🇨🇷 Costa Rica vs 🇪🇨 Ecuador
Complete Tax Residency Comparison for Digital Nomads & Entrepreneurs
Quick Comparison
| Factor | 🇨🇷 Costa Rica | 🇪🇨 Ecuador |
|---|---|---|
| Tax System | Territorial | Territorial (improving) |
| Income Tax (Foreign) | 0% (foreign income) | 0% (foreign pension) |
| Capital Gains Tax | 0% (foreign) | 0% (foreign) |
| Corporate Tax | 30% | 25% |
| Residency Requirement | Rentista ($2,500/mo income) | $1,400/mo pension |
| Minimum Stay | None required | None required |
| Cost of Living | Moderate ($1,800-3,000/mo) | Very Low ($1,000-1,800/mo) |
🇨🇷 Costa Rica
Highlights
- ✅Stable democracy
- ✅No army, peaceful
- ✅Beautiful nature
- ✅Good healthcare
- ✅Large expat community
Considerations
- ⚠️Higher cost than neighbors
- ⚠️Bureaucratic processes
- ⚠️Some areas touristy
Best For
- 👤Retirees
- 👤Nature lovers
- 👤Families
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Highlights
- ✅Dollar-based economy
- ✅Very low cost of living
- ✅Great climate options
- ✅Excellent retiree benefits
- ✅Beautiful landscapes
Considerations
- ⚠️Political instability
- ⚠️Limited banking
- ⚠️Infrastructure varies
Best For
- 👤Retirees
- 👤Budget-conscious
- 👤Nature lovers
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Costa Rica if: You prioritize stable democracy and no army, peaceful. Ideal for retirees, nature lovers, families.
Choose Ecuador if: You prioritize dollar-based economy and very low cost of living. Ideal for retirees, budget-conscious, nature lovers.
Not Sure Which is Right for You?
Take our free eligibility assessment to see which tax residency program fits your situation.