Costa Rica vs Kenya
Kenya costs roughly 78% less than Costa Rica, though Costa Rica has significantly faster internet infrastructure. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
Kenya is approximately 78% less expensive than Costa Rica based on cost of living including rent. This makes Kenya a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.
Kenya has a FIRE Score of 100/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The country's safety index is 44, suggesting moderate safety levels.
Recommended profile: Kenya is ideal for GeoArbitragers and remote workers looking to maximize savings.
About Costa Rica
Costa Rica works for retirees who want a rubber-stamp visa, not bargain hunters chasing rock-bottom prices. A one-bedroom near the city center runs $903/mo, pushing this above typical Latin America budget destinations. The Pensionado visa only requires $1,000/mo in retirement income, but progressive income tax up to 25% and a clear path to permanent residency mean this is a lifestyle purchase, not a tax play.
$1,153/mo
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About Kenya
Kenya suits budget-focused retirees comfortable trading big-city safety for cheap living, not those chasing polish. Rent outside the center runs $140.77/mo and English is widely spoken, but the Safety Index sits at just 44 with low expat safety ratings. The Kenya does not offer a specific retirement visa, but long-stay options exist needs only $2,000/mo income, though political stability at -0.71 and a complex citizenship path mean this is a residency, not a homecoming.
$2,245/mo
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| Metric | Costa Rica | Kenya |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Advisory | Level 2: Increased Caution | Level 2: Increased Caution |
| Quality of Life Index | 129.4 +27.7 | 101.7 |
| Healthcare Index | 64.3 +2.3 | 62 |
| Safety Index | 45.9 +1.9 | 44 |
| Cost of Living Index | 50.1 | 28.2 +21.9 |
| Living Costs (Single, excl. rent) | $944 | $496.6 +447.4 |
| Living Costs (Family, excl. rent) | $3,504.1 | $1,821.4 +1,682.7 |
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $903.45 | $258.58 +644.87 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $642.83 | $140.77 +502.06 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $1,721.95 | $808.56 +913.39 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $1,157.73 | $385.74 +771.99 |
| Avg Internet Speed | 212.24 Mbps +166.9 | 45.35 Mbps |
Expat taxes filed by specialists
Greenback Expat Tax handles US taxes for Americans living in Kenya. File confidently from abroad.
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Income thresholds, fees, processing time and residency paths for Costa Rica and Kenya, side by side.
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