Is Costa Rica Safe for Women? Crime Rate in Costa Rica
Safety rating
Women living in Costa Rica consider the safety level to be moderate, with an overall safety rating of 3.4 out of 5.
Crime rating
Women living in Costa Rica consider the crime rate to be moderate, with an overall crime rating of 2.5 out of 5.
Violence rating
On average 3% percentage of women in Costa Rica have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner at some time in their life, according to OECD Data.
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Crime & Safety Statistics
Based on 24 experiences
Safety rating: | 3.4/5 | Moderate |
Safety walking alone after dark: | 2.4/5 | Unsafe |
Safety using public transport: | 3.5/5 | Moderate |
Crime rate: | 2.5/5 | Low |
Worries of being sexually harassed: | 2/5 | A bit worried |
Worries of being sexually assaulted or raped: | 1.8/5 | A bit worried |
Worries of being physically attacked: | 1.5/5 | A bit worried |
Worries of home broken and things stolen: | 1.6/5 | A bit worried |
Worries of being mugged or robbed: | 2.2/5 | A bit worried |
Worries of being kidnapped or murdered: | 1.3/5 | Not at all worried |
How safe is Costa Rica?
Daliana
San Jose Province
Depends on the area! The San Jose center is very safe , other areas depend. My home in general is ok. Still is latam so it is important to be careful, it doesn't matter the area. We were the safest country in LATAM, however, this reality changed over the time
Posted: May 13, 2025
Alexandra
Jaco
It’s safe as long as you also take reasonable precautions. I don’t walk alone at night. I mostly work at home during the day and typically explore the city later afternoon or week ends. I haven’t felt unsafe so far and I’ve been here about a week.
Posted: April 11, 2025Costa Rica
Costa Rica is safe during the day and in busy areas. I recommend avoiding going to bars alone or drinking anything suspicious. Always look for advice from other women wherever you go, and do not trust people too quickly.
Posted: April 10, 2025San José
San Jose is safe in certain areas but definitely not all areas. Please check local crime and news and with local sources about where to go and where not to. There are places in the city I wound up in now knowing the train/bus system and definitely was glad I had my boyfriend with me
Posted: April 3, 2025
Romane
Tamarindo
Tamarindo is a very touristic city meaning that when I am in the city, I feel fairly safe, it's mostly Americans and European tourists. Even alone, wouldn't recommend but I am not really scared. In the other towns near, I am more on my guard but still walk alone (not after 8pm)
Posted: April 1, 2025
Angie
San José
Try not to carry many things of value like laptops or iPads. If you visibly look a foreigner (wearing travel gear and carrying backpacks) I'd be specially careful, try to travel as light as possible. If you are visiting the more touristic and transited sites of San José, I'd say the city is relatively safe to walk through up til 7-8 pm but after that I'd be careful, specially since some zones are more dangerous than others, mostly in terms of robbery. You should be mindful of your surroundings ALWAYS, if someone stops you in the street trying to talk to you out of nowhere, thread with caution. If you are looking to experience the nightlife, depending on the club you go to, you might need to keep a close watch on your phone and wallet.
Posted: March 20, 2025
Julia
La Fortuna
La Fortuna is a very touristic area and therefore pretty safe. I wouldn‘t recommend a female to walk around alone at night tho. I walked 5min back from the club by myself and 3 guys approached me and tried starting a conversation. Usually nothing happens but it didn‘t make me feel too comfortable
Posted: February 10, 2025San Jose Province
I feel very comfortable in San Jose overall. Like in every city in the world there are places/zones that are more dangerous and you should always talk with the locals to learn about those and avoid them. I’ve never had any problems in a touristy location. I did get mugged walking alone at night but it was just that one time, so maybe don’t.
Posted: February 3, 2025Santa Teresita
Very safe! I feel safe walking at night but always be aware of surroundings. Beautiful town to see and not be scared of! Public transportation is confusing but safe, check Facebook for the hours! Hope you love it here!
Posted: January 31, 2025Orotina
Pretty safe, you can go to town at night, the police is easily spotted, you still to be wary but just in case, but I have live here most of my life and is pretty safe. I recommended for anyone wanting to life abroad for a while
Posted: January 28, 2025Is Costa Rica worth visiting?
Travel rating
based on 80 experiences from female travelers
Puerto Viejo, Solo travel
I felt very safe in Puerto Viejo! I stayed a bit outside of town near Playa Negra and rented a motorbike to get around. It’s a beautiful area; very laid-back vibes if you’re into that. There is a good mix of travelers and locals around town, which I appreciate. Apparently Ama Ser is closing, but one of the highlights of my trip was doing yoga at their studio. Really good vegan food in Puerto. I would love to go back one day!
Posted: May 14, 2025Experienced: December, 2024
Barb
Czech Republic
Costa Rica, Solo travel
places I have been really showed me the differences, but everyone was always nice, I could hitchhike without worrying. I saw incredible things, met many wonderful travelers and thing that was stolen from me was a skirt in a hostel… sad
Posted: May 12, 2025Meet locals in Costa Rica
Daliana
About Me
Hello! My name is Dalí, and I’m from Costa Rica—a true paradise on Earth. I’m a chemist, and I love talking about science! I’ve traveled a lot and really enjoy exploring different cultures. Dancing and visiting museums are two of my favorite things. I love meeting people from diverse backgrounds, languages, and countries, and I’m always eager to learn something new about their homelands. I had the amazing opportunity to complete my master’s degree in Europe and have lived in six different countries. Now, I’m thrilled to pursue my PhD in Estonia! 💓
Speaking
Gabby
About Me
I really like to travel and exchange cultures. I live near the airport and I would be happy to help female travelers, picking them up at the airport. Also children no longer live at home, there Is space in my home. I have had exchange girls from Germany and Denmark for one year. A wonderful experience.
Speaking
Safety in Costa Rica
Frequently asked questions
Is Costa Rica safe?
Is Costa Rica safe to walk alone at night?
Is public transport safe in Costa Rica?
What is the crime rate in Costa Rica?
What is the risk of being sexually harassed in Costa Rica?
What is the risk of being sexually assaulted or raped in Costa Rica?
What is the risk of being physically attacked in Costa Rica?
What is the risk of burglary in Costa Rica?
What is the risk of being mugged or robbed in Costa Rica?
What is the risk of being kidnapped or murdered in Costa Rica?
