Is Mexico or Costa Rica cheaper to live in?

Costa Rica is more affordable with average rent of $600/month vs $650/month.

Is Mexico or Costa Rica safer?

Costa Rica has a higher safety index (62/100).

Mexico: 1.92-35% (low cost offsets). Costa Rica: 0% on foreign income (territorial).

Which country is better for your relocation? Here is the data.

💰 More Affordable

🇨🇷 Costa Rica

$50/mo cheaper rent

🛡️ Safer

🇨🇷 Costa Rica

Safety index: 62/100

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Cost of Living Index (lower = cheaper)

🇲🇽

🇨🇷

Monthly Rent (1BR, center)

🇲🇽

$650

🇨🇷

$600

Safety Index (higher = safer)

🇲🇽

55/100

🇨🇷

62/100

Category	🇲🇽 Mexico	🇨🇷 Costa Rica
💰 Tax Benefits	1.92-35% (low cost offsets)	0% on foreign income (territorial)
📋 Main Visa	Temporary Resident	Pensionado / Rentista
⏱️ Visa Timeline	1-3 mo	3-6 mo
🏥 Healthcare	Good (affordable)	Very Good (CAJA)
📶 Internet	50-100 Mbps	50+ Mbps
☀️ Climate	Varied	Tropical/spring
🗣️ Language	Spanish	Spanish

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