Costa Rica vs Pakistan
Costa Rica has a population of 5.3M, compared to Pakistan's 241.5M. Pakistan is 45.5 times more populous than Costa Rica. Economically, Pakistan ($371.6B) has a GDP 3.9 times larger than Costa Rica's ($95.4B). Pakistan covers 796,095 km², 15.6 times larger than Costa Rica's 51,100 km². Life expectancy in Costa Rica stands at 80.8 years, 13.2 years higher than Pakistan's 67.6 years.
Costa RicaPakistan| Population | -97.8%5.3M | +4448.3%241.5M |
| Area | -93.6%51,100 km² | +1457.9%796,095 km² |
| GDP | -74.3%$95.4B | +289.7%$371.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | +1156.9%$18,587.153 | -92.0%$1,478.773 |
| Life Expectancy | +19.4%80.8 yrs | -16.3%67.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -81.6%9.2 | +444.6%50.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +26.3%6.8% | -20.8%5.4% |
| Capital | San José | Islamabad |
| Region | Americas | Asia |
| Languages | Spanish | English, Urdu |
| Currencies | CRC (₡) | PKR (₨) |
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
Pakistan is 45.5 times more populous than Costa Rica, with 241.5M residents compared to 5.3M. Costa Rica is a nation of 5.3M people, while Pakistan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Costa Rica averages 104 people per km² (moderate), while Pakistan averages 303 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 Pakistan is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Pakistan economy ($371.6B) is 3.9 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. Pakistan's GDP per capita of $1,478.773 is 87% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Costa Rica are on average 12.6 times wealthier than those in Pakistan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Costa Rica is 80.8 years, compared to 67.6 years in Pakistan, a gap of 13.2 years. Costa Rica (80.8 years) is 8.8 years above the global average of 72 years, while Pakistan (67.6 years) is 4.4 years below the global average of 72 years. At 50.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Pakistan's infant mortality is 445% higher than Costa Rica's 9.2.
Geographic Comparison
Pakistan (796,095 km²) is 15.6 times larger by land area than Costa Rica (51,100 km²). Costa Rica shares borders with 2 countries, while Pakistan borders 4 countries. Costa Rica spans 1 timezone, compared to Pakistan's 1 timezone. Costa Rica lies in North America, while Pakistan is located in Asia. Costa Rica is categorized within the Americas region (Central America), whereas Pakistan belongs to Asia (Southern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Costa Rica and Pakistan is in population: Costa Rica's 5.3M compared to Pakistan's 241.5M represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Costa Rica and Pakistan is in land area: Costa Rica's 51,100 km² compared to Pakistan's 796,095 km² represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Costa Rica and Pakistan is in GDP per capita: Costa Rica's $18,587.153 compared to Pakistan's $1,478.773 represents a 92% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Costa Rica's high-income economy and Pakistan'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 12.6x that of Pakistan ($1,478.773). 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
Pakistan is 2.9x more densely populated than Costa Rica (303 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 13.2 years longer than those of Pakistan (80.8 vs 67.6 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 Pakistan's 3.0%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Costa Rica has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Costa Rica vs Pakistan for Families
For family travel, Costa Rica generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (9.2 vs 50.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Pakistan 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 Pakistan for Budget Travelers
Pakistan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,478.773 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Pakistan 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 Pakistan for Retirees
Costa Rica's life expectancy of 80.8 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Pakistan 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 Pakistan Cost of Living
Costa Rica's GDP per capita is 12.6x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Costa Rica, while Pakistan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Pakistan can approach or exceed average costs in Costa Rica's smaller cities.
Costa Rica vs Pakistan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Costa Rica and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Costa Rica spans 1 timezone while Pakistan covers 1. Pakistan'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 Pakistan by population?
Pakistan is larger by population, with 241.5M residents compared to Costa Rica's 5.3M. Pakistan is 45.5 times more populous than Costa Rica.
Which country has a higher GDP, Costa Rica or Pakistan?
Pakistan has the higher GDP at $371.6B, compared to Costa Rica's $95.4B. Pakistan's economy is 3.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Costa Rica and Pakistan?
Costa Rica has a higher life expectancy at 80.8 years, compared to Pakistan's 67.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 13.2 years. Costa Rica's life expectancy is 8.8 years above the global average of 72 years, while Pakistan's is 4.4 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Costa Rica or Pakistan?
Pakistan is larger by land area, covering 796,095 km² compared to Costa Rica's 51,100 km². Pakistan is 15.6 times larger than Costa Rica.
What languages are spoken in Costa Rica and Pakistan?
Costa Rica recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Pakistan recognizes: English, Urdu. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Costa Rica or Pakistan?
Costa Rica has lower inflation at -0.4%, compared to Pakistan's 12.6%. Costa Rica's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Pakistan's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 3.6 times the global median.
Is Costa Rica or Pakistan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Costa Rica generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (9.2 vs 50.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Pakistan offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friend...
Is Costa Rica or Pakistan cheaper to visit?
Pakistan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,478.773 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Pakistan can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Costa Rica. However, Costa Rica may offer bett...
Is Costa Rica or Pakistan better for retirement?
Costa Rica's life expectancy of 80.8 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Pakistan may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, c...
Is Costa Rica or Pakistan more expensive to live in?
Costa Rica's GDP per capita is 12.6x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Costa Rica, while Pakistan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies sign...
Is Costa Rica or Pakistan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Costa Rica and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Costa Rica spans 1 timezone while Pakistan covers 1. Pakistan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching re...