Costa Rica vs Bangladesh
Costa Rica has a population of 5.3M, compared to Bangladesh's 169.8M. Bangladesh is 32.0 times more populous than Costa Rica. Economically, Bangladesh ($450.1B) has a GDP 4.7 times larger than Costa Rica's ($95.4B). Bangladesh covers 147,570 km², 2.9 times larger than Costa Rica's 51,100 km². Life expectancy in Costa Rica stands at 80.8 years, 6.1 years higher than Bangladesh's 74.7 years.
Costa RicaBangladesh| Population | -96.9%5.3M | +3098.5%169.8M |
| Area | -65.4%51,100 km² | +188.8%147,570 km² |
| GDP | -78.8%$95.4B | +372.1%$450.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | +616.7%$18,587.153 | -86.0%$2,593.416 |
| Life Expectancy | +8.2%80.8 yrs | -7.6%74.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -62.3%9.2 | +165.2%24.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +81.1%6.8% | -44.8%3.8% |
| Capital | San José | Dhaka |
| Region | Americas | Asia |
| Languages | Spanish | Bengali |
| Currencies | CRC (₡) | BDT (৳) |
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
Bangladesh is 32.0 times more populous than Costa Rica, with 169.8M residents compared to 5.3M. Costa Rica is a nation of 5.3M people, while Bangladesh is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Costa Rica averages 104 people per km² (moderate), while Bangladesh averages 1,151 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 Bangladesh is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Bangladesh economy ($450.1B) is 4.7 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. Bangladesh's GDP per capita of $2,593.416 is 77% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Costa Rica are on average 7.2 times wealthier than those in Bangladesh.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Costa Rica is 80.8 years, compared to 74.7 years in Bangladesh, a gap of 6.1 years. Costa Rica (80.8 years) is 8.8 years above the global average of 72 years, while Bangladesh (74.7 years) is 2.7 years above the global average of 72 years. At 24.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Bangladesh's infant mortality is 165% higher than Costa Rica's 9.2.
Geographic Comparison
Bangladesh (147,570 km²) is 2.9 times larger by land area than Costa Rica (51,100 km²). Costa Rica shares borders with 2 countries, while Bangladesh borders 2 countries. Costa Rica spans 1 timezone, compared to Bangladesh's 1 timezone. Costa Rica lies in North America, while Bangladesh is located in Asia. Costa Rica is categorized within the Americas region (Central America), whereas Bangladesh belongs to Asia (Southern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Costa Rica and Bangladesh is in population: Costa Rica's 5.3M compared to Bangladesh's 169.8M represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Costa Rica and Bangladesh is in GDP per capita: Costa Rica's $18,587.153 compared to Bangladesh's $2,593.416 represents a 86% gap. The most significant difference between Costa Rica and Bangladesh is in GDP: Costa Rica's $95.4B compared to Bangladesh's $450.1B represents a 79% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Costa Rica's high-income economy and Bangladesh'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 7.2x that of Bangladesh ($2,593.416). 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
Bangladesh is 11.1x more densely populated than Costa Rica (1151 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 6.1 years longer than those of Bangladesh (80.8 vs 74.7 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 Bangladesh's 4.2%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Costa Rica has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Costa Rica vs Bangladesh for Families
For family travel, Costa Rica generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (9.2 vs 24.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Bangladesh 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 Bangladesh for Budget Travelers
Bangladesh is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,593.416 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Bangladesh 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 Bangladesh for Retirees
Costa Rica's life expectancy of 80.8 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Bangladesh 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 Bangladesh Cost of Living
Costa Rica's GDP per capita is 7.2x that of Bangladesh, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Costa Rica, while Bangladesh offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Bangladesh can approach or exceed average costs in Costa Rica's smaller cities.
Costa Rica vs Bangladesh for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Costa Rica and Bangladesh, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Costa Rica spans 1 timezone while Bangladesh covers 1. Bangladesh'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 Bangladesh by population?
Bangladesh is larger by population, with 169.8M residents compared to Costa Rica's 5.3M. Bangladesh is 32.0 times more populous than Costa Rica.
Which country has a higher GDP, Costa Rica or Bangladesh?
Bangladesh has the higher GDP at $450.1B, compared to Costa Rica's $95.4B. Bangladesh's economy is 4.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Costa Rica and Bangladesh?
Costa Rica has a higher life expectancy at 80.8 years, compared to Bangladesh's 74.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 6.1 years. Costa Rica's life expectancy is 8.8 years above the global average of 72 years, while Bangladesh's is 2.7 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Costa Rica or Bangladesh?
Bangladesh is larger by land area, covering 147,570 km² compared to Costa Rica's 51,100 km². Bangladesh is 2.9 times larger than Costa Rica.
What languages are spoken in Costa Rica and Bangladesh?
Costa Rica recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Bangladesh recognizes: Bengali. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Costa Rica or Bangladesh?
Costa Rica has lower inflation at -0.4%, compared to Bangladesh's 10.5%. Costa Rica's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Bangladesh's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 3.0 times the global median.
Is Costa Rica or Bangladesh better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Costa Rica generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (9.2 vs 24.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Bangladesh offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-frie...
Is Costa Rica or Bangladesh cheaper to visit?
Bangladesh is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,593.416 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Bangladesh can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Costa Rica. However, Costa Rica may offer ...
Is Costa Rica or Bangladesh better for retirement?
Costa Rica's life expectancy of 80.8 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Bangladesh 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 Bangladesh more expensive to live in?
Costa Rica's GDP per capita is 7.2x that of Bangladesh, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Costa Rica, while Bangladesh offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies s...
Is Costa Rica or Bangladesh better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Costa Rica and Bangladesh, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Costa Rica spans 1 timezone while Bangladesh covers 1. Bangladesh's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretch...