Is Costa Rica Safe for Women? Crime Rate in Costa Rica

Safety rating

Moderate
3.3 /5

Women living in Costa Rica consider the safety level to be moderate, with an overall safety rating of 3.3 out of 5.

Crime rating

Low
2.4 /5

Women living in Costa Rica consider the crime rate to be relatively low, with an overall crime rating of 2.4 out of 5.

Violence rating

3%

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 17 experiences

Safety rating:

3.3/5Moderate

Safety walking alone after dark:

2.4/5Unsafe

Safety using public transport:

3.4/5Moderate

Crime rate:

2.4/5Low

Worries of being sexually harassed:

1.9/5A bit worried

Worries of being sexually assaulted or raped:

1.8/5A bit worried

Worries of being physically attacked:

1.6/5A bit worried

Worries of home broken and things stolen:

1.5/5Not at all worried

Worries of being mugged or robbed:

2.2/5A bit worried

Worries of being kidnapped or murdered:

1.2/5Not at all worried

How safe is Costa Rica?

San 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, 2025
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Santa 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, 2025
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Orotina

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, 2025
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Gaia

Gaia

Costa Rica

It’s safest in touristy areas during the day. It is least safe in touristy areas at night and in cities. I do not recommend spending any time in San Jose or San Ramon or other big cities alone as a woman. Stay in well known areas if you are alone. Do not travel at night alone. Always get a safe taxi instead of walking. It’s pretty safe to walk alone places in the light of day, you will be catcalled and talked to. Just be confident and look like you know where you’re going.

Posted: January 22, 2025
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Melanie

Melanie

Alajuela

You're fine if you're driving or taking Ubers, there are areas where crime might be heavier but overall it's a nice place. Not to roam around at night... Also my advice is to make group plans, that is the safest way.

Posted: January 2, 2025
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Santa Teresa

At first glance it seems like a very unsafe town, but after a while you realize it’s only through appearance and people (tourists and locals) feel comfortable to leave their stuff unattended when swimming in the ocean, they walk mindlessly at night and so far I haven’t heard of any robbery’s or assaults. But it does generate a bit of fear if you’re a woman at night alone

Posted: December 27, 2024
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San José

I won’t walk in San Jose alone at night, during day time I would only use my phone when urgent or quick things. I would rather use uber instead of public transportation. Sexual harassment is becoming less common but there’s still a long way to eradicate this

Posted: December 25, 2024
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Monse

Monse

Cantón de Santo Domingo

It's a city for the family, from kids to elderly people, everywhere you look you will see familiar faces and kind people. It's a nice city where people inherit their homes so everyone knows everyone. Nice weather, nice food and good cultural activities.

Posted: December 24, 2024
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Avellanas

It’s alright the town is a very chill place the people here are mostly interested in surfing and yoga, but then again this town isn’t’ too busy, not like tamarindo, which makes it perfect for a amazing surf retreat. This place is pretty safe for us girlies

Posted: December 23, 2024
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Karen

Karen

Alajuela

Like any other place, Alajuela is full of tourists and locals and good and malicious people. It is better to be cautious and never leave things unattended. At night or during the day, avoid taking out your cell phone or cash; try to be as cautious as possible.

Posted: December 15, 2024
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Is Costa Rica worth visiting?

Travel rating

4.7 /5

based on 76 experiences from female travelers

Sam

Sam

United Kingdom

Costa Rica, Solo travel

Costa Rica was my first truly solo travel experience (I’ve done a few in Europe as a single parent as the only adult, but this one was only me). It’s a wonderful place and I felt very safe there. Bar one night… did you know howler monkeys song like horrific monsters?! If you can keep in mind that that frightening 5am wake up call is simply monkeys saying Good Morning and not some sort of prehistoric creature waiting to eat you when you step outside your be fine! I rented a car in Costa Rica - driving was absolutely fine with the exception of San Jose near the airport which was an experience (think motorcycles over and undertaking you simultaneously as you try to make a turning!) My first stop was Ocotal. I didn’t particularly like it here, and if I could redo my trip - I’d skip this. I felt uneasy, but then again - it was my first solo adventure. Nothing untoward happened. Next I drove to La Fortuna. The drive is fantastic and the waterfalls and Arenal volcano is amazing! There are plenty of adventure sports to do in this area. Lastly I took a (long) drive to Manuel Antonio. This was by far the highlight of my trip. The natural park is wonderful with monkeys everywhere and the beach is beautiful. I felt very safe here and even walked briefly in the dark. Police are everywhere to guard tourists

Posted: January 28, 2025
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Gaia

Gaia

United States

Costa Rica, Solo travel

I felt safe in the day in well known places or scenic places. Other than that, if it’s dark out, I would not recommend being alone as a woman. Especially in the cities. Theft is common in touristy areas so be smart and carful. I hid away two surf boards that I rented and someone stole them in 20 minutes. It was worth it though. Because it is a beautiful country.

Posted: January 23, 2025Experienced: December, 2023
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Meet locals in Costa Rica

andi

andi

About Me

i love to meet new people and i’m always on the lookout for new experiences :)

Speaking

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Gabby

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

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Safety in Costa Rica

Frequently asked questions

Is Costa Rica safe?

Women living in Costa Rica consider the safety level to be moderate, with an overall safety rating of 3.3 out of 5.

Is Costa Rica safe to walk alone at night?

Women living in Costa Rica consider walking alone at night to be relatively unsafe, with an overall safety rating of 2.4 out of 5.

Is public transport safe in Costa Rica?

Women living in Costa Rica consider public transport to be moderately safe, with an overall safety rating of 3.4 out of 5.

What is the crime rate in Costa Rica?

Women living in Costa Rica consider the crime rate to be relatively low, with an overall crime rating of 2.4 out of 5.

What is the risk of being sexually harassed in Costa Rica?

Women living in Costa Rica consider the risk of being sexually harassed to be relatively low, with an overall risk rating of 1.9 out of 5.

What is the risk of being sexually assaulted or raped in Costa Rica?

Women living in Costa Rica consider the risk of being sexually assaulted or raped to be relatively low, with an overall risk rating of 1.8 out of 5.

What is the risk of being physically attacked in Costa Rica?

Women living in Costa Rica consider the risk of being physically attacked to be relatively low, with an overall risk rating of 1.6 out of 5.

What is the risk of burglary in Costa Rica?

Women living in Costa Rica consider the risk of burglary to be relatively low, with an overall risk rating of 1.5 out of 5.

What is the risk of being mugged or robbed in Costa Rica?

Women living in Costa Rica consider the risk of being mugged or robbed to be relatively low, with an overall risk rating of 2.2 out of 5.

What is the risk of being kidnapped or murdered in Costa Rica?

Women living in Costa Rica consider the risk of being kidnapped or murdered to be very low, with an overall risk rating of 1.2 out of 5