Guatemala vs Costa Rica
Guatemala costs roughly 36% less than Costa Rica, though Costa Rica scores higher on both safety and healthcare. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
Guatemala is approximately 36% less expensive than Costa Rica based on cost of living including rent. This makes Guatemala a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.
Guatemala has a FIRE Score of 61/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The country's safety index is 28.9, suggesting moderate safety levels.
Recommended profile: Guatemala is best suited for digital nomads who prioritize experience over savings.
About Guatemala
Guatemala works for budget-focused retirees willing to trade safety for savings, not for anyone prioritizing personal security. A Safety Index of 28.9 alongside a US Travel Advisory Level 3 puts it well below regional peers. Rent outside the city center averages just $534.19/mo, and the pensionado visa requires a minimum retirement income of $1,250/mo, with progressive 5-7% income tax sweetening the math further.
$1,425/mo
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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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| Metric | Guatemala | Costa Rica |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Advisory | Level 3: Reconsider Travel | Level 2: Increased Caution |
| Quality of Life Index | 89.4 | 129.4 +40.0 |
| Healthcare Index | 37.4 | 64.3 +26.9 |
| Safety Index | 28.9 | 45.9 +17.0 |
| Cost of Living Index | 36.8 +13.3 | 50.1 |
| Living Costs (Single, excl. rent) | $760.5 +183.5 | $944 |
| Living Costs (Family, excl. rent) | $2,811.6 +692.5 | $3,504.1 |
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $814.44 +89.01 | $903.45 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $534.19 +108.64 | $642.83 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $1,647.57 +74.38 | $1,721.95 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $921.56 +236.17 | $1,157.73 |
| Avg Internet Speed | 141.71 Mbps | 212.24 Mbps +70.5 |
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