Most of the gap is opened by Costa Rica's Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa regime, which displaces the standard schedule. Both countries are indicated in USD at the displayed FX.
| Personal income tax progressive · top 45% | $24,722 |
| Social security 2.0% employee · uncapped | $2,000 |
| Total deductions | $26,722 |
| Gross income | $100,000 |
| Net take-home | $73,278 |
| Personal income tax dn_visa · 0% flat | — |
| Social security 10.7% employee · uncapped | $10,670 |
| Total deductions | $10,670 |
| Gross income | $100,000 |
| Net take-home | $89,330 |
| Instrument | Australia · USD | Costa Rica · USD | Δ (CR − AU) |
|---|---|---|---|
I. Personal income tax | |||
Personal income tax AUprogressive · top 45%CRdn_visa · 0% flat | $24,722 | — | −$24,722 |
| subtotal · personal income tax | $24,722 | $0 | −$24,722 |
II. Mandatory social security & health | |||
Medicare Levy +2% of taxable income. Superannuation is employer-paid. AU2.0% · uncappedCR— | $2,000 | — | −$2,000 |
CCSS ~10.67%. AU—CR10.7% · uncapped | — | $10,670 | +$10,670 |
| subtotal · mandatory social security & health | $2,000 | $10,670 | +$8,670 |
| Total deductions | $26,722 | $10,670 | −$16,052 |
| Effective rate | 26.7% | 10.7% | -16.1 pp |
| Gross income | $100,000 | $100,000 | — |
| Net take-home | $73,278 | $89,330 | +$16,052 |
Table 1 · Statutory deductions, single-filer remote worker, FY2026 indicative. All amounts in USD. n/a where instrument does not apply. | |||
| PPP basis · NYC = 100 | Australia | Costa Rica | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
Cost-of-living index Indicative · placeholder until COL table ships | 80.0 | 55.0 | -25.0 pts |
Nominal net (annual) From the engine — exact | $73,278 | $89,330 | +$16,052 |
| Real net · Australia basket | $73,278 | $129,935 | +$56,657 |
Every line above can be traced to a primary instrument. We publish the model; you may toggle its parameters.
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