Mexico and Costa Rica are two of the most popular digital nomad destinations in the Americas.
Both countries are absolutely stunning, have excellent remote work infrastructure, and are easily accessible to foreigners.
Digital nomads have been exploring Mexico and Costa Rica for years already, and there’s absolutely no indication that their popularity is dying down yet.
If you are asking yourself where in this part of the world you would like to go next on your digital nomad adventure, both Mexico and Costa Rica are top-notch choices. But how do you make a final decision between the two? Which country is for you?
Today, we’ll fully break down and compare Mexico and Costa Rica so that you can make an informed decision on which digital nomad destination should be your pick.
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Contents
Visa
Winner: Mexico
- You can enter Mexico for up to 180 days without needing a visa.
- On the other hand, it’s only 90 days for Costa Rica.
- The digital nomad visa in Mexico also has lower requirements than in Costa Rica.
In order to be a digital nomad in either country, you’re going to need a visa. Let’s go over the requirements, duration of stay, and how easy it is to get a visa in each destination.
Mexico
Mexico does not have an official digital nomad visa, but there are several visa options for digital nomads. Firstly, if you plan to stay as a digital nomad in Mexico for fewer than 180 days (which is the length most tourists are allowed into the country), you do not need to apply for a visa at all.
However, if you want to stay longer, the best option is to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa, which is valid for up to 4 years.
To qualify for this visa, you’ll need a minimum bank balance of $43,000 over the past 12 months or a minimum income of $2,595 per month for the past 6 months.
The visa application fee is just $40, but after you get your visa, you will need to pay around $200 to get the resident card.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica has an official digital nomad visa that remote workers can apply for to live in this beautiful country. This visa allows digital nomads to stay and work remotely in the country for a non-Costa Rican company for up to 12 months.
But you can extend this stay for another 12 months, for a total of 2 years.
In order to qualify, you’ll need to prove that you have an income of at least $3,000 per month. The visa application fee is $100, plus $50 for the residence permit and $90 for registering the application.
However, if you want to stay in Costa Rica only for a couple of months, most digital nomads will be able to enter the country for up to 90 days without a visa.
Lifestyle
Winner: Tie
- Since Mexico is huge, you can experience different lifestyles, from a cosmopolitan, party-going vibe to a chilled lifestyle, depending on where you live.
- Costa Rica offers a “pura vida” lifestyle, focusing on nature and wellness.
What kind of a lifestyle can you expect in Mexico and Costa Rica? This is a strong consideration for many digital nomads, as you want to be somewhere where you feel like you belong and can be yourself.
Mexico
Here’s the thing about Mexico: It is huge and varied. The lifestyle of the people surrounding you is highly impacted by the destination you choose.
For example, you can live a health-nut, beach-loving, party-going lifestyle in the jungle in a place like Tulum.
And in CDMX, you can experience a truly cosmopolitan lifestyle, going shopping and eating at fancy restaurants.
On the other hand, in Oaxaca, you’ll fit right in if you are a massive foodie who loves to sip on mezcal and experience authentic Mexican culture up close while still being a close distance to cute beach towns and mountain getaways.
You can really pick and choose the perfect destination for your wants and needs.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica, on the other hand, is a much smaller country. The country is known for its “pura vida” lifestyle, which emphasizes wellness and a true connection with nature.
Here, imagine starting your day with a cup of locally grown coffee, overlooking a lush rainforest or a pristine beach, and spending your weekend exploring the country’s unparalleled biodiversity and outdoor activities like surfing, hiking, and yoga.
This is the perfect digital nomad destination for those who love nature, value a sense of community, and are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life without sacrificing those creature comforts.
Cost of Living
Winner: Mexico
- Mexico has a lower cost of living, requiring only around US$1,000 to US$1,700 per month.
- On the other hand, it is becoming more expensive to live in Costa Rica, where you should expect to spend around US$2,000 to US$3,000 per month.
One of the advantages of being a digital nomad is that you have the opportunity to choose a country where your money goes a lot further.
Cost of living is a huge consideration when picking a country, so how much does it cost to live in Mexico and Costa Rica?
