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 relatively low, with an overall crime rating of 2.4 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 18 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: | 2.4/5 | Low |
Worries of being sexually harassed: | 1.9/5 | A bit worried |
Worries of being sexually assaulted or raped: | 1.8/5 | A bit worried |
Worries of being physically attacked: | 1.7/5 | A bit worried |
Worries of home broken and things stolen: | 1.5/5 | Not at all worried |
Worries of being mugged or robbed: | 2.2/5 | A bit worried |
Worries of being kidnapped or murdered: | 1.2/5 | Not at all worried |
How safe is Costa Rica?
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, 2025
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
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, 2024Is Costa Rica worth visiting?
Travel rating
based on 77 experiences from female travelers
Silvia
France
Costa Rica, Solo travel
Costa Rica was a breeze as a solo traveler. Catching taxis or ubers has been very easy and the taxi drivers were always nice and ready to provide advice on safety or just chat. I never took public transport, just shuttles. But they make it super easy to do (although it is of course more expensive). The only place that felt a bit sketchy was San Jose as you are easily spotted as a tourist and outside of the main streets it felt a bit unsafe mostly for the lack of people.
Posted: February 9, 2025Experienced: January, 2025
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, 2025Meet locals in Costa Rica
andi
About Me
i love to meet new people and i’m always on the lookout for new experiences :)
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.
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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?
