Costa Rica vs Nigeria
Costa Rica has a population of 5.3M, compared to Nigeria's 223.8M. Nigeria is 42.1 times more populous than Costa Rica. Economically, Nigeria ($252.3B) has a GDP 2.6 times larger than Costa Rica's ($95.4B). Nigeria covers 923,768 km², 18.1 times larger than Costa Rica's 51,100 km². Life expectancy in Costa Rica stands at 80.8 years, 26.3 years higher than Nigeria's 54.5 years.
Costa RicaNigeria| Population | -97.6%5.3M | +4115.0%223.8M |
| Area | -94.5%51,100 km² | +1707.8%923,768 km² |
| GDP | -62.2%$95.4B | +164.6%$252.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | +1614.4%$18,587.153 | -94.2%$1,084.16 |
| Life Expectancy | +48.4%80.8 yrs | -32.6%54.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -84.7%9.2 | +553.3%60.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +123.3%6.8% | -55.2%3.1% |
| Capital | San José | Abuja |
| Region | Americas | Africa |
| Languages | Spanish | English |
| Currencies | CRC (₡) | NGN (₦) |
Last updated: March 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Nigeria is 42.1 times more populous than Costa Rica, with 223.8M residents compared to 5.3M. Costa Rica is a nation of 5.3M people, while Nigeria is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Costa Rica averages 104 people per km² (moderate), while Nigeria averages 242 people per km² (dense). Nigeria has grown at 2.33% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Costa Rica.
Economy Comparison
Costa Rica is classified as a high-income economy, while Nigeria is classified as a low-income economy. The Nigeria economy ($252.3B) is 2.6 times larger than Costa Rica's ($95.4B). Costa Rica's GDP per capita of $18,587.153 is 38% above the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. Nigeria's GDP per capita of $1,084.16 is 51% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Costa Rica are on average 17.1 times wealthier than those in Nigeria.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Costa Rica is 80.8 years, compared to 54.5 years in Nigeria, a gap of 26.3 years. Costa Rica (80.8 years) is 8.8 years above the global average of 72 years, while Nigeria (54.5 years) is 17.5 years below the global average of 72 years. At 60.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Nigeria's infant mortality is 553% higher than Costa Rica's 9.2.
Geographic Comparison
Nigeria (923,768 km²) is 18.1 times larger by land area than Costa Rica (51,100 km²). Costa Rica shares borders with 2 countries, while Nigeria borders 4 countries. Costa Rica spans 1 timezone, compared to Nigeria's 1 timezone. Costa Rica lies in North America, while Nigeria is located in Africa. Costa Rica is categorized within the Americas region (Central America), whereas Nigeria belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Costa Rica and Nigeria is in population: Costa Rica's 5.3M compared to Nigeria's 223.8M represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Costa Rica and Nigeria is in land area: Costa Rica's 51,100 km² compared to Nigeria's 923,768 km² represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Costa Rica and Nigeria is in GDP per capita: Costa Rica's $18,587.153 compared to Nigeria's $1,084.16 represents a 94% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Costa Rica's high-income economy and Nigeria's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Costa Rica has a GDP per capita of $18,587.153, which is 17.1x that of Nigeria ($1,084.16). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Costa Rica is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Nigeria is 2.3x more densely populated than Costa Rica (242 vs 104 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Costa Rica's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Costa Rica live an average of 26.3 years longer than those of Nigeria (80.8 vs 54.5 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a substantial gap that suggests significant differences in healthcare systems and overall living conditions.
Economic Momentum
Costa Rica's economy grew at 4.3% compared to Nigeria's 4.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Costa Rica has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Costa Rica vs Nigeria for Families
For family travel, Costa Rica generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (9.2 vs 60.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nigeria offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Costa Rica's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Costa Rica vs Nigeria for Budget Travelers
Nigeria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,084.16 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Nigeria can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Costa Rica. However, Costa Rica may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Costa Rica vs Nigeria for Retirees
Costa Rica's life expectancy of 80.8 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nigeria may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate preferences, and proximity to international airports. Both countries have established expat communities, though the specific visa options and healthcare quality vary by region within each country.
Costa Rica vs Nigeria Cost of Living
Costa Rica's GDP per capita is 17.1x that of Nigeria, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Costa Rica, while Nigeria offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Nigeria can approach or exceed average costs in Costa Rica's smaller cities.
Costa Rica vs Nigeria for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Costa Rica and Nigeria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Costa Rica spans 1 timezone while Nigeria covers 1. Nigeria's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both countries have growing digital nomad communities, though specific visa requirements for remote workers differ and should be verified before committing to a longer stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Costa Rica or Nigeria by population?
Nigeria is larger by population, with 223.8M residents compared to Costa Rica's 5.3M. Nigeria is 42.1 times more populous than Costa Rica.
Which country has a higher GDP, Costa Rica or Nigeria?
Nigeria has the higher GDP at $252.3B, compared to Costa Rica's $95.4B. Nigeria's economy is 2.6 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Costa Rica and Nigeria?
Costa Rica has a higher life expectancy at 80.8 years, compared to Nigeria's 54.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 26.3 years. Costa Rica's life expectancy is 8.8 years above the global average of 72 years, while Nigeria's is 17.5 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Costa Rica or Nigeria?
Nigeria is larger by land area, covering 923,768 km² compared to Costa Rica's 51,100 km². Nigeria is 18.1 times larger than Costa Rica.
What languages are spoken in Costa Rica and Nigeria?
Costa Rica recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Nigeria recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Costa Rica or Nigeria?
Costa Rica has lower inflation at -0.4%, compared to Nigeria's 33.2%. Costa Rica's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Nigeria's rate is severely elevated at 33.2%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Costa Rica or Nigeria better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Costa Rica generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (9.2 vs 60.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nigeria offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendl...
Is Costa Rica or Nigeria cheaper to visit?
Nigeria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,084.16 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Nigeria can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Costa Rica. However, Costa Rica may offer better ...
Is Costa Rica or Nigeria better for retirement?
Costa Rica's life expectancy of 80.8 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nigeria may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, cl...
Is Costa Rica or Nigeria more expensive to live in?
Costa Rica's GDP per capita is 17.1x that of Nigeria, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Costa Rica, while Nigeria offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signif...
Is Costa Rica or Nigeria better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Costa Rica and Nigeria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Costa Rica spans 1 timezone while Nigeria covers 1. Nigeria's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remot...