Costa Rica vs Italy
Costa Rica costs roughly 2% less than Italy, though Italy has significantly faster internet infrastructure. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
Costa Rica is approximately 2% less expensive than Italy 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 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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About Italy
Retirees with steady income fare better here than remote workers chasing savings. Rent outside the center runs $660.88/mo, cheap by European standards, but income tax climbing to 43% erodes any freelance upside fast. The Elective Residence Visa requires $2,895/mo in passive income, and citizenship stays complex even after years of residency.
$1,138/mo
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| Metric | Costa Rica | Italy |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Advisory | Level 2: Increased Caution | Level 2: Increased Caution |
| Quality of Life Index | 129.4 | 151 +21.6 |
| Healthcare Index | 64.3 | 65.1 +0.8 |
| Safety Index | 45.9 | 53.1 +7.2 |
| Cost of Living Index | 50.1 +0.9 | 51 |
| Living Costs (Single, excl. rent) | $944 +73.2 | $1,017.2 |
| Living Costs (Family, excl. rent) | $3,504.1 +128.8 | $3,632.9 |
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $903.45 | $845.17 +58.28 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $642.83 +18.05 | $660.88 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $1,721.95 | $1,474.53 +247.42 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $1,157.73 | $1,091.27 +66.46 |
| Avg Internet Speed | 212.24 Mbps | 285.05 Mbps +72.8 |
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Income thresholds, fees, processing time and residency paths for Costa Rica and Italy, side by side.
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