Costa Rica
San José, Central America & Caribbean
Cost of Living
Cost of living index: 40 (NYC = 100)
Rent (1BR)
$500
Rent (3BR)
$900
Groceries
$250
Transport
$40
Utilities
$50
Internet
$30
Dining Out
$80
Tax System
Corporate Tax
30%
VAT / Sales Tax
13%
Social Security
10.67%
Capital Gains
15%
Income Tax Brackets
| Income Range (USD) | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 - $10,200 | 0% |
| $10,201 - $15,000 | 10% |
| $15,001 - $25,000 | 15% |
| $25,001 - $50,000 | 20% |
| $50,001 - Above | 25% |
Culture
Costa Rica is the "Pura Vida" country—a place where happiness, nature, and peace are a way of life. With no army since 1948, Costa Rica invests heavily in education and environmental protection.
Traditions
- Pura Vida lifestyle
- Fiestas de Zapote
- Día de los Boyeros
- Coffee harvest celebrations
Cultural Values
- Pura Vida (pure life)
- Peace
- Environmental stewardship
- Education
Common Greeting: ¡Pura vida!
Cultural Tips
- • "Pura vida" is used for hello, goodbye, thank you, and everything in between
- • Costa Rica is one of the happiest countries on Earth
- • Eco-tourism is huge—respect nature and wildlife
- • Ticos (Costa Ricans) are friendly and avoid confrontation
🍽 Food & Cuisine
Costa Rican cuisine is simple, fresh, and satisfying. Rice and beans form the backbone of most meals, complemented by tropical fruits and fresh seafood.
Gallo Pinto
Rice and beans mixed together with Lizano sauce—the national breakfast
Casado
A complete meal with rice, beans, salad, plantain, and your choice of protein
Ceviche
Fresh fish marinated in lime juice with cilantro, onion, and peppers
Tres Leches
Sponge cake soaked in three kinds of milk—evaporated, condensed, and cream
Quality of Life
Job Market
Average Annual Salary
$14,000
Job Difficulty
Moderate
Unemployment Rate
11.5%
Work Permit Required
Yes
Top Industries
Languages
Official Languages
Other Languages Spoken