Costa Rica vs United States
Comprehensive comparison of economic, demographic and social indicators
Key Indicators
| Indicator | Costa Rica | United States | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| GDP (nominal) | $95.35B | $28.75T | 2024 |
| GDP per capita | $18,587 | $84,534 | 2024 |
| Population | 5.1M | 340.1M | 2024 |
| GDP growth rate | 4.32% | 2.79% | 2024 |
| Inflation rate | -0.41% | 2.95% | 2024 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.84% | 4.20% | 2025 |
| Life expectancy | 80.8 years | 78.4 years | 2023 |
| Surface area (sq. km) | 51,100 km2 | 9,831,510 km2 | 2023 |
Costa Rica vs United States: Analysis
United States has a larger economy than Costa Rica, with a nominal GDP roughly 301.5 times greater based on 2024 data. Costa Rica recorded a GDP of $95.35B, while United States stood at $28.75T.
In terms of GDP per capita, United States leads over Costa Rica. Costa Rica has a per capita output of $18,587, compared to $84,534 for United States.
United States has a larger population than Costa Rica. Costa Rica is home to approximately 5.1M people, while United States has about 340.1M.
By surface area, United States is the larger country. Costa Rica covers 51,100 km2, and United States spans 9,831,510 km2.
Life expectancy is higher in Costa Rica: 80.8 years in Costa Rica versus 78.4 years in United States. United States has the lower unemployment rate (Costa Rica: 6.84%, United States: 4.20%). Inflation stands at -0.41% in Costa Rica and 2.95% in United States.
These figures are drawn from World Bank Open Data and reflect the most recent available reporting year for each indicator. For historical trends and additional indicators, explore the individual country profiles on NationStat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country has a larger GDP, Costa Rica or United States?
United States has the larger GDP. Costa Rica has a GDP of $95.35B (2024), while United States has $28.75T (2024). Source: World Bank.
What is the population difference between Costa Rica and United States?
The population difference is approximately 335.0M. Costa Rica has 5.1M people (2024), and United States has 340.1M (2024). Source: World Bank.
Is Costa Rica richer than United States?
By GDP per capita, United States is wealthier. Costa Rica has a GDP per capita of $18,587 (2024), compared to $84,534 for United States (2024). Source: World Bank.
Which country has higher life expectancy, Costa Rica or United States?
Costa Rica has higher life expectancy. Costa Rica: 80.8 years (2023), United States: 78.4 years (2023). Source: World Bank.
Which country is bigger, Costa Rica or United States?
United States is larger by area. Costa Rica covers 51,100 km2, while United States covers 9,831,510 km2. Source: World Bank.