How expensive are things in Costa Rica?

You should plan to spend around ₡47,705 ($73) per day on your vacation in Costa Rica, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, ₡10,129 ($16) on meals for one day and ₡10,706 ($16) on local transportation.

Is Costa Rica cheap or expensive?

Costa Rica is ranked as the most expensive country in Central America and the sixth most expensive in North America and the Caribbean (2015).

Is shopping in Costa Rica expensive?

Many goods are expensive because Costa Rica taxes imports heavily — anywhere from 1% to more than 55%. In fact, due to import duties and store markups, many products end up costing almost twice what they would back home.

How much is a Coke in Costa Rica?

Prices in restaurants in Costa Rica.

Meal in a cheap restaurant 4,500 CRC (3,000-10,000)
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) 2,400 CRC (1,500-3,500)
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) 950 CRC (650-1,500)
Water (0.33 liter bottle) 851 CRC (600-1,300)
Cappuccino (regular) 1,600 CRC (900-2,600)

How much money do I need for a week in Costa Rica?

A week of vacation in Costa Rica costs between $850 and $1,450 for an average traveler in mid-priced hotels, lodges or rental houses and doing standard tours (assuming double occupancy). Beachfront accommodations and high dollar activities like deep sea fishing will quickly push the budget over $2,500.

Is alcohol cheap in Costa Rica?

Alcohol is pretty expensive in Costa Rica: a bottle of local beer will usually set you back around $2.50. Stick to the tap water and you’ll have much more in your pocket for everything else.

Should I take cash to Costa Rica?

We recommend that you bring around $50 to $100 US dollars in cash and a VISA or Master Card. There are other credit cards that are accepted, but VISA and Master Card are the most commonly accepted throughout Costa Rica. If needed, you can get a cash advance on a VISA card if you go to a large bank.

Is Costa Rica expensive to eat?

Eating out in Costa Rica will cost more than you might think, and has become even more expensive over the past few years. Main dishes start at around $10 in San Jose, and can be double that in popular coastal towns.

Why is Costa Rica so inexpensive?

Tourists flock to the country to enjoy the natural wonders of the country and the abundance of wildlife and natural reserves. Inflation Costa Rica has been recording low inflation. This is a good thing because it means the cost of living isn’t increasing, making the cost of goods and services cheaper.

How far does the dollar go in Costa Rica?

For larger families, the cost of a getaway is steeper; a family of four spends $4,000 on average.



The U.S. dollar will go far in these 20 international cities.

Location Currency Exchange Average Cost of Daily Expenses
San Jose, Costa Rica 1 USD = 567.494 CRC $49

Can I use my phone in Costa Rica?

Staying connected in Costa Rica with your cell phone is entirely doable. With mostly 4G coverage (5G in some locations), you can expect your non-Costa Rica smartphone to keep you connected. Depending on how you plan to use your smartphone, you can keep costs low.

Can you drink the water in Costa Rica?

Can you drink the water in Costa Rica? The short answer is yes. You can drink the tap water in Costa Rica safely in most every part of the country. In some rural areas, including the Caribbean and in non-touristy places, you may want to stick with bottled water.

Are U.S. dollars accepted in Costa Rica?

Banks & ATMs



Something many visitors to Costa Rica find convenient is the fact that U.S. dollars are accepted virtually everywhere. This means you won’t have to waste a lot of time converting your cash into Costa Rican colones before you can start shopping.

What can I not bring into Costa Rica?

Please be aware you may not bring plants, seeds, vegetables, or fruits into Costa Rica. 4. Exit the building and you will see your driver with a sign with your name and our Logo. As a reference, please note your concierge will be wearing a white Costa Rican Vacations shirt and holding a green flag.

Is Costa Rica cheaper than Mexico?

Overall though, Mexico can be a cheaper holiday than Costa Rica if you’re staying away from five star resorts and tourist regions. Although both countries have comparatively similar prices if you wish to stay in resorts in the popular tourist areas.

Can you drink in public in Costa Rica?

Drinking Alcohol in Public is Illegal in Costa Rica.

Is Costa Rica or Mexico cheaper?

Due to its proximity to the US, things tend to be cheaper in Mexico than in Costa Rica – even in Mexico’s most ‘expensive’ city, Monterrey.

Is Costa Rica expensive to eat?

Eating out in Costa Rica will cost more than you might think, and has become even more expensive over the past few years. Main dishes start at around $10 in San Jose, and can be double that in popular coastal towns.

Why Costa Rica is so expensive?

Taxes on imported goods contribute to high prices. For example, Costa Rica has the 3rd most expensive rice in the world. Indeed, agricultural protectionism make food prices high. These high tariffs (aranceles) and agricultural protectionism cause the high prices for groceries in Costa Rica.

Is Costa Rica more expensive than the US?

The average cost of living in Costa Rica ($893) is 58% less expensive than in the United States ($2112). Costa Rica ranked 80th vs 6th for the United States in the list of the most expensive countries in the world.

How much money do I need in Costa Rica?

You should plan to spend around ₡47,705 ($73) per day on your vacation in Costa Rica, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, ₡10,129 ($16) on meals for one day and ₡10,706 ($16) on local transportation.

Can I live in Costa Rica for $1000 a month?

On average, a single person can live in Costa Rica on as little as US$1000 per month.