Bolivia vs Costa Rica
Bolivia costs roughly 99% less than Costa Rica, though Costa Rica scores higher on healthcare. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
Bolivia is approximately 99% less expensive than Costa Rica based on cost of living including rent. This makes Bolivia a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.
Bolivia has a FIRE Score of 100/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The country's safety index is 47.6, suggesting moderate safety levels.
Recommended profile: Bolivia is ideal for GeoArbitragers and remote workers looking to maximize savings.
About Bolivia
A one-bedroom near the center runs $352 a month, less than a week of rent in most US cities, and the $300/mo retirement visa threshold is barely above a single grocery run back home. That math works only if you accept a Safety Index of 47.6, a small expat network, and modest English proficiency as the tradeoff. Healthcare is basic outside major cities. Fine for aggressive FIRE budgets, not for anyone wanting comfort or hand-holding.
$2,169/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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Country Details →Battle of Lifestyles
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| Metric | Bolivia | Costa Rica |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Advisory | Level 2: Increased Caution | Level 2: Increased Caution |
| Quality of Life Index | 98.7 | 129.4 +30.7 |
| Healthcare Index | 42.1 | 64.3 +22.2 |
| Safety Index | 47.6 +1.7 | 45.9 |
| Cost of Living Index | 25.2 +24.9 | 50.1 |
| Living Costs (Single, excl. rent) | $479 +465 | $944 |
| Living Costs (Family, excl. rent) | $1,759.7 +1,744.4 | $3,504.1 |
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $351.95 +551.5 | $903.45 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $253.27 +389.56 | $642.83 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $693.26 +1,028.69 | $1,721.95 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $498.18 +659.55 | $1,157.73 |
| Avg Internet Speed | 107.17 Mbps | 212.24 Mbps +105.1 |
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Income thresholds, fees, processing time and residency paths for Bolivia and Costa Rica, side by side.
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