Costa Rica vs Spain
Spain costs roughly 15% less than Costa Rica. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
Spain is approximately 15% less expensive than Costa Rica based on cost of living including rent. This makes Spain a more expensive option for expats considering a move.
Costa Rica has a FIRE Score of 56/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The country's safety index is 45.9, suggesting moderate safety levels.
Recommended profile: Costa Rica is best suited for digital nomads who prioritize experience over 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 Spain
Retirees and remote workers get a genuine European base without the Northern Europe price tag: rent for a 1-bed outside the center averages $804/mo, well under NYC costs. Healthcare scores 77.3, life expectancy is among the highest in the EU, and a large expat community softens the medium English proficiency. The catch is tax: standard rates climb to 47%, though the Beckham Law flat 24% option changes the math for qualifying newcomers.
$1,148/mo
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Living Costs (excl. rent)
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| Metric | Costa Rica | Spain |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Advisory | Level 2: Increased Caution | Level 2: Increased Caution |
| Quality of Life Index | 129.4 | 184.4 +55.0 |
| Healthcare Index | 64.3 | 77.3 +13.0 |
| Safety Index | 45.9 | 63.4 +17.5 |
| Cost of Living Index | 50.1 | 43.5 +6.6 |
| Living Costs (Single, excl. rent) | $944 | $823.4 +120.6 |
| Living Costs (Family, excl. rent) | $3,504.1 | $2,975.9 +528.2 |
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $903.45 +124.98 | $1,028.43 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $642.83 +161.54 | $804.37 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $1,721.95 | $1,636.42 +85.53 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $1,157.73 +74.42 | $1,232.15 |
| Avg Internet Speed | 212.24 Mbps | 263.31 Mbps +51.1 |
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Income thresholds, fees, processing time and residency paths for Costa Rica and Spain, side by side.
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