Mexico
The cost of living in Mexico highly depends on where you decide to stay. For example, the cost of living in Cancun is going to be MUCH higher than the cost of living in Oaxaca. But generally, you can expect rent to set you back anywhere between $500 to $900 USD per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
You will also need to budget around $200 per month on groceries and around the same for eating out, depending on how often you eat out. Be sure to also budget more on eating out if you plan to frequent more upscale restaurants rather than balancing it out with some good old street food.
Generally, you’ll need around $1,000 to $1,700 per month to live in Mexico.
Costa Rica
It’s no secret that Costa Rica is one of the more expensive destinations in Latin America. More likely than not, you will be finding lodging at a beach destination, which definitely drives up costs.
So, what is the cost of living in Costa Rica? Accommodation at a popular digital nomad destination will set you back around $800 to $1,200 for a one-bedroom apartment.
In terms of food, a dish at a restaurant costs $10 to $20. And don’t forget groceries, which will cost roughly $200 per month. In total, expect to budget $2,000 to $3,000 per month.
Food
Winner: Mexico
- Mexico offers a great variety of cuisines that go beyond just tacos and burritos. No matter where you live, you’ll find great food there.
- Costa Rican food has fewer varieties, mainly consisting of rice and beans.
Whether you’re a foodie or not, food plays a big role in your life. What is food like in either country, and which is better?
Mexico
Mexico is frequently on lists of countries with the best food in the world.
Even if you have tried tacos and burritos, there’s nothing like trying the real thing when you’re actually in the country. Beyond the classic Mexican foods that we all know and love, Mexico actually has a very varied cuisine.
It’s a huge country that boasts a variety of different foods that you can explore. For example, in Oaxaca, you’ll be trying all of the different moles, while Puerto Vallarta is all about shrimp cocktails and ceviche, and Mexico City is known for its tacos al pastor.
You’ll find something to suit your tastes wherever you go.
Costa Rica
Typical Costa Rican cuisine, on the other hand, is much simpler food.
You can expect rice and beans, fried plantains, and a protein of your choice. In fact, rice and beans are such a staple that you’ll have them for all three meals!
While Mexican food is known to be spicy, Costa Rican food is mild and relies heavily on fresh produce and ingredients grown on its fertile lands.
While Costa Rican food is certainly delicious, many digital nomads and expats tend to get sick of the food pretty quickly due to the lack of variety.
Activities
Winner: Tie
- With its diverse landscape, Mexico offers plenty of activities including exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites, hiking, scuba diving, joining cultural and music festivals, and more.
- Costa Rica is a great place for nature lovers, with amazing wildlife and hiking. Additionally, it’s a fantastic country for wellness activities like yoga and meditation.
When you’re not working or eating, you’re going to spend your time in your new country exploring everything it has to offer. How do Mexico and Costa Rica compare when it comes to activities?
Mexico
As with just about everything, Mexico offers a wide variety of choices when it comes to activities. In fact, in Mexico, you’ll likely find something that interests you no matter what your hobbies are.
There is plenty of culture and history to explore, with numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites like Chichen Itza and Teotihuacan.
Mexico also boasts a diverse landscape, from hiking the Sierra Madre mountains and exploring the cenotes of the Yucatan to scuba diving and more. Plus, there are plenty of activities fit for adrenaline junkies as well, such as zip-lining and paragliding.
For those more interested in culture, there are many festivals like Dia de los Muertos to participate in. Beyond that, there are countless other activities to partake in, including tequila tastings and cooking classes, to name just a couple more.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is the place to be for nature and adventure lovers.
As one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, Costa Rica boasts national parks that give you the opportunity to see amazing wildlife like sloths and exotic birds. If you’re up for some adventure, you can white water raft, zipline, and surf on the Pacific coast.
There’s also some hiking to be had that leads through rainforests, up volcanoes, and to secluded waterfalls.
And, of course, Costa Rica is known for wellness and relaxation, with plenty of yoga and wellness centers that provide the perfect settings for rejuvenation. What more could you want?
Taxes
Winner: Costa Rica
- Costa Rica is a clear winner in this regard, as there is no tax on income earned outside of the country.
One of the more annoying aspects of living abroad as a digital nomad is dealing with and navigating taxes.
Whether you end up paying taxes or in your host country, the important thing is that you want to avoid double taxation.
What are the tax implications when you set up shop in either Mexico or Costa Rica?
