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Costa Rica vs Mexico
Tax Rate Comparison

Enter your income below for a personal tax estimate, then scroll down for full rate breakdowns.

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ท Costa Rica
vs
๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Mexico
Tax Year:

๐Ÿ’ฐ Personal Income Tax Calculator

Enter your income to see your estimated annual tax liability in each country โ€” side by side.

Enter your annual income above to see your personal tax comparison โ†’
Individual Income Tax (Top Marginal Rate)
Top Income Tax Rate
0โ€“25%
25% top; fiscal consolidation achieved
No change
1.92โ€“35%
Rates stable; fiscal consolidation needed
No change
VAT / GST / Sales Tax
VAT / GST / Sales Tax
13%
13% IVA maintained
No change
0โ€“16%
Standard 16% maintained
No change
Corporate Tax Rate
Corporate Tax Rate
30%
30%; Pillar Two for MNCs; tech sector growing
No change
30%
30% maintained; Pillar Two discussions
No change
Capital Gains Tax
Capital Gains Tax
15%
15% maintained
No change
35%
No change
No change
Social Security & Payroll
Social Security / Payroll
~41.17%
High contributions; reform proposals for sustainability
No change
~35%
Nearshoring investment affecting payroll dynamics
No change
State, Regional & Local Taxes

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ท 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 2018โ€“19 to address a fiscal deficit, converting the sales tax to a comprehensive VAT and modifying income tax.

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Mexico โ€” State & Municipal Taxes

Mexico's 31 states and Mexico City each have their own regimes. States charge local payroll tax (Impuesto Sobre Nรณmina) at 1%โ€“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.

โš ๏ธ Disclaimer: Rates shown are standard top/headline rates for informational purposes. Actual tax liability depends on income level, residency, deductions, and tax treaties. 2025โ€“2026 data reflects announced or enacted rates and may be subject to change. Not financial or legal advice.

Costa Rica vs Mexico: Key Tax Differences (2026)

๐Ÿ’ฐ Income Tax: ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Mexico has a higher top income tax rate (0โ€“25% vs 1.92โ€“35%). ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ท Costa Rica is more favourable for high earners.

๐Ÿ›’ VAT/Sales Tax: Mexico has a higher consumption tax (13% vs 0โ€“16%).

๐Ÿข Corporate Tax: Corporate rates are similar in both countries (30% vs 30%).

๐Ÿ“ˆ Capital Gains: ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ท Costa Rica taxes investment gains at a lower rate (15% vs 35%), benefiting investors.

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