Costa Rica Outlook 2026

3.3%

2026 GDP Growth

$20.1k

GDP Per Capita

59.5%

Debt-to-GDP

Stability and Incremental Opportunity

Context

Costa Rica will begin 2026 with a reputation for political stability, relatively strong institutions, and policy continuity. Growth remains moderate rather than rapid, shaped by fiscal constraints and a mature economic structure. The country continues to attract foreign interest primarily for predictability rather than scale.

Opportunities

Costa Rica’s strongest advantage remains human capital. Business services, medical devices, and advanced manufacturing benefit from a skilled workforce and long standing integration with multinational firms. These sectors are positioned to grow steadily as nearshoring and services outsourcing continue.

The country’s renewable energy matrix supports energy reliability and aligns with sustainability requirements for international firms. This remains a quiet but durable advantage.

Institutional continuity also supports long duration investment. Independent monetary policy and relatively consistent governance reduce tail risk for firms planning over multi year horizons.

Risks

Public debt and rigid fiscal structures limit the government’s ability to respond to shocks. Structural reform remains politically difficult, suggesting slow progress rather than decisive change.

Rising labor and real estate costs have reduced Costa Rica’s cost competitiveness within the region. For price sensitive activities, this is increasingly a constraint.

Infrastructure development continues to lag economic needs, particularly in transport and logistics, weighing on productivity.

Assessment

Costa Rica in 2026 offers quality rather than acceleration. It is best suited for investors and firms prioritizing institutional strength and predictability over rapid expansion.

Editorial note: This outlook is provided for informational purposes only and reflects long term structural considerations rather than short term forecasts.