Costa Rica vs Russia
Costa Rica has a population of 5.3M, compared to Russia's 146.0M. Russia is 27.5 times more populous than Costa Rica. Economically, Russia ($2.17T) has a GDP 22.8 times larger than Costa Rica's ($95.4B). Russia covers 17,098,246 km², 334.6 times larger than Costa Rica's 51,100 km². Life expectancy in Costa Rica stands at 80.8 years, 7.5 years higher than Russia's 73.3 years.
Costa RicaRussia| Population | -96.4%5.3M | +2650.3%146.0M |
| Area | -99.7%51,100 km² | +33360.4%17,098,246 km² |
| GDP | -95.6%$95.4B | +2179.8%$2.17T |
| GDP Per Capita | +24.8%$18,587.153 | -19.9%$14,889.019 |
| Life Expectancy | +10.3%80.8 yrs | -9.3%73.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +148.6%9.2 | -59.8%3.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +220.8%6.8% | -68.8%2.1% |
| Capital | San José | Moscow |
| Region | Americas | Europe |
| Languages | Spanish | Russian |
| Currencies | CRC (₡) | RUB (₽) |
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
Russia is 27.5 times more populous than Costa Rica, with 146.0M residents compared to 5.3M. Costa Rica is a nation of 5.3M people, while Russia is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Costa Rica averages 104 people per km² (moderate), while Russia averages 9 people per km² (sparse). Russia has grown at 0.00% 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 Russia is classified as a high-income economy. The Russia economy ($2.17T) is 22.8 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. Russia's GDP per capita of $14,889.019 is 47% below the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Costa Rica are on average 1.2 times wealthier than those in Russia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Costa Rica is 80.8 years, compared to 73.3 years in Russia, a gap of 7.5 years. Costa Rica (80.8 years) is 8.8 years above the global average of 72 years, while Russia (73.3 years) is 1.3 years above the global average of 72 years. At 9.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Costa Rica's infant mortality is 149% higher than Russia's 3.7.
Geographic Comparison
Russia (17,098,246 km²) is 334.6 times larger by land area than Costa Rica (51,100 km²). Costa Rica shares borders with 2 countries, while Russia borders 14 countries. Costa Rica spans 1 timezone, compared to Russia's 9 timezones. Costa Rica lies in North America, while Russia is located in Europe and Asia. Costa Rica is categorized within the Americas region (Central America), whereas Russia belongs to Europe (Eastern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Costa Rica and Russia is in land area: Costa Rica's 51,100 km² compared to Russia's 17,098,246 km² represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between Costa Rica and Russia is in population: Costa Rica's 5.3M compared to Russia's 146.0M represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Costa Rica and Russia is in GDP: Costa Rica's $95.4B compared to Russia's $2.17T represents a 96% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Costa Rica's high-income economy and Russia's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Costa Rica has a GDP per capita of $18,587.153, which is 1.2x that of Russia ($14,889.019). 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
Costa Rica is 12.2x more densely populated than Russia (104 vs 9 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Russia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Costa Rica live an average of 7.5 years longer than those of Russia (80.8 vs 73.3 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
Russia's economy grew at 4.3% compared to Costa Rica's 4.3%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Russia has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Costa Rica vs Russia for Families
For family travel, Russia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.7 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 Russia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Costa Rica vs Russia for Budget Travelers
Russia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $14,889.019 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Russia 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 Russia for Retirees
Costa Rica's life expectancy of 80.8 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Russia 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 Russia Cost of Living
Costa Rica's GDP per capita is 1.2x that of Russia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Costa Rica, while Russia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Russia can approach or exceed average costs in Costa Rica's smaller cities.
Costa Rica vs Russia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Costa Rica and Russia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Costa Rica spans 1 timezone while Russia covers 9. Russia'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 Russia by population?
Russia is larger by population, with 146.0M residents compared to Costa Rica's 5.3M. Russia is 27.5 times more populous than Costa Rica.
Which country has a higher GDP, Costa Rica or Russia?
Russia has the higher GDP at $2.17T, compared to Costa Rica's $95.4B. Russia's economy is 22.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Costa Rica and Russia?
Costa Rica has a higher life expectancy at 80.8 years, compared to Russia's 73.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 7.5 years. Costa Rica's life expectancy is 8.8 years above the global average of 72 years, while Russia's is 1.3 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Costa Rica or Russia?
Russia is larger by land area, covering 17,098,246 km² compared to Costa Rica's 51,100 km². Russia is 334.6 times larger than Costa Rica.
What languages are spoken in Costa Rica and Russia?
Costa Rica recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Russia recognizes: Russian. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Costa Rica or Russia?
Costa Rica has lower inflation at -0.4%, compared to Russia's 8.4%. Costa Rica's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Russia's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 2.4 times the global median.
Is Costa Rica or Russia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Russia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.7 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 countr...
Is Costa Rica or Russia cheaper to visit?
Russia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $14,889.019 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Russia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Costa Rica. However, Costa Rica may offer better ...
Is Costa Rica or Russia better for retirement?
Costa Rica's life expectancy of 80.8 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Russia may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, cli...
Is Costa Rica or Russia more expensive to live in?
Costa Rica's GDP per capita is 1.2x that of Russia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Costa Rica, while Russia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significa...
Is Costa Rica or Russia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Costa Rica and Russia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Costa Rica spans 1 timezone while Russia covers 9. Russia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote i...