Costa Rica vs United States
United States is about 39% pricier than Costa Rica overall, with a price level of 100.0 versus 60.7 (US = 100). The gap is widest in housing & utilities and narrowest in food. On quality of life, United States scores higher (91 vs 80 of 100).
Metric Costa Rica United States
Price level (US=100) 60.7 100.0
GDP / capita (PPP) $31,107 $85,810
GNI / capita (PPP) $28,840 $85,980
Inflation (YoY) -0.4% 2.9%
What's different, by category
Price levels by category (world average = 100). The cheaper of the two is highlighted.
Category Costa Rica United States
Housing & utilities 67 215
Food 124 117
Transport 84 116
Restaurants & hotels 89 142
Health 129 208
Communication 113 224
Category price levels: World Bank ICP 2021 (world average = 100).
Quality of life
Metric Costa Rica United States
Quality-of-life score 80/100 91/100
Life expectancy 81 yrs 79 yrs
Safety · homicide /100k 17.7 5.8
Internet users 87% 95%
Frequently asked
Is Costa Rica more expensive than United States?
United States is more expensive: about 39% pricier than Costa Rica overall.
What would a $100,000 lifestyle cost in United States?
Living the way $100,000 buys in Costa Rica would cost roughly $164,500 in United States, based on overall price levels.
Which has the better quality of life, Costa Rica or United States?
United States scores higher, 91 vs 80 out of 100.
Salary check
A $100,000 lifestyle in Costa Rica would cost about
$164,500
in United States. Run your real salary →