Costa Rica vs United States
Costa Rica has a population of 5.3M, compared to United States's 340.1M. United States is 64.1 times more populous than Costa Rica. Economically, United States ($28.75T) has a GDP 301.5 times larger than Costa Rica's ($95.4B). United States covers 9,525,067 km², 186.4 times larger than Costa Rica's 51,100 km². Life expectancy in Costa Rica stands at 80.8 years, 2.4 years higher than United States's 78.4 years.
Costa RicaUnited States| Population | -98.4%5.3M | +6305.6%340.1M |
| Area | -99.5%51,100 km² | +18540.1%9,525,067 km² |
| GDP | -99.7%$95.4B | +30052.9%$28.75T |
| GDP Per Capita | -78.0%$18,587.153 | +354.8%$84,534.041 |
| Life Expectancy | +3.1%80.8 yrs | -3.0%78.4 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +67.3%9.2 | -40.2%5.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +63.0%6.8% | -38.7%4.2% |
| Capital | San José | Washington, D.C. |
| Region | Americas | Americas |
| Languages | Spanish | English |
| Currencies | CRC (₡) | USD ($) |
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
United States is 64.1 times more populous than Costa Rica, with 340.1M residents compared to 5.3M. Costa Rica is a nation of 5.3M people, while United States is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Costa Rica averages 104 people per km² (moderate), while United States averages 36 people per km² (sparse). United States has grown at 0.62% 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 United States is classified as a high-income economy. The United States economy ($28.75T) is 301.5 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. United States's GDP per capita of $84,534.041 is 526% above the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of United States are on average 4.5 times wealthier than those in Costa Rica.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Costa Rica is 80.8 years, compared to 78.4 years in United States, a gap of 2.4 years. Costa Rica (80.8 years) is 8.8 years above the global average of 72 years, while United States (78.4 years) is 6.4 years above the global average of 72 years. At 9.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Costa Rica's infant mortality is 67% higher than United States's 5.5.
Geographic Comparison
United States (9,525,067 km²) is 186.4 times larger by land area than Costa Rica (51,100 km²). Costa Rica shares borders with 2 countries, while United States borders 2 countries. Costa Rica spans 1 timezone, compared to United States's 11 timezones. Both Costa Rica and United States are located in North America. Both countries fall within the Americas region, though they occupy different subregions: Central America and North America.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Costa Rica and United States is in GDP: Costa Rica's $95.4B compared to United States's $28.75T represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between Costa Rica and United States is in land area: Costa Rica's 51,100 km² compared to United States's 9,525,067 km² represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Costa Rica and United States is in population: Costa Rica's 5.3M compared to United States's 340.1M represents a 98% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Costa Rica's high-income economy and United States's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
United States has a GDP per capita of $84,534.041, which is 4.5x that of Costa Rica ($18,587.153). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in United States is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Costa Rica is 2.9x more densely populated than United States (104 vs 36 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. United States's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Costa Rica live an average of 2.4 years longer than those of United States (80.8 vs 78.4 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
Costa Rica's economy grew at 4.3% compared to United States's 2.8%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Costa Rica has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Costa Rica vs United States for Families
For family travel, United States generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.5 vs 9.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Costa Rica offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though United States's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Costa Rica vs United States for Budget Travelers
Costa Rica is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $18,587.153 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Costa Rica can expect to spend significantly less per day than in United States. However, United States 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 United States for Retirees
Costa Rica's life expectancy of 80.8 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. United States 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 United States Cost of Living
United States's GDP per capita is 4.5x that of Costa Rica, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in United States, while Costa Rica offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Costa Rica can approach or exceed average costs in United States's smaller cities.
Costa Rica vs United States for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Costa Rica and United States, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Costa Rica spans 1 timezone while United States covers 11. Costa Rica'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 United States by population?
United States is larger by population, with 340.1M residents compared to Costa Rica's 5.3M. United States is 64.1 times more populous than Costa Rica.
Which country has a higher GDP, Costa Rica or United States?
United States has the higher GDP at $28.75T, compared to Costa Rica's $95.4B. United States's economy is 301.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Costa Rica and United States?
Costa Rica has a higher life expectancy at 80.8 years, compared to United States's 78.4 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.4 years. Costa Rica's life expectancy is 8.8 years above the global average of 72 years, while United States's is 6.4 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Costa Rica or United States?
United States is larger by land area, covering 9,525,067 km² compared to Costa Rica's 51,100 km². United States is 186.4 times larger than Costa Rica.
What languages are spoken in Costa Rica and United States?
Costa Rica recognizes the following official language: Spanish. United States recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Costa Rica or United States?
Costa Rica has lower inflation at -0.4%, compared to United States's 2.9%. Costa Rica's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while United States's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Costa Rica or United States better for a family holiday?
For family travel, United States generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.5 vs 9.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Costa Rica offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both...
Is Costa Rica or United States cheaper to visit?
Costa Rica is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $18,587.153 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Costa Rica can expect to spend significantly less per day than in United States. However, United States may...
Is Costa Rica or United States better for retirement?
Costa Rica's life expectancy of 80.8 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. United States may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare acce...
Is Costa Rica or United States more expensive to live in?
United States's GDP per capita is 4.5x that of Costa Rica, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in United States, while Costa Rica offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living va...
Is Costa Rica or United States better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Costa Rica and United States, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Costa Rica spans 1 timezone while United States covers 11. Costa Rica's lower cost of living makes it attractive for ...