Largest Cities in Costa Rica

Top 79 cities ranked by largest cities

Largest Cities Smallest Cities Most Dense Least Dense Highest Income Lowest Income Lowest Unemployment Highest Unemployment Lowest Poverty Highest Poverty Highest Rent Lowest Rent Most Educated Youngest Cities Oldest Cities Safest Cities Highest Crime Warmest Cities Coldest Cities Rainiest Cities Driest Cities

All Countries · Costa Rica

Largest Cities — Costa Rica

1 San José 08 335,007

2 Limón 06 63,081

3 San Francisco 04 55,923

4 Alajuela 01 47,494

5 Liberia 03 45,380

6 Paraíso 02 39,702

7 Puntarenas 07 35,650

8 San Isidro 08 34,877

9 Curridabat 08 34,586

10 San Vicente 08 34,447

11 San Vicente de Moravia 08 34,447

12 San José 01 31,430

13 Purral 08 30,034

14 Turrialba 02 28,955

15 San Miguel 08 28,827

16 San Pedro 08 27,477

17 San Rafael Abajo 08 27,419

18 Quesada 01 27,310

19 Ipís 08 26,669

20 Cartago 02 26,594

21 Chacarita 07 26,354

22 San Juan 08 26,047

23 Mercedes Norte 04 26,007

24 Guadalupe 08 26,005

25 Aserrí 08 25,874

26 San Rafael 08 25,410

27 San Felipe 08 24,985

28 Patarrá 08 23,983

29 Tejar 08 22,433

30 Heredia 04 21,947

31 San Pablo 04 21,662

32 Calle Blancos 08 20,710

33 Cañas 03 20,306

34 Guápiles 06 19,092

35 Siquirres 06 18,231

36 San Diego 02 16,991

37 Colima 08 15,875

38 Esparza 07 15,575

39 San Juan de Dios 08 15,469

40 Nicoya 03 15,313

41 San Rafael Arriba 08 15,051

42 Desamparados 01 14,448

43 Concepción 02 14,000

44 Alajuelita 08 13,845

45 Sabanilla 08 13,251

46 Sabalito 07 13,218

47 Granadilla 08 12,683

48 Santa Cruz 03 12,281

49 San Josecito 04 12,195

50 Escazú 08 12,071

51 Naranjo 01 11,853

52 Buenos Aires 07 11,680

53 Cariari 06 11,576

54 San Antonio 04 10,938

55 San Ramón 01 10,765

56 Tres Ríos 02 10,430

57 Daniel Flores 08 10,028

58 Río Segundo 01 9,853

59 Colón 08 9,687

60 San Rafael 04 8,887

61 Sarchí 01 8,306

62 Santiago 08 8,292

63 Santa Ana 08 8,029

64 Quepos 07 7,810

65 San Juan 01 7,729

66 Tilarán 03 7,301

67 Corredor 07 7,084

68 Guácimo 06 7,022

69 Atenas 01 7,014

70 Cot 02 6,784

71 Golfito 07 6,777

72 Llorente 04 6,626

73 Miramar 07 6,540

74 Tamarindo 03 6,375

75 Orotina 01 6,135

76 Santo Domingo 04 5,745

77 Salitrillos 08 5,738

78 Mercedes 08 5,467

79 Pocora 06 5,248

The largest cities in Costa Rica represent major centers of economic activity, cultural influence, and population growth. San José leads with a population of 335,007, followed by Limón and San Francisco. These cities serve as hubs for employment, education, and innovation, attracting residents from across the country and around the world.

Population size is a key indicator of a city's economic influence and infrastructure capacity. Larger cities typically offer more diverse job markets, extensive public transit systems, and a wider range of cultural amenities. 08 dominates the top 10 with 4 cities on the list, reflecting the state's strong economic pull and quality of life.

While large populations bring economic advantages, they also present challenges including higher costs of living, traffic congestion, and housing affordability concerns. Many of these cities have experienced significant growth over the past decade, driven by job opportunities in technology, healthcare, and professional services.

Did You Know?

1. San José's population is larger than that of many small nations.
2. 08 has 4 cities in the top 10, more than any other state.
3. The 50th largest city still has a population of 12,071 — larger than most cities worldwide.
4. The top 5 cities combined have a population of 546,885.

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Costa Rica — By Region

Alajuela Province Cartago Province Guanacaste Province Heredia Province Limón Province Puntarenas Province San José

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