What Is the Average Income in Costa Rica?

Understanding the average income in Costa Rica offers valuable insights into the economic landscape of this Central American nation. Such information is important for individuals considering living, working, or investing in the country, as it provides a foundational understanding of earning potential and economic conditions.

Understanding Income Averages

Measuring “average income” involves different statistical approaches. Mean income is calculated by summing all incomes and dividing by the number of individuals or households. This method can be influenced by extremely high incomes, potentially presenting a higher average that does not reflect the typical experience.

Median income represents the middle point in an income distribution, where half of the incomes are above this figure and half are below. This measure is less affected by outliers and often provides a more representative picture of what a typical person or household earns.

Official data on income in Costa Rica is collected and disseminated by the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC) through regular household surveys. International organizations like the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the World Bank also compile and publish data on Costa Rican income for comparative analysis.

Current Income Statistics

The most recent official data from Costa Rica’s National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC) provides insights into household and per capita income for 2024. The average monthly household income across Costa Rica was reported as CRC 1,119,660, which translates to approximately USD 2,239.32. This figure represents a 6.7% increase compared to the previous year.

For individual income, the average monthly per capita income in 2024 was CRC 440,221, equivalent to about USD 880.44. This reflects a 7.1% growth from 2023 figures.

When considering individual salaries, gross annual figures from 2022 indicated an average of CRC 13,227,876, or about USD 25,881.07. This translates to an average monthly gross salary of approximately CRC 1,102,323, or USD 2,148.51. Minimum wages in Costa Rica vary based on occupation and skill level, with 2024 monthly rates for unskilled workers around CRC 358,000 (USD 687), specialized workers at CRC 463,000 (USD 922), and university graduates at CRC 638,000 (USD 1,523).

Economic Factors Shaping Income

Costa Rica’s income levels are significantly influenced by the structure and performance of its economy. The services sector is the largest contributor to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), accounting for over 70% of economic output. This broad sector includes thriving industries such as tourism, which is a global leader in eco-tourism, and business services, with many multinational corporations establishing shared service centers for IT, finance, and customer support. The country has also seen growth in medical tourism, attracting visitors for healthcare services.

Manufacturing, particularly high-tech production, forms another important economic pillar. Costa Rica is a notable exporter of medical devices, including precision instruments, and hosts major electronics companies producing semiconductors. While less dominant than services and high-tech manufacturing, agriculture continues to play a role, contributing to exports with products like bananas, coffee, pineapples, and sugar cane. This diversification away from traditional agriculture has been a key factor in shaping modern income averages.

Education levels within the workforce also have a direct impact on earning potential. Costa Rica has historically invested heavily in education, with spending averaging around 7% of GDP, leading to a highly educated and often bilingual workforce. This focus on human capital development attracts foreign direct investment, especially in sectors requiring skilled labor, such as technology and advanced manufacturing. The structure of the labor market, including the prevalence of informal employment, also affects overall income distribution.

Income Disparities Across Costa Rica

Income levels in Costa Rica are not uniform across the nation, revealing notable disparities based on geographic location and economic sector. A significant difference exists between urban and rural areas. In 2024, the average monthly household income in urban zones was CRC 1,246,904 (approximately USD 2,493.81), while in rural areas, it was considerably lower at CRC 783,469 (approximately USD 1,566.94). This pattern also holds for per capita income, with urban residents earning more on average than their rural counterparts.

Regional variations further illustrate these differences. The Central region, which includes the capital city of San José, generally records the highest average incomes. For instance, in 2024, the Central region’s per capita income was CRC 479,000 monthly, showing a statistically significant increase. Conversely, regions such as Brunca, North Huetar, and Caribbean Huetar tend to have lower average household incomes, often ranging from CRC 795,407 to CRC 816,026 monthly.

Income also varies significantly by economic sector. Workers in high-tech industries, finance, and specialized services generally command higher salaries. In contrast, occupations within traditional sectors like tourism and agriculture often have lower wage structures. This sectoral wage disparity contributes to the overall income inequality, which is reflected in Costa Rica’s Gini coefficient, a measure that indicates a high level of income disparity within the country.