Is Costa Rica Safe for Women? Crime Rate in Costa Rica
Safety rating
Women living in Costa Rica consider the safety level to be relatively high, with an overall safety rating of 3.5 out of 5.
Crime rating
Women living in Costa Rica consider the crime rate to be moderate, with an overall crime rating of 2.6 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 26 experiences
Safety rating: | 3.5/5 | Moderate |
Safety walking alone after dark: | 2.4/5 | Unsafe |
Safety using public transport: | 3.6/5 | Safe |
Crime rate: | 2.6/5 | Moderate |
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: | 2.1/5 | A bit worried |
Worries of being kidnapped or murdered: | 1.3/5 | Not at all worried |
How safe is Costa Rica?
Priscila
San Ramon
My hometown is safe, but like anywhere else, it’s important to be cautious after a certain hour. It’s better not to walk alone late at night and to use a car if you’re out after 11 p.m. Just like when you’re traveling to another country, it’s always good to take basic safety precautions.
Posted: May 26, 2025Costa Rica
Costa Rica used to be a relatively safe country. In recent years, however, violence has increased significantly, including femicides. It is still a country where you can go out, but certain precautions need to be taken. Avoid walking alone at night, even in tourist areas; share your location with someone if you're taking an Uber or taxi, especially at night. Going out in groups is safer, and it's important to always enjoy yourself, but stay alert. During the day it’s relatively safe—you just need to be more cautious at night.
Posted: May 25, 2025
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, 2025Is Costa Rica worth visiting?
Travel rating
based on 81 experiences from female travelers
Costa Rica, Solo travel
Costa Rica is sheer natural beauty. The diverse colors of nature are all over this stunning spot on this earth. For anyone selling to truly connect with nature, then this is the place to come and take it all in.
Posted: June 2, 2025Experienced: November, 2023Puerto 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, 2024Safety 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?
