Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Italy

Costa Rica
Based on our comparison, Bologna wins 7 out of 8 categories.Tamarindo wins 1 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Bologna and Tamarindo, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Bologna
$1,642/mo
Best Internet
Bologna
175 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Bologna
6.5/10
Our Recommendation: Bologna is the clear winner for digital nomads, offering both affordability and excellent nomad infrastructure.
When comparing Bologna and Tamarindo for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Bologna offers a more affordable lifestyle at $1,642/month compared to Tamarindo's $2,628/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Bologna leads with 175 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. Tamarindo offers 95 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 5.1/10, Bologna provides a more secure environment than Tamarindo (4.2/10).
Overall: Bologna earns a higher NomadIQ score of 6.5/10, making it slightly more suited for the digital nomad lifestyle.
Bologna is 38% cheaper than Tamarindo.
Bologna has a higher safety score (5.1/10) compared to Tamarindo (4.2/10).
5.1/10
Bologna
4.2/10
Tamarindo
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Bologna offers faster internet at 175 Mbps vs 95 Mbps.
175 Mbps
Bologna
95 Mbps
Tamarindo
Based on our analysis, Bologna edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 7 of 8 comparison factors.
Bologna: Best for budget-conscious expats
Tamarindo: Best for those prioritizing amenities
We use cookies, analytics tools and advertising technologies, including Google Analytics, Meta Pixel and other advertising/analytics cookies, to improve our site, measure performance and personalise your experience. You can accept or decline at any time.