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Costa Rica vs United States
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‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ United States
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
10โ€“37%
TCJA provisions extended; no sunset
No change
VAT / GST / Sales Tax
VAT / GST / Sales Tax
13%
13% IVA maintained
No change
0โ€“11%
No federal sales tax; state avg ~6โ€“9%
No change
Corporate Tax Rate
Corporate Tax Rate
30%
30%; Pillar Two for MNCs; tech sector growing
No change
21%
Federal flat; proposals to raise to 28% stalled
No change
Capital Gains Tax
Capital Gains Tax
15%
15% maintained
No change
0โ€“20%
+ 3.8% NIIT; thresholds inflation-adjusted
No change
Social Security & Payroll
Social Security / Payroll
~41.17%
High contributions; reform proposals for sustainability
No change
~15.3%
SS wage base ~$180,000 est. 2026
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‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ United States โ€” State & Local Taxes

The U.S. has 50 states each setting their own income tax (0%โ€“13.3%). California tops at 13.3%, while Texas, Florida, and Nevada levy no state income tax. NYC adds its own income tax (up to 3.876%). Sales taxes vary from 0% (Oregon) to over 11% combined. Property taxes are primarily local. Some states like Washington have introduced capital gains levies.

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 United States: Key Tax Differences (2026)

๐Ÿ’ฐ Income Tax: ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ United States has a higher top income tax rate (0โ€“25% vs 10โ€“37%). ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ท Costa Rica is more favourable for high earners.

๐Ÿ›’ VAT/Sales Tax: Costa Rica has a higher consumption tax (13% vs 0โ€“11%).

๐Ÿข Corporate Tax: ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ United States offers a lower corporate rate (21% vs 30%), which can influence business location decisions.

๐Ÿ“ˆ Capital Gains: ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ท Costa Rica taxes investment gains at a lower rate (15% vs 20%), benefiting investors.

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