Is Aqaba or Playa del Carmen cheaper to live in?

Aqaba is 71% cheaper than Playa del Carmen. The average monthly cost in Aqaba is $464, while Playa del Carmen costs $1,573 per month.

Which city is better for digital nomads: Aqaba or Playa del Carmen?

For digital nomads, Playa del Carmen offers faster internet at 95 Mbps. Aqaba is more budget-friendly with lower living costs. Both cities have their strengths - Aqaba has a NomadIQ score of 6.7/10 while Playa del Carmen scores 7.1/10.

What is the rent difference between Aqaba and Playa del Carmen?

A 1-bedroom apartment costs $239/month in Aqaba and $1,043/month in Playa del Carmen. Aqaba has 77% lower rent.

Is Aqaba or Playa del Carmen safer?

Playa del Carmen has a higher safety score of 5.4/10. Aqaba scores 4.6/10 for safety while Playa del Carmen scores 5.4/10.

Should I move to Aqaba or Playa del Carmen as an expat?

The choice depends on your priorities. Choose Aqaba if budget is important ($464/month). Choose Playa del Carmen for better safety. Playa del Carmen is better for remote work with 95 Mbps internet.

Back to Comparison Tool

Aqaba vs Playa del Carmen

Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Aqaba

Jordan

$464/mo6.7/10

Playa del Carmen

Mexico

$1,573/mo7.1/10

Aqaba

Jordan

$464/moNomadIQ 6.7/10

Playa del Carmen

Mexico

$1,573/moNomadIQ 7.1/10

Detailed Comparison

Factor

Aqaba

Playa del Carmen

Winner

Total Monthly Cost

$464

$1,573

Aqaba

Rent (1BR)

$239

$1,043

Aqaba

Groceries

$118

$320

Aqaba

Transport

$24

$60

Aqaba

Healthcare

$60

$120

Aqaba

Safety Score

4.6/10

5.4/10

Playa del Carmen

Internet Speed

60 Mbps

95 Mbps

Playa del Carmen

NomadIQ Score

6.7/10

7.1/10

Playa del Carmen

Overall Winner: Aqaba

Based on our comparison, Aqaba wins 5 out of 8 categories.Playa del Carmen wins 3 categories.

Which city is better for digital nomads?

For digital nomads choosing between Aqaba and Playa del Carmen, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:

Best for Budget

Aqaba

$464/mo

Best Internet

Playa del Carmen

95 Mbps

Best NomadIQ Score

Playa del Carmen

7.1/10

Our Recommendation: Choose Aqaba if budget is your top priority, or Playa del Carmen if you need the fastest internet for remote work.

Digital Nomad Analysis: Aqaba vs Playa del Carmen

When comparing Aqaba and Playa del Carmen for digital nomads, several factors come into play.

Cost of Living: Aqaba offers a more affordable lifestyle at $464/month compared to Playa del Carmen's $1,573/month.

Internet & Remote Work: Playa del Carmen provides faster connectivity at 95 Mbps compared to Aqaba's 60 Mbps.

Safety: With a safety score of 5.4/10, Playa del Carmen offers better security than Aqaba (4.6/10).

Overall: Playa del Carmen's NomadIQ score of 7.1/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.

Cost of Living Comparison

Aqaba is 71% cheaper than Playa del Carmen.

• Aqaba rent: $239/mo
• Playa del Carmen rent: $1,043/mo
• Difference: $805/mo

Safety Comparison

Playa del Carmen has a higher safety score (5.4/10) compared to Aqaba (4.6/10).

4.6/10

Aqaba

5.4/10

Playa del Carmen

Digital Nomad Friendliness

For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Playa del Carmen offers faster internet at 95 Mbps vs 60 Mbps.

60 Mbps

Aqaba

95 Mbps

Playa del Carmen

Which City Is Better for Expats?

Based on our analysis, Aqaba edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 5 of 8 comparison factors.

Aqaba: Best for budget-conscious expats

Playa del Carmen: Best for those prioritizing amenities

Aqaba vs Playa del Carmen

Aqaba

Playa del Carmen

Aqaba

Playa del Carmen

Detailed Comparison

Overall Winner: Aqaba

Which city is better for digital nomads?

Digital Nomad Analysis: Aqaba vs Playa del Carmen

Cost of Living Comparison

Safety Comparison

Digital Nomad Friendliness

Which City Is Better for Expats?

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Frequently Asked Questions: Aqaba vs Playa del Carmen