Thailand Visa vs Costa Rica
Side-by-side comparison of tax rules, income requirements, and visa difficulty.
| Criteria | Thailand | Costa Rica |
|---|---|---|
| Income | $0 (Remote) | $3,000/mo |
| Savings Option | $14,500 (500k THB) in bank balance | N/A |
| Visa Fee | $300 | $100 |
| Processing | 5-10 days | 2-3 weeks |
| Validity | 5 years (multi-entry) | 1 year (renewable) |
| Cost Tier | Low | Medium-High |
| Nomad Cost (est.) | ~$1,600/mo | ~$2,900/mo |
| 1BR Rent | ~$650 | ~$1100 |
| Internet | 200 Mbps | 60 Mbps |
| Pet Friendliness | 5/10 | 8/10 |
| Tax trigger | 180 days | 183 days |
| Insurance required | No | Yes |
| Pet Catch (2026) | Thailand requires an import permit and a 30-day 'home quarantine' for most pets. | Very pet-friendly. |