Mexico
In Mexico, whether you pay taxes or not depends on how long you stay.
As is the case with most other countries, your tax residency kicks in after spending more than 183 days in the country. Once you are a Mexican tax resident, you will be subject to paying tax on all income earned, whether it is earned from a Mexican company or not.
The Mexican tax system is progressive, with rates ranging from 1.92% to 35%.
Costa Rica
The tax system in Costa Rica is much more simplified than that in Mexico for digital nomads.
Here’s the main point to keep in mind: digital nomads do not have to pay any tax on income earned – as long as the income earned comes from outside of Costa Rica.
And since in order to be a digital nomad in Costa Rica, you won’t have any Costa Rican employers or clients, that means you are not subject to pay any taxes in the country!
Internet Connection
Winner: Tie
- Unless you live in a rural area, you should be able to access stable high-speed internet no matter where you are in Mexico.
- Internet in Costa Rica has significantly improved over the years. If you live in a major city, it’s very easy to find reliable and stable internet.
A good internet connection is incredibly important for any digital nomad. The last thing you want is to be stuck somewhere with sub-par internet, especially if your work requires high download and upload speeds.
Mexico
You should not run into any Wi-Fi issues in major cities such as CDMX, Guadalajara, and Playa del Carmen. These cities offer high-speed and reliable internet, with many coworking spaces providing excellent Wi-Fi.
However, internet speeds can vary depending on where you are.
While these cities are well-serviced, more rural and less developed areas, including the popular nomad hotspot of Tulum, have spottier Wi-Fi connections.
But don’t worry; you can still get connected, albeit at much slower speeds than what you may be used to.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica has made some major advancements in its internet infrastructure over the years.
Now, it boasts reliable internet connections all over the country, particularly in major towns and tourist destinations like San Jose and Santa Teresa.
The internet in these towns is generally reliable. You can even stop by coworking spaces and cafes dotted across the country to work.
However, one thing worth noting is that towns throughout Costa Rica deal with power outages every now and then, during which time you will be offline.
Transportation
Winner: Mexico
- It’s very easy to get around in Mexico, as the country’s public transportation system is well-developed, with metro trains in various big cities.
- In Costa Rica, you still need to rely on buses for transportation. Additionally, roads in certain areas are not well-paved.
Transportation matters more than you think. You want to know how you can get around in your new country to not only get from your coworking space to your accommodation but also to travel the rest of the country.
Let’s see how Mexico and Costa Rica stack up.
Mexico
Mexico has fairly well-developed transportation across the country. This is particularly the case for major cities.
For example, CDMX boasts one of the largest and most extensive metro systems in the Western Hemisphere. Additionally, the intercity bus and train systems are decent and rapidly expanding and improving.
You also have the option to use taxis and Ubers.
Outside of Mexico City, you can also use local colectivos (shared minibuses) to get around your chosen area, which is super affordable and convenient.
Furthermore, Mexico boasts domestic flights, but intercity buses are also available for long distances.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s transportation system is definitely less developed, but this is not as big of an issue as you may think, as the country is much smaller (38 times smaller than Mexico to be exact!).
With that said, the country’s road infrastructure definitely has room for improvement.
More likely than not, your chosen mode of transportation in Costa Rica will be buses, which connect towns all across the country. Alternatively, you can rent a car or even a 4WD to get around.
Beyond that, the country also has shared shuttles and private drivers.
Climate and Weather
Winner: Tie
A country’s weather can make or break your trip. So, what kind of weather can you expect in either country?
- Being a large country, Mexico has a diverse climate. You can choose the climate you prefer based on where you want to live.
- Costa Rica has a tropical climate that is warm all year round.
Mexico
As you’d expect with a country of this size, Mexico has an incredibly diverse climate, so there’s something for everyone.
You can experience everything from tropical beaches in Cancun and Puerto Vallarta to high-altitude deserts in Oaxaca and even temperate climates in Mexico City.
So, you really have your choice cut out for you, as you’ll be able to find the perfect climate for your wants and needs. You can even hop around the country, chasing your idea of “good weather.”
Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s climate is a lot easier to define. The country has a tropical climate, with warm weather all year round.
Although Costa Rica doesn’t have the traditional four seasons, they separate their year into warm and dry seasons. The dry season generally runs from December to April, with hot, sunny weather.
