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

Safety rating

Moderate
3.5 /5

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

Moderate
2.6 /5

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

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 26 experiences

Safety rating:

3.5/5Moderate

Safety walking alone after dark:

2.4/5Unsafe

Safety using public transport:

3.6/5Safe

Crime rate:

2.6/5Moderate

Worries of being sexually harassed:

2/5A bit worried

Worries of being sexually assaulted or raped:

1.8/5A bit worried

Worries of being physically attacked:

1.5/5A bit worried

Worries of home broken and things stolen:

1.6/5A bit worried

Worries of being mugged or robbed:

2.1/5A bit worried

Worries of being kidnapped or murdered:

1.3/5Not at all worried

How safe is Costa Rica?

Priscila

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, 2025
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Costa 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
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Daliana

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
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Alexandra

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, 2025
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Costa 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, 2025
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San 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
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Is Costa Rica worth visiting?

Travel rating

4.7 /5

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, 2023
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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
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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 relatively high, with an overall safety rating of 3.5 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 relatively safe, with an overall safety rating of 3.6 out of 5.

What is the crime rate in Costa Rica?

Women living in Costa Rica consider the crime rate to be moderate, with an overall crime rating of 2.6 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 2 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 1.5 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 1.6 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 2.1 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 1.3 out of 5