Costa Rica vs South Africa
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.
🇿🇦 South Africa — Provincial & Municipal Taxes
South Africa's 9 provinces do not levy their own income tax — this is national. Municipalities levy property rates (0.5%–2.5% of assessed value/year), utilities, and refuse levies. Cape Town and Johannesburg have relatively higher municipal rates. Load-shedding prompted energy-related tax credits in recent budgets.
Costa Rica vs South Africa: Key Tax Differences (2026)
💰 Income Tax: 🇿🇦 South Africa has a higher top income tax rate (0–25% vs 18–45%). 🇨🇷 Costa Rica is more favourable for high earners.
🛒 VAT/Sales Tax: South Africa has a higher consumption tax (13% vs 16%).
🏢 Corporate Tax: 🇿🇦 South Africa offers a lower corporate rate (27% vs 30%), which can influence business location decisions.
📈 Capital Gains: 🇨🇷 Costa Rica taxes investment gains at a lower rate (15% vs 18%), benefiting investors.