Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Panama

Nicaragua
Based on our comparison, David wins 6 out of 8 categories.San Juan del Sur wins 2 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between David and San Juan del Sur, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
David
$824/mo
Best Internet
David
70 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
David
7.3/10
Our Recommendation: David is the clear winner for digital nomads, offering both affordability and excellent nomad infrastructure.
When comparing David and San Juan del Sur for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: David offers a more affordable lifestyle at $824/month compared to San Juan del Sur's $915/month.
Internet & Remote Work: David leads with 70 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. San Juan del Sur offers 55 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 7/10, San Juan del Sur offers better security than David (6.9/10).
Overall: David earns a higher NomadIQ score of 7.3/10, making it slightly more suited for the digital nomad lifestyle.
David is 10% cheaper than San Juan del Sur.
San Juan del Sur has a higher safety score (7/10) compared to David (6.9/10).
6.9/10
David
7/10
San Juan del Sur
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. David offers faster internet at 70 Mbps vs 55 Mbps.
70 Mbps
David
55 Mbps
San Juan del Sur
Based on our analysis, David edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 6 of 8 comparison factors.
David: Best for budget-conscious expats
San Juan del Sur: Best for those prioritizing amenities
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