Costa Rica vs South Africa
South Africa costs roughly 67% less than Costa Rica, though Costa Rica scores higher on safety. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
South Africa is approximately 67% less expensive than Costa Rica based on cost of living including rent. This makes South Africa a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.
South Africa has a FIRE Score of 92/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The country's safety index is 25.3, suggesting moderate safety levels.
Recommended profile: South Africa 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 South Africa
Safety is the dealbreaker: a 25.3 safety index puts South Africa firmly in caution territory, with the advisory level of 2 underscoring that. Retirees on fixed budgets should look past this for the math: $2,050/mo qualifies for the retirement visa, while rent runs under $500/mo in city centers. Low cost, low safety, weigh accordingly.
$1,873/mo
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Living Costs (excl. rent)
Rent Per Month
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Country Details →Battle of Lifestyles
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| Metric | Costa Rica | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Advisory | Level 2: Increased Caution | Level 2: Increased Caution |
| Quality of Life Index | 129.4 | 152.4 +23.0 |
| Healthcare Index | 64.3 +0.5 | 63.8 |
| Safety Index | 45.9 +20.6 | 25.3 |
| Cost of Living Index | 50.1 | 30 +20.1 |
| Living Costs (Single, excl. rent) | $944 | $645 +299 |
| Living Costs (Family, excl. rent) | $3,504.1 | $2,299.6 +1,204.5 |
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $903.45 | $481.66 +421.79 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $642.83 | $389.47 +253.36 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $1,721.95 | $974.15 +747.8 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $1,157.73 | $757.4 +400.33 |
| Avg Internet Speed | 212.24 Mbps +163.9 | 48.31 Mbps |
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Income thresholds, fees, processing time and residency paths for Costa Rica and South Africa, side by side.
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