Antigua and Barbuda vs Costa Rica
Costa Rica costs roughly 70% less than Antigua and Barbuda. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
Costa Rica is approximately 70% less expensive than Antigua and Barbuda based on cost of living including rent. This makes Costa Rica a more expensive option for expats considering a move.
Antigua and Barbuda has a FIRE Score of 100/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The country's safety index is N/A, suggesting moderate safety levels.
Recommended profile: Antigua and Barbuda is ideal for GeoArbitragers and remote workers looking to maximize savings.
About Antigua and Barbuda
No retirement visa exists here, so retirees have no dedicated pathway despite English being the official language. Remote workers earning above the $4,167/mo Nomad Digital Residence threshold should look past that gap, since zero personal income tax and strong safety perceptions make the trade worthwhile. Rent runs just $500/mo for a 1BR in the city center, keeping the math favorable for high earners.
$3,000/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 | Antigua and Barbuda | Costa Rica |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Advisory | Level 1: Normal Precautions | Level 2: Increased Caution |
| Quality of Life Index | 0 | 129.4 +129.4 |
| Healthcare Index | 0 | 64.3 +64.3 |
| Safety Index | 0 | 45.9 +45.9 |
| Cost of Living Index | 0 +50.1 | 50.1 |
| Living Costs (Single, excl. rent) | $0 +944 | $944 |
| Living Costs (Family, excl. rent) | $0 +3,504.1 | $3,504.1 |
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $0 +903.45 | $903.45 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $0 +642.83 | $642.83 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $0 +1,721.95 | $1,721.95 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $0 +1,157.73 | $1,157.73 |
| Avg Internet Speed | 64.86 Mbps | 212.24 Mbps +147.4 |
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Income thresholds, fees, processing time and residency paths for Antigua and Barbuda and Costa Rica, side by side.
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