Bahamas vs Costa Rica
Tax Rate Comparison
Enter your income below for a personal tax estimate, then scroll down for full rate breakdowns.
💰 Personal Income Tax Calculator
Enter your income to see your estimated annual tax liability in each country — side by side.
Individual Income Tax (Top Marginal Rate)
VAT / GST / Sales Tax
Corporate Tax Rate
Capital Gains Tax
Social Security & Payroll
🇧🇸 Bahamas — Local Government Rates & Fees
The Bahamas' islands have local government bodies collecting fees for services, building permits, and business licences. The Bahamas famously has no income tax, no capital gains tax, no corporate income tax, and no withholding tax — making it one of the world's purest zero-tax jurisdictions. Revenue comes through VAT (introduced 2015), real property tax, customs duties, and stamp duty. As a major offshore financial centre and tourism destination, the Bahamas has faced OECD/FATF pressure on transparency and has made significant reforms.
🇨🇷 Costa Rica — 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 José and other urban cantons have highest rates. National taxes are administered by the Ministry of Finance (Hacienda). Costa Rica underwent significant fiscal reform in 2018–19 to address a fiscal deficit, converting the sales tax to a comprehensive VAT and modifying income tax.
Bahamas vs Costa Rica: Key Tax Differences (2026)
💰 Income Tax: 🇨🇷 Costa Rica has a higher top income tax rate (0% vs 0–25%). 🇧🇸 Bahamas is more favourable for high earners.
🛒 VAT/Sales Tax: Costa Rica has a higher consumption tax (10% vs 13%).
🏢 Corporate Tax: 🇧🇸 Bahamas offers a lower corporate rate (0% vs 30%), which can influence business location decisions.
📈 Capital Gains: 🇧🇸 Bahamas taxes investment gains at a lower rate (0% vs 15%), benefiting investors.