🇬🇧 United Kingdom vs 🇨🇷 Costa Rica
Side-by-side early retirement comparison — taxes, cost of living, healthcare, and FIRE number.
Key Takeaway
Costa Rica is significantly cheaper than United Kingdom for retirees. With a cost of living index of 45 vs 85, your money goes 47% further in Costa Rica. Capital gains tax is 15% in Costa Rica vs 18% in United Kingdom. Use the calculator to see your personalized FIRE number for both countries.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Tax Comparison for Retirees
🇬🇧 United Kingdom Taxes
🇨🇷 Costa Rica Taxes
Special Tax Regimes for Expats
Remittance Basis
Only UK-source and remitted foreign income taxed
Calculate Your Exact FIRE Number
Enter your portfolio, spending, and retirement age to see a personalized comparison between United Kingdom and Costa Rica — with Monte Carlo simulations and tax modeling.
🔥 Open Calculator — United Kingdom vs Costa RicaFAQ: United Kingdom vs Costa Rica for Retirement
Is it cheaper to retire in Costa Rica or United Kingdom?
Costa Rica has a cost of living index of 45 compared to United Kingdom's 85(where US = 100). Costa Rica is significantly cheaper than United Kingdom for retirees. Your money goes approximately 47% further in Costa Rica.
How do taxes compare between United Kingdom and Costa Rica?
Capital gains tax is 15% in Costa Rica vs 18% in United Kingdom. The top income tax rate is 25% in Costa Rica vs 45% in United Kingdom. For FIRE retirees, the effective tax rate depends on your withdrawal strategy — use our calculator for a personalized estimate.
What about healthcare in Costa Rica vs United Kingdom?
Estimated annual healthcare costs are $1,800 in Costa Ricavs $0 in United Kingdom. Costa Rica offers public healthcare access for residents. United Kingdom offers public healthcare access for residents.