Costa Rica vs Mexico: Cost of Living, Safety & Quality of Life Comparison 2026

Costa Rica and Mexico sit close on our overall quality of life index (Costa Rica 7.3/10, Mexico 7.2/10). The winner depends on which categories matter most to you.

On cost of living, Mexico scores higher than Costa Rica.

Key scores at a glance

Costa Rica wins 9 of 16 categories we track; Mexico wins 5, with 2 tied.

Safety — Costa Rica 8.5/10 · Mexico 6.8/10
Healthcare — Costa Rica 8.2/10 · Mexico 7.2/10
Cost of living — Costa Rica 7.2/10 · Mexico 8.5/10

See the full breakdown below.

Country guides: Costa Rica · Mexico

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