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Smallest Cities in Costa Rica

Top 79 cities ranked by smallest cities

Smallest Cities — Costa Rica

1 Pocora 06 5,248
2 Mercedes 08 5,467
3 Salitrillos 08 5,738
4 Santo Domingo 04 5,745
5 Orotina 01 6,135
6 Tamarindo 03 6,375
7 Miramar 07 6,540
8 Llorente 04 6,626
9 Golfito 07 6,777
10 Cot 02 6,784
11 Atenas 01 7,014
12 Guácimo 06 7,022
13 Corredor 07 7,084
14 Tilarán 03 7,301
15 San Juan 01 7,729
16 Quepos 07 7,810
17 Santa Ana 08 8,029
18 Santiago 08 8,292
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 Tres Ríos 02 10,430
25 San Ramón 01 10,765
26 San Antonio 04 10,938
27 Cariari 06 11,576
28 Buenos Aires 07 11,680
29 Naranjo 01 11,853
30 Escazú 08 12,071
31 San Josecito 04 12,195
32 Santa Cruz 03 12,281
33 Granadilla 08 12,683
34 Sabalito 07 13,218
35 Sabanilla 08 13,251
36 Alajuelita 08 13,845
37 Concepción 02 14,000
38 Desamparados 01 14,448
39 San Rafael Arriba 08 15,051
40 Nicoya 03 15,313
41 San Juan de Dios 08 15,469
42 Esparza 07 15,575
43 Colima 08 15,875
44 San Diego 02 16,991
45 Siquirres 06 18,231
46 Guápiles 06 19,092
47 Cañas 03 20,306
48 Calle Blancos 08 20,710
49 San Pablo 04 21,662
50 Heredia 04 21,947
51 Tejar 08 22,433
52 Patarrá 08 23,983
53 San Felipe 08 24,985
54 San Rafael 08 25,410
55 Aserrí 08 25,874
56 Guadalupe 08 26,005
57 Mercedes Norte 04 26,007
58 San Juan 08 26,047
59 Chacarita 07 26,354
60 Cartago 02 26,594
61 Ipís 08 26,669
62 Quesada 01 27,310
63 San Rafael Abajo 08 27,419
64 San Pedro 08 27,477
65 San Miguel 08 28,827
66 Turrialba 02 28,955
67 Purral 08 30,034
68 San José 01 31,430
69 San Vicente de Moravia 08 34,447
70 San Vicente 08 34,447
71 Curridabat 08 34,586
72 San Isidro 08 34,877
73 Puntarenas 07 35,650
74 Paraíso 02 39,702
75 Liberia 03 45,380
76 Alajuela 01 47,494
77 San Francisco 04 55,923
78 Limón 06 63,081
79 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. Pocora has a population of just 5,248. 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 5,248 residents, Pocora 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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