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 3.3 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 13 experiences
Safety rating: | 3.3/5 | Moderate |
Safety walking alone after dark: | 2.2/5 | Unsafe |
Safety using public transport: | 3.1/5 | Moderate |
Crime rate: | 2.5/5 | Moderate |
Worries of being sexually harassed: | 1.7/5 | A Bit Worried |
Worries of being sexually assaulted or raped: | 1.7/5 | A Bit Worried |
Worries of being physically attacked: | 1.7/5 | A Bit Worried |
Worries of home broken and things stolen: | 1.5/5 | A Bit Worried |
Worries of being mugged or robbed: | 2.3/5 | A Bit Worried |
Worries of being kidnapped or murdered: | 1.3/5 | Not at all worried |
How safe is Costa Rica?
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, 2025Santa 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, 2024San 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
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, 2024Avellanas
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
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
Isabel
Tamarindo
Tamarindo is generally safe just make sure to be careful if you go party at night. Like any place try not to be alone late and don’t leave your drink alone. Also watch out for the surfer dudes 😅 they always look to flirt with tourists
Posted: November 8, 2024
Katie
Piedades
It's overall safe, but I would not reccomend coming to this part of town to walk around and enjoy. It's much better to go to a different area like Ciudad Colón, or Santa Ana cento. It is a smaller neighborhood of the area and is not particularly tourism ready. It has s beautiful park there though and I do enjoy it.
Posted: November 7, 2024Heredia
I’ve always felt safe walking here, the locals normally say to avoid dark lonely places at night, walk with a companion whenever possible. Don’t approach strange motorcycles specially if they walk indoors and don’t remove their helmet
Posted: October 27, 2024San José
I would not recommend walking around alone in the dark, just take care of your private things… Although most of the people are nice, most of them dont speak english. So it is good to know the basics in spanish
Posted: October 20, 2024Is Costa Rica worth visiting?
Travel rating
based on 74 experiences from female travelers
Costa Rica, Group travel
Costa Rica was a pleasant surprise for me. Full with increadible landscapes, specially the sunsets. It is a place for nature connection and introspective thoughts. People we're super nice but it is not a cheap place. Although, in my opinion, it is worth the money.
Posted: November 20, 2024Experienced: March, 2024Costa Rica, Solo travel
Felt very safe and everyone was so friendly, helped ti speak spanish but not essential. Great places all over the country, felt safe travelling and going to different places. People were always helpful and kind
Posted: October 21, 2024Meet locals in Costa Rica
Karen
About Me
40 years single lady, no kids, love to travel and flexible working hours
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andi
About Me
i love to meet new people and i’m always on the lookout for new experiences :)
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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?
