Costa Rica Capital Named Among World’s Fastest Rising Cities For Cost of Living
The 2023 Worldwide Cost of Living report from The Economist has revealed that San José, Costa Rica is one of the global cities with the most rapidly increasing cost of living. Among 170 cities surveyed, San José experienced the third-largest price hike, with its cost index score rocketing up 38 spots from 2022 to rank 70th most expensive overall. Across categories measuring grocery prices, transportation, utilities, and more, costs ticked upwards nearly across the board.
The report particularly highlights the failure of central banks, including Costa Rica’s, to curb swelling prices through mechanisms like interest rate hikes. While utilities inflation is gradually slowing due to geopolitical developments, grocery costs are predicted to continue their upward trajectory in the year ahead. Local consumers and expatriates in San José can expect to face rising costs of living in the year ahead.
Costa Rica Can’t Protect Hammerhead Sharks
Costa Rica’s fishing agency INCOPESCA is seeking to clarify a recent court ruling aimed at eliminating hammerhead shark bycatch, arguing that completely banning incidental captures is unrealistic and would devastate fishing communities reliant on regulated harvests.
INCOPESCA proposed reinforced equipment prohibitions, enforced safe release practices, expanded monitoring, and awareness campaigns as more pragmatic steps to collaborate with fishers on hammerhead conservation versus impossible standards that could functionally eliminate fishing. The motion follows June’s court order to classify hammerheads as endangered after population declines; INCOPESCA now moves to balance strengthened species protections with fishery viability through constructive court dialogue.
Costa Rica Seeks to Curb Rising Traffic Accidents and Fatalities
The Costa Rican Red Cross reported an alarming increase in traffic accidents and related deaths in 2023. Speeding, drunk driving, and reckless maneuvering were the primary factors behind the grim statistics, with 500,000 incidents attended and 1,731 on-site fatalities recorded.
The Traffic Police noted that these main causes often combine to heighten the severity of crashes and contribute to the rising death toll. In response, authorities are implementing expanded police patrols, security checkpoints, and speed traps across the country. Officials are also emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility and urge drivers to remain alert, avoid distractions, and pay close attention while behind the wheel. Pedestrians are also contributing to accidents through reckless behaviors and officials warn that immediate individual action is needed to reverse the trend.
