Budget & Costs
Costa Rica is the most expensive country in Central America — and significantly more expensive than neighbors like Nicaragua or Guatemala. The good infrastructure, environmental protection, and higher standard of living come at a price. But with the right planning, you can experience a lot even on a smaller budget.
Daily Budget per Person
| Style | €/Day | Accommodation | Food | Transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | 35–55€ | Hostel Dorm | Sodas + Supermarket | Public Buses |
| Budget | 55–80€ | Cabinas/Private Hostel | Sodas + Local Restaurants | Shuttle Buses |
| Mid-Range | 80–150€ | Boutique Lodge/Hotel | Good Restaurants | Shuttle + Rental Car |
| Comfort | 150–300€ | Eco-Lodge/4★ Hotel | High-End Restaurants | 4×4 Rental Car |
| Luxury | 300€+ | Luxury Eco-Lodge/Resort | Fine Dining | Private Transfers + Domestic Flights |
Price Examples (2025/26)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Casado (Daily Special) in a Soda | 4–7€ |
| Gallo Pinto (Breakfast) | 3–5€ |
| Imperial Beer (0.33l) | 2–3€ |
| Fresh Fruit Juice | 2–3€ |
| Specialty Coffee | 2–4€ |
| Hostel Dorm (per night) | 12–20€ |
| Double Room Cabina | 30–60€ |
| Eco-Lodge (per night) | 80–200€ |
| National Park Entrance (Foreigners) | 12–18 USD |
| Manuel Antonio NP | 18 USD |
| Corcovado NP (with Guide) | 50–80 USD |
| Shuttle Bus (e.g. San José → La Fortuna) | 35–55 USD |
| 4×4 Rental Car (per day) | 40–80€ |
| Canopy/Ziplining Tour | 45–80 USD |
| Coffee Farm Tour | 25–40 USD |
💡 Tipp
Eat in "Sodas" — the small local restaurants that serve a "Casado" (rice dish with meat, beans, salad, and plantain) for 2,500–4,000 CRC (4–7€). The same dish costs twice as much in a tourist restaurant. You can recognize Sodas by their simple furnishings and the locals eating there.