Costa Rica Life Expectancy
Life expectancy at birth, total SP.DYN.LE00.IN
Costa Rica's life expectancy was 79.9 in 2025, ranked 53rd globally. This represents a 1.1% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Costa Rica's life expectancy stood at 79.9 in 2025, a decline of +0.9 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 79.9 by 2025. Costa Rica ranked 53rd globally.
Costa Rica's life expectancy has experienced a significant increase over the past six and a half decades, from a low of 63.46 years in 1960 to an all-time high of 80.80 years in 2023. With a current life expectancy of 79.88 years, Costa Rica ranks as the 53rd country globally. This improvement is comparable to that of its peer countries, such as Germany, which has a life expectancy of 80.08 years. The steady rise in life expectancy, especially in the latter half of the 20th century, is largely attributed to advancements in healthcare and a significant reduction in infant mortality rates. The trend suggests that Costa Rica continues to make progress in improving the health and well-being of its citizens. However, factors such as the country's aging population, rising healthcare costs, and the impact of climate change on public health may challenge this trajectory in the future.
Data & projection
| Year | Life Expectancy | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 79.9 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 79.9 | - | - |
| 2025 | 79.9 | −0.9 | #53 |
| 2023 | 80.8 | +1.5 | #48 |
| 2022 | 79.3 | +1.3 | #52 |
| 2021 | 78.1 | −1.7 | #54 |
| 2020 | 79.7 | −0.6 | #46 |
| 2019 | 80.3 | +0.2 | #48 |
| 2018 | 80.1 | +0.1 | #48 |
| 2017 | 80.0 | +0.0 | #46 |
| 2016 | 80.0 | −0.4 | #47 |
| 2015 | 80.4 | +0.2 | #43 |
| 2014 | 80.2 | +0.0 | #42 |
| 2013 | 80.2 | +0.3 | #43 |
| 2012 | 79.9 | +0.3 | #43 |
| 2011 | 79.6 | +0.3 | #44 |
| 2010 | 79.4 | −0.0 | #42 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Costa Rica matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 1995. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw life expectancy improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
The news headline presents general individual health advice on longevity, such as diet and exercise. While these practices are broadly beneficial for well-being, this specific development does not provide new economic or public health policy insights directly impacting Costa Rica's current national life expectancy of 79.9.
Frequently Asked Questions
Costa Rica's life expectancy was 79.9 in 2025. Ranked 53rd globally. This represents a 1.1% decrease from the previous year.
Costa Rica's life expectancy peaked at 80.8 in 2023.
The lowest life expectancy in Costa Rica was 63.5 in 1960.
Costa Rica ranks 53rd globally in life expectancy as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.DYN.LE00.IN. Data sourced from World Bank.
Costa Rica's life expectancy is projected to reach 79.9 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The life expectancy of Costa Rica in 2025 was 79.9. This ranks 53rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_costa-rica_life-expectancy,
title = {Costa Rica Life Expectancy},
url = {https://historysaid.com/costa-rica/life-expectancy/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}