Costa Rica vs South Korea
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
🇨🇷 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.
🇰🇷 South Korea — Local Income Tax & Resident Tax
South Korea's 17 metropolitan/provincial governments levy local income tax at 10% of national income tax. Property holding tax (Jongbu-se) is a national progressive tax on higher-value properties. Local education taxes and acquisition taxes apply to property transfers. Seoul has higher effective rates due to property values.
Costa Rica vs South Korea: Key Tax Differences (2026)
💰 Income Tax: 🇰🇷 South Korea has a higher top income tax rate (0–25% vs 6–45%). 🇨🇷 Costa Rica is more favourable for high earners.
🛒 VAT/Sales Tax: Costa Rica has a higher consumption tax (13% vs 10%).
🏢 Corporate Tax: 🇰🇷 South Korea offers a lower corporate rate (24% vs 30%), which can influence business location decisions.
📈 Capital Gains: 🇨🇷 Costa Rica taxes investment gains at a lower rate (15% vs 45%), benefiting investors.