Mexico Visa vs Costa Rica
Side-by-side comparison of tax rules, income requirements, and visa difficulty.
| Criteria | Mexico | Costa Rica |
|---|---|---|
| Income | $2,600/mo | $3,000/mo |
| Savings Option | $44,000 for 12 months | N/A |
| Visa Fee | $50 | $100 |
| Processing | 1-2 weeks | 2-3 weeks |
| Validity | 1 year (renewable to 4) | 1 year (renewable) |
| Cost Tier | Medium | Medium-High |
| Nomad Cost (est.) | ~$2,400/mo | ~$2,900/mo |
| 1BR Rent | ~$1000 | ~$1100 |
| Internet | 70 Mbps | 60 Mbps |
| Pet Friendliness | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Tax trigger | 183 days | 183 days |
| Insurance required | No | Yes |
| Pet Catch (2026) | Mexico is very easy to enter with pets from the US/Canada; since 2024, they've simplified the process to a simple inspection by SENASICA at the airport. | Very pet-friendly. |