Chile vs Costa Rica
Chile costs roughly 43% less than Costa Rica. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
Chile is approximately 43% less expensive than Costa Rica based on cost of living including rent. This makes Chile a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.
Chile has a FIRE Score of 91/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The country's safety index is 39.5, suggesting moderate safety levels.
Recommended profile: Chile is ideal for GeoArbitragers and remote workers looking to maximize savings.
About Chile
Safety is a real concern here, with a 39.5 safety index. Retirees on fixed incomes should look past that given the low bar for entry: just $1,000/mo qualifies for the Rentista visa, and a 1BR outside the center runs $370.82/mo. A digital nomad visa exists, so remote workers face more friction than retirees.
$1,856/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 | Chile | Costa Rica |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Advisory | Level 2: Increased Caution | Level 2: Increased Caution |
| Quality of Life Index | 107.3 | 129.4 +22.1 |
| Healthcare Index | 63.5 | 64.3 +0.8 |
| Safety Index | 39.5 | 45.9 +6.4 |
| Cost of Living Index | 35.1 +15.0 | 50.1 |
| Living Costs (Single, excl. rent) | $670.1 +273.9 | $944 |
| Living Costs (Family, excl. rent) | $2,426.1 +1,078 | $3,504.1 |
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $474.28 +429.17 | $903.45 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $370.82 +272.01 | $642.83 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $838.73 +883.22 | $1,721.95 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $652.55 +505.18 | $1,157.73 |
| Avg Internet Speed | 469.69 Mbps +257.4 | 212.24 Mbps |
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Income thresholds, fees, processing time and residency paths for Chile and Costa Rica, side by side.
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