San José, the capital of Costa Rica, has been highlighted in recent international evaluations as one of the cities with the best quality of life in the region. Various sources have emphasized improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and security, which have significantly impacted the well-being of its residents.
According to The Economist’s Global Liveability Index, which assesses aspects such as stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure, San José scored 73.6 out of 100. This result, recently reported by La República, places the city in sixth place among Latin American cities considered most livable.
The methodology of this ranking is based on evaluating key indicators that reflect a city’s living conditions. Among the criteria considered are the availability and quality of healthcare, public safety, access to education, and investment in urban infrastructure projects. These factors have contributed to San José being perceived as an attractive destination for both residents and investors.

However, not all evaluations rank the city the same way. A recent study by Oxford Economics, reported by Monumental, places San José in position 417 compared to other capitals in the region, such as Panama City, which ranks 348. This difference highlights how methodologies and weighting factors applied in each analysis can yield significantly different results.
Despite variations in rankings, San José’s recognition in international evaluations underscores the efforts made by authorities and society to improve basic services and enhance the city’s quality of life. Continuous investments in healthcare, education, infrastructure, and culture have been crucial in transforming the urban environment and consolidating San José as a regional benchmark.
In conclusion, although results vary depending on the source and methodology used, San José’s presence in Latin America’s quality-of-life rankings for 2025 demonstrates significant progress and reflects a commitment by authorities to promote sustainable growth and improve living conditions for its citizens.