Costa Rica vs Mexico
Tax Rate Comparison
Enter your income below for a personal tax estimate, then scroll down for full rate breakdowns.
💰 Personal Income Tax Calculator
Enter your income to see your estimated annual tax liability in each country — side by side.
Individual Income Tax (Top Marginal Rate)
VAT / GST / Sales Tax
Corporate Tax Rate
Capital Gains Tax
Social Security & Payroll
🇨🇷 Costa Rica — 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 José and other urban cantons have highest rates. National taxes are administered by the Ministry of Finance (Hacienda). Costa Rica underwent significant fiscal reform in 2018–19 to address a fiscal deficit, converting the sales tax to a comprehensive VAT and modifying income tax.
🇲🇽 Mexico — State & Municipal Taxes
Mexico's 31 states and Mexico City each have their own regimes. States charge local payroll tax (Impuesto Sobre Nómina) at 1%–4% (employer-paid). Municipal property tax (predial) rates vary significantly. Some states have lodging and entertainment levies. The Maquila sector benefits from special IMMEX programs. Nearshoring boom is driving new investment.
Costa Rica vs Mexico: Key Tax Differences (2026)
💰 Income Tax: 🇲🇽 Mexico has a higher top income tax rate (0–25% vs 1.92–35%). 🇨🇷 Costa Rica is more favourable for high earners.
🛒 VAT/Sales Tax: Mexico has a higher consumption tax (13% vs 0–16%).
🏢 Corporate Tax: Corporate rates are similar in both countries (30% vs 30%).
📈 Capital Gains: 🇨🇷 Costa Rica taxes investment gains at a lower rate (15% vs 35%), benefiting investors.