Costa Rica vs Indonesia
Costa Rica has a population of 5.3M, compared to Indonesia's 284.4M. Indonesia is 53.6 times more populous than Costa Rica. Economically, Indonesia ($1.40T) has a GDP 14.6 times larger than Costa Rica's ($95.4B). Indonesia covers 1,904,569 km², 37.3 times larger than Costa Rica's 51,100 km². Life expectancy in Costa Rica stands at 80.8 years, 9.7 years higher than Indonesia's 71.1 years.
Costa RicaIndonesia| Population | -98.1%5.3M | +5257.0%284.4M |
| Area | -97.3%51,100 km² | +3627.1%1,904,569 km² |
| GDP | -93.2%$95.4B | +1364.4%$1.40T |
| GDP Per Capita | +277.4%$18,587.153 | -73.5%$4,925.43 |
| Life Expectancy | +13.6%80.8 yrs | -11.9%71.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -45.9%9.2 | +84.8%17.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +111.4%6.8% | -52.7%3.2% |
| Capital | San José | Jakarta |
| Region | Americas | Asia |
| Languages | Spanish | Indonesian |
| Currencies | CRC (₡) | IDR (Rp) |
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
Indonesia is 53.6 times more populous than Costa Rica, with 284.4M residents compared to 5.3M. Costa Rica is a nation of 5.3M people, while Indonesia is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Costa Rica averages 104 people per km² (moderate), while Indonesia averages 149 people per km² (moderate). Indonesia has grown at 0.95% 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 Indonesia is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Indonesia economy ($1.40T) is 14.6 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. Indonesia's GDP per capita of $4,925.43 is 56% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Costa Rica are on average 3.8 times wealthier than those in Indonesia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Costa Rica is 80.8 years, compared to 71.1 years in Indonesia, a gap of 9.7 years. Costa Rica (80.8 years) is 8.8 years above the global average of 72 years, while Indonesia (71.1 years) is 0.9 years below the global average of 72 years. At 17.0 deaths per 1,000 live births, Indonesia's infant mortality is 85% higher than Costa Rica's 9.2.
Geographic Comparison
Indonesia (1,904,569 km²) is 37.3 times larger by land area than Costa Rica (51,100 km²). Costa Rica shares borders with 2 countries, while Indonesia borders 3 countries. Costa Rica spans 1 timezone, compared to Indonesia's 3 timezones. Costa Rica lies in North America, while Indonesia is located in Asia. Costa Rica is categorized within the Americas region (Central America), whereas Indonesia belongs to Asia (South-Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Costa Rica and Indonesia is in population: Costa Rica's 5.3M compared to Indonesia's 284.4M represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Costa Rica and Indonesia is in land area: Costa Rica's 51,100 km² compared to Indonesia's 1,904,569 km² represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Costa Rica and Indonesia is in GDP: Costa Rica's $95.4B compared to Indonesia's $1.40T represents a 93% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Costa Rica's high-income economy and Indonesia's upper-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 3.8x that of Indonesia ($4,925.43). 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
Indonesia is 1.4x more densely populated than Costa Rica (149 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 9.7 years longer than those of Indonesia (80.8 vs 71.1 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
Indonesia's economy grew at 5.0% compared to Costa Rica's 4.3%. Indonesia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Costa Rica vs Indonesia for Families
For family travel, Costa Rica generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (9.2 vs 17.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Indonesia 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 Indonesia for Budget Travelers
Indonesia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,925.43 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Indonesia 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 Indonesia for Retirees
Costa Rica's life expectancy of 80.8 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Indonesia 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 Indonesia Cost of Living
Costa Rica's GDP per capita is 3.8x that of Indonesia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Costa Rica, while Indonesia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Indonesia can approach or exceed average costs in Costa Rica's smaller cities.
Costa Rica vs Indonesia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Costa Rica and Indonesia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Costa Rica spans 1 timezone while Indonesia covers 3. Indonesia'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 Indonesia by population?
Indonesia is larger by population, with 284.4M residents compared to Costa Rica's 5.3M. Indonesia is 53.6 times more populous than Costa Rica.
Which country has a higher GDP, Costa Rica or Indonesia?
Indonesia has the higher GDP at $1.40T, compared to Costa Rica's $95.4B. Indonesia's economy is 14.6 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Costa Rica and Indonesia?
Costa Rica has a higher life expectancy at 80.8 years, compared to Indonesia's 71.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 9.7 years. Costa Rica's life expectancy is 8.8 years above the global average of 72 years, while Indonesia's is 0.9 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Costa Rica or Indonesia?
Indonesia is larger by land area, covering 1,904,569 km² compared to Costa Rica's 51,100 km². Indonesia is 37.3 times larger than Costa Rica.
What languages are spoken in Costa Rica and Indonesia?
Costa Rica recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Indonesia recognizes: Indonesian. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Costa Rica or Indonesia?
Costa Rica has lower inflation at -0.4%, compared to Indonesia's 2.2%. Costa Rica's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Indonesia's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Costa Rica or Indonesia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Costa Rica generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (9.2 vs 17.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Indonesia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-frien...
Is Costa Rica or Indonesia cheaper to visit?
Indonesia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,925.43 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Indonesia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Costa Rica. However, Costa Rica may offer bet...
Is Costa Rica or Indonesia better for retirement?
Costa Rica's life expectancy of 80.8 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Indonesia may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, ...
Is Costa Rica or Indonesia more expensive to live in?
Costa Rica's GDP per capita is 3.8x that of Indonesia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Costa Rica, while Indonesia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies sig...
Is Costa Rica or Indonesia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Costa Rica and Indonesia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Costa Rica spans 1 timezone while Indonesia covers 3. Indonesia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching...