Costa Rica vs India
Costa Rica has a population of 5.3M, compared to India's 1.42B. India is 267.0 times more populous than Costa Rica. Economically, India ($3.91T) has a GDP 41.0 times larger than Costa Rica's ($95.4B). India covers 3,287,263 km², 64.3 times larger than Costa Rica's 51,100 km². Life expectancy in Costa Rica stands at 80.8 years, 8.8 years higher than India's 72.0 years.
Costa RicaIndia| Population | -99.6%5.3M | +26596.6%1.42B |
| Area | -98.4%51,100 km² | +6333.0%3,287,263 km² |
| GDP | -97.6%$95.4B | +4000.5%$3.91T |
| GDP Per Capita | +589.8%$18,587.153 | -85.5%$2,694.738 |
| Life Expectancy | +12.2%80.8 yrs | -10.9%72.0 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -62.4%9.2 | +166.3%24.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +62.2%6.8% | -38.3%4.2% |
| Capital | San José | New Delhi |
| Region | Americas | Asia |
| Languages | Spanish | English, Hindi, Tamil |
| Currencies | CRC (₡) | INR (₹) |
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
India is 267.0 times more populous than Costa Rica, with 1.42B residents compared to 5.3M. Costa Rica is a nation of 5.3M people, while India is one of fewer than three countries with a population exceeding 1 billion. In terms of population density, Costa Rica averages 104 people per km² (moderate), while India averages 431 people per km² (dense). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Costa Rica is classified as a high-income economy, while India is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The India economy ($3.91T) is 41.0 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. India's GDP per capita of $2,694.738 is 76% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Costa Rica are on average 6.9 times wealthier than those in India.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Costa Rica is 80.8 years, compared to 72.0 years in India, a gap of 8.8 years. Costa Rica (80.8 years) is 8.8 years above the global average of 72 years, while India (72.0 years) is at the global average of 72 years. At 24.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, India's infant mortality is 166% higher than Costa Rica's 9.2.
Geographic Comparison
India (3,287,263 km²) is 64.3 times larger by land area than Costa Rica (51,100 km²). Costa Rica shares borders with 2 countries, while India borders 6 countries. Costa Rica spans 1 timezone, compared to India's 1 timezone. Costa Rica lies in North America, while India is located in Asia. Costa Rica is categorized within the Americas region (Central America), whereas India belongs to Asia (Southern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Costa Rica and India is in population: Costa Rica's 5.3M compared to India's 1.42B represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between Costa Rica and India is in land area: Costa Rica's 51,100 km² compared to India's 3,287,263 km² represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Costa Rica and India is in GDP: Costa Rica's $95.4B compared to India's $3.91T represents a 98% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Costa Rica's high-income economy and India's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Costa Rica has a GDP per capita of $18,587.153, which is 6.9x that of India ($2,694.738). 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
India is 4.1x more densely populated than Costa Rica (431 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 8.8 years longer than those of India (80.8 vs 72.0 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
India's economy grew at 6.5% compared to Costa Rica's 4.3%. India's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Costa Rica vs India for Families
For family travel, Costa Rica generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (9.2 vs 24.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. India 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 India for Budget Travelers
India is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,694.738 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in India 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 India for Retirees
Costa Rica's life expectancy of 80.8 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. India 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 India Cost of Living
Costa Rica's GDP per capita is 6.9x that of India, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Costa Rica, while India offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in India can approach or exceed average costs in Costa Rica's smaller cities.
Costa Rica vs India for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Costa Rica and India, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Costa Rica spans 1 timezone while India covers 1. India'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 India by population?
India is larger by population, with 1.42B residents compared to Costa Rica's 5.3M. India is 267.0 times more populous than Costa Rica.
Which country has a higher GDP, Costa Rica or India?
India has the higher GDP at $3.91T, compared to Costa Rica's $95.4B. India's economy is 41.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Costa Rica and India?
Costa Rica has a higher life expectancy at 80.8 years, compared to India's 72.0 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.8 years. Costa Rica's life expectancy is 8.8 years above the global average of 72 years, while India's is at the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Costa Rica or India?
India is larger by land area, covering 3,287,263 km² compared to Costa Rica's 51,100 km². India is 64.3 times larger than Costa Rica.
What languages are spoken in Costa Rica and India?
Costa Rica recognizes the following official language: Spanish. India recognizes: English, Hindi, Tamil. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Costa Rica or India?
Costa Rica has lower inflation at -0.4%, compared to India's 5.0%. Costa Rica's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while India's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Costa Rica or India better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Costa Rica generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (9.2 vs 24.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. India offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly ...
Is Costa Rica or India cheaper to visit?
India is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,694.738 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in India can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Costa Rica. However, Costa Rica may offer better val...
Is Costa Rica or India better for retirement?
Costa Rica's life expectancy of 80.8 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. India may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, clim...
Is Costa Rica or India more expensive to live in?
Costa Rica's GDP per capita is 6.9x that of India, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Costa Rica, while India offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Costa Rica or India better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Costa Rica and India, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Costa Rica spans 1 timezone while India covers 1. India's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote inco...