Costa Rica vs Italy
Tax Rate Comparison
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๐ฐ Personal Income Tax Calculator
Enter your income to see your estimated annual tax liability in each country โ side by side.
๐จ๐ท Costa Rica โ Municipal Taxes
Costa Rica's 84 cantons (municipalities) levy the impuesto sobre bienes inmuebles (property tax at 0.25% of assessed value), business licences (patente municipal), and construction permits. The Municipalidad de San Josรฉ and other urban cantons have highest rates. National taxes are administered by the Ministry of Finance (Hacienda). Costa Rica underwent significant fiscal reform in 2018โ19 to address a fiscal deficit, converting the sales tax to a comprehensive VAT and modifying income tax.
๐ฎ๐น Italy โ Regional & Municipal Income Taxes
Italy's 20 regions levy addizionale regionale at 0.7%โ3.33%. Municipalities add addizionale comunale up to 0.9%. Sicily, Sardinia, and Trentino-Alto Adige have special autonomous status. IRAP (regional business tax) at ~3.9% applies to businesses. Local property tax (IMU) is set by municipalities on investment properties. Cumulative marginal rates can exceed 50%.
Costa Rica vs Italy: Key Tax Differences (2026)
๐ฐ Income Tax: ๐ฎ๐น Italy has a higher top income tax rate (0โ25% vs 23โ43%). ๐จ๐ท Costa Rica is more favourable for high earners.
๐ VAT/Sales Tax: Italy has a higher consumption tax (13% vs 4โ22%).
๐ข Corporate Tax: ๐ฎ๐น Italy offers a lower corporate rate (24% vs 30%), which can influence business location decisions.
๐ Capital Gains: ๐จ๐ท Costa Rica taxes investment gains at a lower rate (15% vs 26%), benefiting investors.