On the other hand, the wet season runs from May to November and is characterized by rain showers.
This is the perfect climate for those who want a warm, tropical climate. That said, if you want to avoid the rain, head here after November!
Healthcare System
Winner: Tie
- Both Mexico and Costa Rica have good healthcare systems. You can find good hospitals throughout each country, often at affordable prices.
Healthcare is an important consideration wherever you go.
You want to be able to access quality healthcare in your country of choice and ensure everything is accessible for you as a digital nomad. Cost plays a big factor here, too.
Let’s see how Mexico and Costa Rica compare.
Mexico
The Mexican healthcare system is made up of both public and private healthcare. If you are only in Mexico on a tourist visa, you will not be able to access public healthcare managed by IMSS.
But if you are a temporary resident, you may be eligible as long as you make voluntary contributions. If this is the case for you, you can then access free public healthcare at IMSS facilities.
However, most digital nomads in Mexico tend to opt for private healthcare, which is preferred due to its quality facilities and no wait times.
In fact, the quality of private healthcare in Mexico is so great that the country receives millions of medical tourists every year. These private clinics and hospitals boast modern facilities, English-speaking staff, and top-notch care.
Some digital nomads pay out of pocket to access private healthcare. A general consultation, for example, will set you back only $20 to $50 USD.
Other nomads will get health insurance for the duration of their stay, which is actually a requirement if you apply for a Temporary Resident Visa anyway!
Costa Rica
Costa Rica has a very extensive healthcare system in both the public and private sectors. In fact, Costa Rica is considered to have some of the best healthcare in Latin America, let alone the world!
Unfortunately, since digital nomads are not considered residents, they do not qualify for public healthcare. But do not despair… the quality of the healthcare you would receive in Costa Rica is top-notch, making it a premier destination for medical tourism.
While you should be able to access good healthcare wherever you are in the country, if you are in a more remote beach town, your options may be more limited.
As a digital nomad in Costa Rica, you should already have private health insurance to cover you during your stay, which should be more than sufficient to cover any private health costs that you may incur.
If you do pay out of pocket, costs are reasonable. Expect to pay around $40 to $75 for a standard doctor’s visit.
Digital Nomad Community
Winner: Tie
- Many cities in Mexico have active digital nomad communities, making it easy to connect with like-minded individuals.
- While the community in Costa Rica may be smaller, it tends to be more tight-knit.
Having a supportive and active digital nomad community can make a huge difference when you’re living away from your home country. So, can you find a good community in both Mexico and Costa Rica? Let’s compare.
Mexico
It’s no secret that Mexico has become a major hub for digital nomads, attracting nomads from all over the world.
While you won’t find a digital nomad community all across the country, you can easily find like-minded individuals in popular cities and towns like Mexico City, Tulum, Playa Del Carmen, and Puerto Escondido.
Even slightly less popular destinations like Oaxaca have a digital nomad community for you to jump head-first into.
You will easily be able to find events through coworking spaces, popular bars, and Facebook groups to meet other digital nomads from around the world and connect. There are certainly ample opportunities to network and socialize to your heart’s content.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is also a very popular digital nomad destination, so you can rest assured that there are plenty of people for you to meet and connect with.
However, Costa Rica differs from Mexico in that this small Central American country tends to attract a specific type of digital nomad: those who prioritize nature, wellness, and a more laid-back lifestyle. If this sounds like you, you will be surrounded by kindred spirits who also strive to find that perfect balance between work and having a healthy and active lifestyle.
You’ll find coworking spaces and work cafes—even in the small coastal towns.
Although the digital nomad community is markedly smaller than that of Mexico, the tight-knit community is definitely an advantage for those who seek it.
Which Country Is Better for Digital Nomads? Mexico vs. Costa Rica
The answer depends on you.
As a smaller country, Costa Rica definitely attracts a more specific type of digital nomad. Costa Rica is the choice for you if:
- You love tropical weather
- You want a close-knit community that values nature and wellness
- You don’t want to pay taxes
On the other hand, Mexico is the better choice if:
- You want to be able to choose from various cities and towns with different vibes, weather, costs, and activities
- Good food matters to you
- A lower cost of living is a deciding factor
To help you decide, rank your priorities so that you can more accurately decide which country is better for you! Only you can answer the above question.
