United States vs Costa Rica
Costa Rica costs roughly 100% less than United States, though United States has significantly faster internet infrastructure, making it one of the more financially compelling destinations for United States expats. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
Costa Rica is approximately 100% less expensive than United States based on cost of living including rent. This makes Costa Rica a more budget-friendly 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 United States
Best for families seeking high English proficiency and excellent air travel access, with no visa path for retirees or digital nomads. Internet speed of 390.28 Mbps and a large expat community support remote work, but the cost of living index of 100 matches NYC. Key trade-off: no retirement or digital nomad visa, and a complex pathway to citizenship limits long-term stays.
$155/mo
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Living Costs (excl. rent)
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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 35% and no path to permanent residency mean this is a lifestyle purchase, not a tax play.
$1,153/mo
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Living Costs (excl. rent)
Rent Per Month
Attractiveness Scores
Battle of Lifestyles
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| Metric | United States | Costa Rica |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Advisory | Level 1 — Normal Precautions | Level 2 — Increased Caution |
| Quality of Life Index | 188.8 +59.4 | 129.4 |
| Healthcare Index | 67.8 +3.5 | 64.3 |
| Safety Index | 50.8 +4.9 | 45.9 |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 50.1 +49.9 |
| Living Costs (Single, excl. rent) | $1,176 | $944 +232 |
| Living Costs (Family, excl. rent) | $4,239 | $3,504.1 +734.9 |
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $1,668.61 | $903.45 +765.16 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $1,355.41 | $642.83 +712.58 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $2,688.4 | $1,721.95 +966.45 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $2,228.12 | $1,157.73 +1,070.39 |
| Avg Internet Speed | 390.28 Mbps +178.0 | 212.24 Mbps |
Expat taxes filed by specialists
Greenback Expat Tax handles US taxes for Americans living in Costa Rica. File confidently from abroad.
File your taxes →International health insurance from $45/mo
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