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Costa Rica

Costa Rica

Spain

Spain

Multidimensional Comparison

Normalized 0-100 Scale

How is this calculated?

  • Economy (GDP): World Bank Data. Based on GDP per capita (PPP) which adjusts for the local cost of living. Normalized against a baseline of $80,000 (100 pts).
  • Safety (Low Crime): World Bank Data. Inverted homicide rates. 0 homicides = 100 pts. 25+ homicides = 0 pts.
  • Happiness Index: WHR Score (0-10) multiplied by 10.
  • Healthcare, Digital & Business: These use their native 0-100 indexes directly (UHC Index, Internet %, Heritage Freedom).

Economy & Labor

Insights based on World Bank & Heritage Data

Costa Rica

The economy of Costa Rica exhibits a balanced performance with an inflation rate of -0.41%, unemployment at 6.84%, and an overall Economic Freedom Score of 69.10, demonstrating a favorable business climate. However, despite strengths in property rights (66.00) and judicial effectiveness (76.90), there are notable areas for improvement, particularly in financial freedom (40.00). The high government spending at 89.30% may affect long-term fiscal health, currently rated at 75.60%. Business freedom stands out with a score of 79.90, making it an attractive destination for investors.

Spain

The current economic landscape in Spain presents a mixed picture characterized by moderate inflation at 2.7700%, an unemployment rate of 10.3800%, and a relatively balanced overall Economic Freedom Score of 66.8000, reflecting strengths in business freedom (82.6000) and monetary freedom (78.2000). The property rights are robust with a score of 88.0000, while judicial effectiveness stands at 74.3000, bolstering investor confidence. However, financial freedom remains lower at 60.0000, highlighting areas for improvement in the financial sector's openness and regulation.

Costa RicaCosta Rica
Metric
SpainSpain
$31,106.8GDP per Capita (PPP)$57,965.3
6.8%Unemployment Rate10.4%
-0.4%Inflation Rate2.8%
45.5GINI Inequality33.4
20.4%Education Spending (GDP)9.9%

Quality of Life & Health

Insights based on WHO & World Bank Data

Costa Rica

Costa Rica boasts a high life expectancy of 78.6 years, attributable to its robust healthcare system with 26.9 medical doctors per 10k people. However, the country faces challenges with adult obesity rates at 32.7%. While specific data on out-of-pocket health expenditure is not available, Costa Rica's commitment to healthcare is evident in its provision of comprehensive social security coverage.

Spain

Spain boasts a life expectancy of 82.7 years, reflecting its robust healthcare system. With 44.3 medical doctors per 10,000 people, the country ensures widespread access to quality healthcare services. While data on out-of-pocket health expenditure is not available, the prevalence of adult obesity stands at 15.3%, highlighting a balanced approach to health and lifestyle.

Costa RicaCosta Rica
Metric
SpainSpain
7.4Happiness Index6.5
78.6Life Expectancy82.7
84UHC Health Index84
14.3Air Quality (PM2.5)9.6
17.8Homicides (per 100k)0.7

Demographics

Insights based on World Bank Data

Costa Rica

In Costa Rica, the population is slightly more female than male, with 49.51% males and 50.49% females as of recent data. The country boasts a high internet penetration rate of 87.17%, indicating widespread digital connectivity. With an EF English Proficiency Score of 516, the nation demonstrates commendable linguistic capabilities. Costa Rica also stands out with its relatively equal gender representation in governance, where women hold 49.12% of parliamentary seats, and educational investment, reflected in education spending that constitutes 20.38% of GDP.

Spain

In Spain, the population is evenly split between males (49.1%) and females (50.9%), reflecting a balanced gender distribution. With 95.76% of individuals online, internet usage is high, underscoring digital integration. The country's education spending at 9.88% of GDP contributes to a relatively equitable society with a GINI index of 33.4, indicating moderate income inequality. Additionally, women hold 44.2857% of parliamentary seats and over 60% of the population resides in urban areas, highlighting Spain's modern demographic trends.

