Curious about the costs of traveling in Costa Rica? You’ve clicked on the right article! Perhaps you’ve heard or read that traveling in Costa Rica is pricier than in other Central American countries. Don’t let that discourage you! In our opinion, it’s worth every penny because Costa Rica’s incredible nature is exceptionally unique and not found in neighboring countries. We’ve been to Costa Rica multiple times and in this article, we’ll provide an estimate of the expenses. We’ll offer a few price examples to give you a clear idea of the costs and a rough budget you might need.
Tip: In Costa Rica, they use the Costa Rican Colón and the US Dollar. Both currencies can be withdrawn from ATMs, but it’s most cost-effective to pay with Colones.
Costs for Food and Drinks in Costa Rica
One of the pricier aspects of traveling in Costa Rica is dining out. If you eat at a popular traveler-oriented restaurant, you can expect main dishes to cost between $17 and $22. Fortunately, there are more budget-friendly options for eating out. Throughout Costa Rica, you’ll find “sodas,” which are local eateries often run by families. Here, a main dish typically costs between $7 and $10.
If you’re aiming for a very budget-friendly approach, you can also cook your own meals. Nearly every hostel in Costa Rica has a shared kitchen. Cooking for yourself often saves a significant amount. Additionally, there are many inexpensive bakeries in Costa Rica offering sweet and savory pastries at a low cost. Grab some fruit from the local market, and you’ll have a great and economical breakfast or lunch.
Costs for Transportation in Costa Rica
Thankfully, the costs of traveling by local bus in Costa Rica are quite reasonable. A 5-hour bus ride on a local bus costs around $11. Keep in mind that local buses might lack air conditioning, make frequent stops, and you often need to change buses one or more times before reaching your destination. Sometimes the bus schedules don’t align well, resulting in long waits. Minivans also operate between most destinations in Costa Rica. These vans are air-conditioned, provide direct travel to your destination, and won’t stop to pick up additional passengers. However, they are considerably more expensive. You’ll likely pay three or four times more for a minivan compared to a local bus.
Taxis are also quite pricey in Costa Rica. We took a taxi once in Puerto Viejo and paid $10 for a 10-minute ride. Ubers are a more affordable option and are available in several destinations in Costa Rica, including San Jose.
In our opinion, renting a car is the most enjoyable way to travel through Costa Rica. Costa Rica is a fantastic destination for a road trip, and with a rental car, you have the freedom to go wherever you please. Including insurance, you’ll likely spend around $62 per day for a regular car and approximately $73 per day for a 4×4. Interested in renting a car in Costa Rica? Check out our tips for renting a car in Costa Rica.
Costs for Activities, Tours, and Entrance Fees
Costa Rica is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, as there are plenty of exciting tours and activities to enjoy. Prices for tours and activities vary depending on what you choose to do. If you’re interested in experiencing the thrill of ziplining in Monteverde, expect to spend around $56. A fantastic day tour through Corcovado, including a full day of hiking with a guide, costs about $134. For horseback riding in Uvita, the price is approximately $73, and a turtle-watching tour in Tortuguero National Park is around $34.
Here’s another example: when you’re in La Fortuna, you’ll likely visit one or more hot springs. You can choose to relax in a free hot spring for the afternoon or visit a luxury hot spring for $78. Costa Rica is filled with fantastic national parks. Entrance fees are required for nine out of ten parks, and for the rest, they ask for a donation. A donation of $5 or more is common. The entrance fee for Manuel Antonio is $20. Cahuita National Park is free, but they ask for a donation. All beaches in Costa Rica are free, except for those within national parks. The total amount you’ll spend on activities, tours, and entrance fees depends on what you plan to do.
Accommodation Costs in Costa Rica
You have control over hotel costs as well, as you can choose to make it as extravagant as you’d like. Opting for a luxurious hotel with a beautiful pool and great location can cost you around $78 or more per night. If you decide on a good hotel or hostel with slightly fewer luxuries, prices usually range between $34 and $56 for a double room. A bed in a dormitory at a fun and popular hostel costs between $13 and $18 per night. To get an idea of hotel and hostel prices, you can check out our hostel and hotel tips.
If you have a more flexible budget or want to treat yourself to a special hotel stay, we’ve compiled a list of 10 extraordinary accommodations in Costa Rica. Stay in a treehouse, spend the night at a glamping lodge with a view of a volcano, or experience a cocoa plantation stay. Each of these options offers a unique and remarkable experience!
Good to know: Prices for many hotels and hostels vary depending on the season you book your stay. Prices can often rise during the high season and drop when the low season begins a month later.
Average Daily Costs in Costa Rica
It’s challenging to pinpoint the average costs of traveling in Costa Rica, as it greatly depends on your personal preferences and travel style. You can keep costs relatively low by avoiding expensive activities, cooking your own meals, occasionally dining at soda eateries, and staying in dormitories. In this case, you should budget around $56 per day. Opting for mid-range hostels and hotels, eating at both soda eateries and trendy restaurants, you’ll likely spend around $90 per day in Costa Rica. If you choose to dine at trendy restaurants multiple times a day, stay in luxury hotels, and engage in many exciting activities and tours, anticipate spending around $134 per day or more. As we mentioned before, it’s entirely up to you!
