Trek Zone

Country Facts:
United States vs. Costa Rica

Learn about the similarities and differences between United States 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

United States vs. Costa Rica - comparison of geographical features.

Country area

The surface area of United States is 3 678 190 mi², while the surface area of Costa Rica is 19 730 mi². This means that the area of United States is 18543% larger.

Statistics: Countries of the World Compared by Area
3 678 190 mi²
19 730 mi²

Coastline length

United States has a coastline of 12 380.2 mi, while Costa Rica has a coastline of 801.6 mi.

12 380.2 mi
801.6 mi

Largest city

The largest city in the United States is New York City, with a population of about 8 491 080 people. In contrast, the largest city in Costa Rica is San José, where the population is 1 188 020.

8 491 080 ppl
1 188 020 ppl

Highest peak

The highest peak in the United States is Denali (McKinley), its height is 20 308 ft. The highest peak in Costa Rica is Cerro Chirripó, which rises to a height of 12 533 ft.

20 308 ft
Denali (McKinley)
12 533 ft
Cerro Chirripó

Highest recorded temperature

134.1°F
Furnace Creek Ranch, Death Valley, California
-

Lowest recorded temperature

-79.6°F
Prospect Creek, Alaska
-

Society

United States vs. Costa Rica - comparison of aspects of social life.

Population

The population of United States is about 331 002 651, while Costa Rica is home to 5 094 118 people.

Statistics: World Population by Country
331 002 651 ppl
5 094 118 ppl

Life expectancy

Life expectancy is 80.4 years in the United States and 79.4 years in Costa Rica.

80.4 years
79.4 years

Average age

The average age is 38.5 years in the United States and 32.6 years in Costa Rica.

38.5 years
32.6 years

Birthrate

The birth rate is 0.7% in the United States and 1.04% in Costa Rica.

0.7%
1.04%

Literacy

Literacy is 99.0% in the United States and 97.9% in Costa Rica.

99.0%
97.9%

Language

In the United States, the main language is English, and in Costa Rica the primary language is Spanish.

english
spanish

Religion

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

christianity
christianity

Tourism

Foreign tourists in 2015

77 510 000 ppl
Ranking: 2/174
-

Economy

GDP per capita

United States: 63 414 Int$. Costa Rica: 21 143 Int$.

63 414 Int$
Ranking: 10/194
21 143 Int$
Ranking: 66/194

Currency

United States: US Dollar (USD). Costa Rica: Costa Rican Colon (CRC).

Tools: Currency Calculator
USD
US Dollar
CRC
Costa Rican Colon

Practical information

Electricity

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

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

Driving side

United States has right-hand traffic, Costa Rica has right-hand traffic.

right-hand traffic
right-hand traffic

Useful when traveling

USDEURCRC

Best months to visit

The best months in terms of weather are: United States - June, July, August; 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 normal safety precautions
Level 1
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?
Your country
Visa not required
A visa is not required.

Expected daily budget for 1 person

B - backpacker's budget 1
T - tourist's budget 3
B87 USD - 113 USD
T186 USD - 261 USD
B44 USD - 56 USD
T127 USD - 159 USD

Countries Frequently Compared
(Country Facts)