Costa RicaCosta Rica
Metric
SpainSpain
5,129,910Total Population48,848,840
79.3%Urban Population80.3%
12.2%Population 65+21.2%
1,000Net Migration (5y)96,630
87.2%Internet Users95.8%
516English (EF EPI)540

Economic Freedom

Costa RicaCosta Rica
Metric
SpainSpain
69.1Overall Economic Freedom66.8
66Property Rights88
76.9Judicial Effectiveness74.3
64.1Government Integrity64.2
78.6Tax Burden Score58.2
89.3Government Spending37.3
75.6Fiscal Health57.3
79.9Business Freedom82.6
55.9Labor Freedom61.7
78.2Monetary Freedom78.2
75Trade Freedom79.4
50Investment Freedom60
40Financial Freedom60

Digital Freedom & Remote Work

Costa Rica

Costa Rica exhibits minimal evidence of widespread internet censorship, with no anomalies detected for Telegram, Tor, or VPNs over the past 30 days, though WhatsApp experienced a 2.35% anomaly rate, potentially indicating network interference. VPNs remain legal and accessible, as high OONI-detected anomalies for OpenVPN likely reflect test server issues rather than government-imposed restrictions. Communication tools critical for remote work, such as Slack or GitHub, appear to operate reliably, with no signs of targeted censorship.

Spain

Spain exhibits low to moderate internet censorship, with minimal anomalies in WhatsApp (0.32%) and Telegram (0.47%), suggesting unrestricted access to major communication tools critical for remote work. While VPNs remain legal and widely available, OONI data shows a 100% anomaly rate for VPN protocols, likely reflecting test server issues rather than government-enforced blocks. Overall, communication platforms like Slack or GitHub appear reliable, though sporadic network interference could affect Tor users.

Month-by-Month Climate Profile

Costa Rica

Costa Rica boasts a lush tropical climate, characterized by warm temperatures and high levels of rainfall throughout the year, with the hottest period typically occurring from March to April, and the rainiest months being from May to October, where the rain days are at their peak. The data reveals that the months from December to February are the most favorable, offering a relatively dry and comfortable climate, making it an ideal season for expats and digital nomads to relocate or visit, with average temperatures ranging from 24 to 26 degrees Celsius. For a truly unforgettable experience, it's highly recommended to plan a visit or relocation during the dry season, from December to April, when the weather is warm and sunny, with fewer rain days, allowing for endless exploration of Costa Rica's stunning natural beauty and vibrant culture.

Spain

Spain boasts a Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm summers and mild winters, with the hottest period of the year unfolding from June to August, when average maximum temperatures soar to over 29 degrees Celsius, while the rainiest months, with over 13 rainy days, occur from March to May and November, marking the spring and autumn seasons. The summer months, particularly July and August, are not only the hottest but also the driest, with only 4 rainy days on average, whereas the spring and autumn months are generally wetter, making the shoulder season, from September to November, an ideal time to relocate or visit, as the weather is pleasantly warm and sunny, with average maximum temperatures ranging from 21 to 27 degrees Celsius. For digital nomads and expats seeking comfortable weather, the best season to visit or relocate to Spain is during the spring, from April to June, or the autumn, from September to November, when the temperatures are mild, and the crowds are smaller, making it perfect for exploring the country's vibrant culture, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes.

Average High Temperature (°C)

MonthCosta RicaSpain
Jan25° / 16°16 rain days10° / 1°11 rain days
Feb26° / 16°11 rain days13° / 3°9 rain days
Mar27° / 16°17 rain days16° / 5°13 rain days
Apr27° / 17°24 rain days19° / 8°15 rain days
May25° / 17°30 rain days24° / 12°12 rain days
Jun24° / 17°30 rain days30° / 16°9 rain days
Jul25° / 17°28 rain days34° / 20°4 rain days
Aug25° / 17°30 rain days33° / 20°4 rain days
Sep25° / 17°30 rain days27° / 15°9 rain days
Oct24° / 17°31 rain days22° / 11°11 rain days
Nov24° / 17°30 rain days14° / 6°14 rain days
Dec24° / 16°22 rain days12° / 3°11 rain days

Top Expat Origins

Costa Rica

NicaraguaNicaragua
176,779
ColombiaColombia
12,373
El SalvadorEl Salvador
8,826
PanamaPanama
6,381

Spain

MoroccoMorocco
355,176
RomaniaRomania
313,051
ColombiaColombia
264,676
EcuadorEcuador
230,437

Still deciding?

Neither Costa Rica nor Spain feeling like the perfect match? See how Costa Rica stacks up against a global hotspot like Portugal.