Trek Zone

Country Facts:
Mexico vs. Costa Rica

Learn about the similarities and differences between Mexico and Costa Rica by reviewing data on key indicators such as population, economy, energy, religion, language and many other relevant factors.

Country #1
Country #2

Geography

Mexico vs. Costa Rica - comparison of geographical features.

Country area

The surface area of Mexico is 758 449 mi², while the surface area of Costa Rica is 19 730 mi². This means that the area of Mexico is 3744% larger.

Statistics: Countries of the World Compared by Area
758 449 mi²
19 730 mi²

Coastline length

Mexico has a coastline of 5 797.4 mi, while Costa Rica has a coastline of 801.6 mi.

5 797.4 mi
801.6 mi

Largest city

The largest city in Mexico is Mexico City, with a population of about 8 851 080 people. In contrast, the largest city in Costa Rica is San José, where the population is 1 188 020.

8 851 080 ppl
1 188 020 ppl

Highest peak

The highest peak in Mexico is Volcán Citlaltépetl (Pico de Orizaba), its height is 18 491 ft. The highest peak in Costa Rica is Cerro Chirripó, which rises to a height of 12 533 ft.

18 491 ft
Volcán Citlaltépetl (Pico de Orizaba)
12 533 ft
Cerro Chirripó

Highest recorded temperature

125.6°F
San Luis Río Colorado, Sonora
-

Lowest recorded temperature

-20.2°F
Rancho Los Lamentos, Chihuahua
-

Society

Mexico vs. Costa Rica - comparison of aspects of social life.

Population

The population of Mexico is about 128 932 753, while Costa Rica is home to 5 094 118 people.

Statistics: World Population by Country
128 932 753 ppl
5 094 118 ppl

Life expectancy

Life expectancy is 76.9 years in Mexico and 79.4 years in Costa Rica.

76.9 years
79.4 years

Average age

The average age is 29.3 years in Mexico and 32.6 years in Costa Rica.

29.3 years
32.6 years

Birthrate

The birth rate is 1.04% in Mexico and 1.04% in Costa Rica.

1.04%
1.04%

Literacy

Literacy is 95.2% in Mexico and 97.9% in Costa Rica.

95.2%
97.9%

Language

In Mexico, the main language is Spanish, and in Costa Rica the primary language is Spanish.

spanish
spanish

Religion

In Mexico, the main religion is Christianity; in Costa Rica, the main religion is Christianity.

christianity
christianity

Tourism

Foreign tourists in 2015

32 093 000 ppl
Ranking: 10/174
-

Economy

GDP per capita

Mexico: 18 794 Int$. Costa Rica: 21 143 Int$.

18 794 Int$
Ranking: 73/194
21 143 Int$
Ranking: 66/194

Currency

Mexico: Mexican Peso (MXN). Costa Rica: Costa Rican Colon (CRC).

Tools: Currency Calculator
MXN
Mexican Peso
CRC
Costa Rican Colon

Practical information

Electricity

Electricity in Mexico: frequency and voltage are 127V 60 Hz (plug type: A, B). Electricity in Costa Rica: frequency and voltage are 120V 60 Hz (plug type: A, B).

127V 60 Hz
Plug type: A, B
120V 60 Hz
Plug type: A, B

Driving side

Mexico has right-hand traffic, Costa Rica has right-hand traffic.

right-hand traffic
right-hand traffic

Useful when traveling

USDMXNEURCRC

Best months to visit

The best months in terms of weather are: Mexico - January, February, March, December; Costa Rica - January, February, March, April.

Traveler's essential: Tourist Season Around the World

Safety level

Scale from 1 (safe) to 4 (unsafe)
Traveler's essential: Travel Safety Map
Exercise a high degree of caution
Level 2
Exercise a high degree of caution
Level 2

Visa requirements

For citizens of United States (Settings → Your Country)
Traveler's essential: With or Without a Visa?
Visa not required
A visa is not required.
Visa not required
A visa is not required.

Expected daily budget for 1 person

B - backpacker's budget 1
T - tourist's budget 3
B29 USD - 38 USD
T87 USD - 134 USD
B44 USD - 56 USD
T127 USD - 159 USD

Countries Frequently Compared
(Country Facts)