Costa Rica vs Paraguay
A data-driven side-by-side: investment score, economy, business climate, political stability, and tax, to help you decide where to invest, incorporate, or relocate.
Overall: Costa Rica ranks higher
Costa Rica scores 60/100 on our composite investment index, ahead of Paraguay at 40/100. This blends economic strength, political stability, business climate, financial maturity, and growth outlook. Read the breakdown below to see where each country actually leads.
Category breakdown
58
Economic strength
Costa Rica leads
38
68
Political stability
Costa Rica leads
35
62
Business climate
Costa Rica leads
42
52
Financial maturity
Costa Rica leads
36
55
Growth outlook
Costa Rica leads
52
Macro snapshot
71
GDP (USD bn)
+26.0 bn
45
3.8%
GDP growth (%)
-0.2 pp
4.0%
$13,200
GDP per capita (USD)
+7100.0
$6,100
1.8%
Inflation (%)
-2.2 pp
4.0%
4.5%
FDI (% of GDP)
+3.3 pp
1.2%
62%
Public debt (% of GDP)
+26.0 pp
36%
5.2
Population (M)
-2.2M
7.4
Costa Rica: strong sectors
- Technology7.0% of GDP72
- Tourism8.5% of GDP68
- Medical Devices6.0% of GDP65
- Agriculture5.5% of GDP55
Paraguay: strong sectors
- Agriculture18.0% of GDP55
- Hydroelectric Energy8.0% of GDP48
- Livestock6.0% of GDP42
- Manufacturing10.0% of GDP38
Frequently asked
Which is better for investment: Costa Rica or Paraguay?
Our composite investment index gives Costa Rica a score of 60/100 and Paraguay a score of 40/100. Costa Rica ranks higher overall, but the right answer depends on your sector and risk tolerance. See the category breakdown above.
Is Costa Rica a safer market than Paraguay?
Risk classification puts Costa Rica as moderate (Growing economy with manageable risks - suitable for diversified portfolios) and Paraguay as caution (Significant risks present - experienced investors with hedging strategies).
Which has higher GDP growth: Costa Rica or Paraguay?
Costa Rica is currently growing at 3.8% per year, vs 4.0% for Paraguay. Paraguay has the faster headline growth rate today.