Your budget, abroad
Salary in Medellin vs San José
Estimate the income you need to keep your standard of living.
Frequently Asked Questions
To maintain your current standard of living, your salary in San José must adjust based on relative local purchasing power. Onbuju's calculator determines the exact equivalent salary using actual cost of living indices (including rent, groceries, and services).
The calculator uses the cost of living index ratio between San José and Medellin to scale your current salary. For example, if San José's cost of living is 20% lower, a salary equivalent of 20% less will purchase the same basket of goods and services.
Tax systems differ significantly. In Medellin, the tax process is rated as: Moderate (Tax resident after 183 days; global income taxed at moderate rates.). In San José, it is: Territorial Tax System (0% Foreign Income) (Costa Rica operates a territorial tax system; income earned from foreign remote clients is completely exempt from Costa Rican income tax.). Onbuju recommends evaluating net income after local social contributions and tax brackets.
