 252 Mbps | 411 Mbps |
| 🌬️ Air, PM2.5 per year | 6.1 µg/m³ | 4.5 µg/m³ |
| 🗣️ English | Moderate (EF) | Official language |
| 🏥 Healthcare access (WHO) | Very high | Very high |
| 👩 Women's safety & rights | Moderate | High |
| 🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ equality | High | High |
| ✈️ Flight to the US (est.) | ~2.5h to Miami | In the US |
| 🕘 US work-hour overlap | 7 h | 6 h |
| 🗓️ Visa-free stay (US passport) | 90 days | You live here |
| 🛂 Nomad visa | Digital Nomad Stay (Estancia) | Not needed |
| 🧾 Tax if resident | 🟢 Friendly · Local income only, top 25% | US tax as now |
Best months to be there
🇨🇷 San José
12 best months
🇺🇸 Seattle
2 best months
Colour is each month's typical temperature; ticked months are the most comfortable. Full detail: San José climate · Seattle climate.
Data last updated · Source: Numbeo cost data, measured climate history, Ookla, UNODC/Numbeo safety and curated visa research
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