Costa Rica vs Netherlands
Tax Rate Comparison
Enter your income below for a personal tax estimate, then scroll down for full rate breakdowns.
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.
๐ณ๐ฑ Netherlands โ Municipal & Water Board Taxes
The Netherlands is a unitary state โ income tax is set nationally. Municipalities levy property taxes (OZB) and water boards (waterschappen) charge annual water management levies. The Box 3 system is under ongoing reform following Supreme Court rulings. New Box 3 reform taxes actual returns from 2027.
Costa Rica vs Netherlands: Key Tax Differences (2026)
๐ฐ Income Tax: ๐ณ๐ฑ Netherlands has a higher top income tax rate (0โ25% vs 9.32โ49.5%). ๐จ๐ท Costa Rica is more favourable for high earners.
๐ VAT/Sales Tax: Netherlands has a higher consumption tax (13% vs 9โ21%).
๐ข Corporate Tax: ๐ณ๐ฑ Netherlands offers a lower corporate rate (25.8% vs 30%), which can influence business location decisions.
๐ Capital Gains: ๐จ๐ท Costa Rica taxes investment gains at a lower rate (15% vs 38%), benefiting investors.