Smallest Cities in Costa Rica

Top 97 cities ranked by smallest cities

Smallest Cities - Costa Rica

1 Mercedes 08 5,467
2 Bijagua 01 5,476
3 Salitrillos 08 5,738
4 Santo Domingo 04 5,745
5 Palmichal 08 5,878
6 Orotina 01 6,135
7 Tamarindo 03 6,375
8 Golfito 07 6,777
9 Cot 02 6,784
10 Corredor 07 7,084
11 Tilarán 03 7,301
12 Tres Ríos 02 7,480
13 San Diego 02 7,480
14 Concepción 02 7,480
15 San Juan 01 7,729
16 Pocora 06 7,785
17 Quepos 07 7,810
18 Macacona 07 8,149
19 Sarchí 01 8,306
20 San Rafael 04 8,887
21 Colón 08 9,687
22 Río Segundo 01 9,853
23 Daniel Flores 08 10,028
24 Miramar 07 10,172
25 Paquera 07 10,317
26 San Marcos 08 10,674
27 San Ramón 01 10,765
28 San Antonio 04 10,938
29 Matina 06 11,117
30 Juntas 03 11,335
31 Belén 03 11,660
32 Naranjo 01 11,853
33 Escazú 08 12,071
34 San Rafael Abajo 08 12,189
35 Santiago 08 12,189
36 Santa Cruz 03 12,281
37 La Cruz 03 12,439
38 Granadilla 08 12,683
39 San Vito 07 12,734
40 Santa Ana 08 13,186
41 Salitral 08 13,186
42 Sabalito 07 13,218
43 Sabanilla 08 13,251
44 Cahuita 06 13,463
45 Alajuelita 08 13,845
46 Sixaola 06 13,961
47 Upala 01 14,154
48 Desamparados 01 14,448
49 San Rafael Arriba 08 15,051
50 San Juan de Dios 08 15,469
51 Bagaces 03 15,858
52 La Fortuna 01 16,150
53 San Josecito 04 16,686
54 Mercedes Norte 04 16,686
55 Llorente 04 16,686
56 Heredia 04 16,686
57 San Francisco 04 16,686
58 Poco Sol 01 18,913
59 Guápiles 06 19,092
60 Parrita 07 20,068
61 Pital 01 20,259
62 Calle Blancos 08 20,710
63 San Pablo 04 21,662
64 Tejar 08 22,433
65 Buenos Aires 07 22,619
66 Cartago 02 22,775
67 Cañas 03 23,624
68 Esparza 07 23,953
69 Chacarita 07 23,953
70 Patarrá 08 23,983
71 San Felipe 08 24,985
72 San Rafael 08 25,410
73 Aserrí 08 25,874
74 San Juan 08 25,978
75 Colima 08 25,978
76 Guadalupe 08 26,005
77 Ipís 08 26,669
78 Quesada 01 27,310
79 San Pedro 08 27,477
80 Guácimo 06 27,643
81 San Miguel 08 28,827
82 Turrialba 02 28,955
83 Siquirres 06 29,644
84 Purral 08 30,034
85 San José 01 31,430
86 Nicoya 03 33,316
87 San Vicente de Moravia 08 34,447
88 San Vicente 08 34,447
89 Curridabat 08 34,586
90 San Isidro 08 34,877
91 Cariari 06 37,832
92 Paraíso 02 39,702
93 Puntarenas 07 41,528
94 Alajuela 01 44,374
95 Liberia 03 65,922
96 Limón 06 71,514
97 San José 08 335,007

The smallest cities in Costa Rica (with populations above 5,000) offer a different quality of life compared to major metropolitan areas. Mercedes has a population of just 5,467. These communities often feature lower costs of living, stronger neighborhood connections, and less congestion.

Small cities can offer significant advantages for residents seeking affordable housing, shorter commutes, and a close-knit community feel. Many serve as regional centers for surrounding rural areas, providing essential services while maintaining a small-town atmosphere.

Despite their smaller size, many of these cities have thriving local economies, good school systems, and access to outdoor recreation. They represent an alternative to the fast-paced lifestyle of major metropolitan areas.

Did You Know?

  • 1. At 5,467 residents, Mercedes is smaller than a single large apartment complex in New York City.
  • 2. Small cities (5,000-10,000) make up the majority of incorporated places in the United States.
  • 3. Many of the smallest cities serve as county seats or regional service centers for surrounding rural communities.

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