Is Costa Rica Safe? (2026 Guide for Travelers & Expats)
- Mark Savoia
- Jul 19, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 31
Quick Answer:
Yes - Costa Rica is generally safe for both travelers and expats, especially compared to other Latin American countries. Like anywhere, safety depends on where you are, how you behave, and being aware of local conditions.
Is Costa Rica Safe to Travel to?
Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Central America and has the region's most stable democracy — it is the only country in Central America the Economist Intelligence Unit classifies as a full democracy, scoring 8.29 against Panama's 6.84. It was also ranked the 4th happiest country in the world in the 2026 World Happiness Report, its highest placing ever. But be clear-eyed about the crime trend: Costa Rica recorded 873 homicides in 2025, 16.7 per 100,000, its third-worst year on record, with the rate climbing from 12.6 in just four years. The encouraging news is that 2026 is trending down — 158 homicides through 23 March versus 216 in the same period of 2025, with the OIJ projecting under 800 for the year. Millions of people visit each year without issue - including families, solo travelers, and retirees.
The country has:
No military (abolished in 1948)
A stable democracy
High literacy and education levels
Strong healthcare system
Petty theft is the most common crime - keep your valuables secure, especially at beaches, bus stations, and public parking areas.
Is Costa Rica Safe to Live In as an Expat?
Yes - thousands of expats live in Costa Rica full-time and report feeling safe and supported. Popular expat towns like Uvita, Dominical and Atenas are known for their peaceful, community-driven lifestyles. Busier beach towns such as Tamarindo and Santa Teresa have the same community feel but noticeably more opportunistic theft, driven by tourist turnover — treat them as places where you lock everything, not places to relax your habits.
Safety depends on:
Your specific location
Your housing setup (e.g. gated vs rural)
Your habits
In most expat communities, break-ins are more likely than violence. Alarm systems, gates, and local watch groups help deter theft.
Safety Tips for Daily Life
Lock your car doors - even in gated communities
Don’t leave anything in plain view in your car
Use official taxis or ride apps like Uber
Drive attentively - local road rules aren’t always followed
Learn basic Spanish - helps avoid misunderstandings
Make friends with neighbors or locals - community matters here
Is Costa Rica Safer Than Other Countries?
On homicide rate Costa Rica ranks mid-table in Central America — safer than Guatemala, Belize and Honduras, but behind Panama, which sits at 12.9 per 100,000.
Most of Costa Rica's homicide increase is tied to drug-trafficking disputes between local criminal groups, concentrated in specific neighbourhoods and port areas. That violence is largely internal to the trade and rarely touches tourists or expats — but it is real, and the old line that Costa Rica has no gang problem is no longer accurate.
Lower violent crime rates than Mexico
Stronger legal system and institutions
It ranked 4th in the world in the 2026 World Happiness Report, its highest placing ever.
Official Travel Advisories
The US State Department has Costa Rica at Level 2 — Exercise Increased Caution, updated 2 April 2026. Global Affairs Canada advises exercising a high degree of caution, updated 10 July 2026 — note that particular update related to flooding, not crime. Canada specifically names higher-risk areas: central San José, Jacó, Manuel Antonio, Quepos, Puntarenas, Cahuita, Puerto Limón and Puerto Viejo, and describes vehicle break-ins as very common throughout the country. For context, Level 2 is the same tier as France, Italy and Germany.
Need Help Finding the Safest Places to Live in Costa Rica?
We help North Americans relocate and buy homes in the safest, most expat-friendly areas of Costa Rica.
When you work with us, you also get:
✅ Start to finish relocation assistance
✅ Trusted legal contacts
✅ Honest property guidance
✅ Help integrating into communities with other Expats
Final Thoughts
Costa Rica is safe enough for travel, relocation and full-time living — with clear eyes. Violent crime has risen since 2021 and is concentrated in the drug trade; opportunistic theft is the risk that will actually affect you. You need to be smart, stay aware, and respect the local culture.
If you’re planning a move, the key is knowing where to go, who to trust, and how to set up your life right from the start.
That’s what we help with.
Go to CostaRicaPlaybook.com to get your free copy of the Costa Rica Playbook, The definitive Guide on investing and Relocating to Costa Rica!
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