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Costa Rica vs United Kingdom
Tax Rate Comparison

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

🇨🇷 Costa Rica
vs
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Tax Year:

💰 Personal Income Tax Calculator

Enter your income to see your estimated annual tax liability in each country — side by side.

Enter your annual income above to see your personal tax comparison →

Individual Income Tax (Top Marginal Rate)

Top Income Tax Rate
0–25%
25% top; fiscal consolidation achieved
No change
0–45%
Thresholds remain frozen; fiscal drag continuing
No change

VAT / GST / Sales Tax

VAT / GST / Sales Tax
13%
13% IVA maintained
No change
0–20%
Standard 20% maintained
No change

Corporate Tax Rate

Corporate Tax Rate
30%
30%; Pillar Two for MNCs; tech sector growing
No change
19–25%
25% main rate; possible future reform discussions
No change

Capital Gains Tax

Capital Gains Tax
15%
15% maintained
No change
18–24%
Post-Oct 2024 rates in full effect
No change

Social Security & Payroll

Social Security / Payroll
~41.17%
High contributions; reform proposals for sustainability
No change
~28.3%
15% employer NI; lower secondary threshold remains
No change
State, Regional & Local Taxes

🇨🇷 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.

🇬🇧 United Kingdom — Devolved, Council & Business Rates

Scotland sets its own income tax bands (six bands; top rate 48%). Wales has limited income tax-varying powers. Northern Ireland follows UK rates. All residents pay Council Tax to local authorities (typically £1,200–£4,000+/year). Business rates are set nationally but collected locally. SDLT applies to property purchases (LBTT in Scotland, LTT in Wales).

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

Costa Rica vs United Kingdom: Key Tax Differences (2026)

💰 Income Tax: 🇬🇧 United Kingdom has a higher top income tax rate (0–25% vs 0–45%). 🇨🇷 Costa Rica is more favourable for high earners.

🛒 VAT/Sales Tax: United Kingdom has a higher consumption tax (13% vs 0–20%).

🏢 Corporate Tax: 🇬🇧 United Kingdom offers a lower corporate rate (25% vs 30%), which can influence business location decisions.

📈 Capital Gains: 🇨🇷 Costa Rica taxes investment gains at a lower rate (15% vs 24%), benefiting investors.

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All 🇨🇷 Costa Rica comparisons →All 🇬🇧 United Kingdom comparisons →