COSTA RICA TRAVEL COSTS

Average Prices for Hotels in Costa Rica

Basic and budget hotels

$35-$75. This includes a private room with hot water, AC, and a private bathroom. Some may also have private rooms with shared bathrooms.

Mid-range hotels

$90-150. Mid-range hotels usually include hot breakfast, AC, hot water, Wi-Fi, cable, a coffee maker, a mini fridge, and basic bathroom amenities.

Boutique hotels

Starting around $250 and up. Boutique hotels usually have a great view, an on-site restaurant, hot water, hot breakfast included, a fridge, a coffee maker, full bathroom amenities, and an infinity pool. Not all 4-star hotels are built the same, however, some are boutique and locally owned, while others are international chains.

All-inclusive resorts

Starting around $250 per person, all-inclusive resorts have a variety of food choices from buffets to a la carte restaurants, multiple pools, nighttime entertainment, a gym, a shopping center, child care, a business center, and daytime activities.

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation

• Many standard hotels in Costa Rica offer a hot breakfast included.
• Travel during the off/rainy season (generally May to November). However, the first and second week of July is considered high season because the schools have two weeks off for mid-summer break. August to October doesn’t see many US/Canadians but it is a popular time for Europeans on the Caribbean side. September and October are the cheapest months since they are the lowest months in tourism.
• Like the hotel’s Facebook or Instagram. Many of them throw promotions exclusively on their social media platforms, especially now with COVID.
• Look on VRBO or Airbnb for alternative lodging options. You can find many apartments/condos/rooms for a similar or cheaper price and you can save money by cooking and eating in. Read our guide to using Airbnb in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Transportation Costs

There are a few ways to get around Costa Rica.

Flying

There are several domestic airlines such as Sansa and Green Airways. Depending on the time of year and route, flights range from about $70-$250 one way per person.

Public transportation

The bus system in Costa Rica is very reasonably priced, though not always super timely or convenient. It is an adventure though! You can hop on a city bus for $1 (500 colones) across town, or across the country for around $10 USD (5,00 colones).

Taxis

A good option for short trips, definitely not for long ones. Make sure they use the meter. Here are Yeison’s tips on taking a taxi in Costa Rica. Uber is very common in San Jose and is also found in Quepos, Jaco, La Fortuna, Liberia, Playas del Coco, and Tamarindo.

Shuttle

Shared and private shuttles in Costa Rica are a good way to get around. Shared shuttles are about $59 USD per adult and private shuttles can be anywhere from $90 – $350 USD depending on the number of passengers and the destination.

Car rental

Renting a car in Costa Rica, can get very expensive, and unfortunately, prices have gone up due to COVID. Do your research to see what kind of car you need for your trip and the total price you’ll pay. A one-week car rental for a Hyundai Accent automatic (4-door sedan) can run around $400-500 and a 4wd/4×4 SUV can run around $700-800 a week. Prices vary depending on the time of year, type of transmission, insurance, fees, taxes, and extras which are not reflected in the examples above.

Tours

If you want to do something like ziplining, white water rafting, or sailing, you need to book a tour. You can skip tours to save money but the trip may not be as fun or fulfilling. It’s always worth it to book tours catered to your specific interests. Our expert travel advisors will be happy to give you tour options in Costa Rica.

Popular activities and costs

• Ziplining: $55-85 per person. Usually, no meals or snacks are included.
• 1-day White water rafting: $80-129 per person including lunch.
• Sunset sailing: $70-115 per person for a half-day tour which includes lunch, snacks, drinks, and snorkel equipment.
• Half-day sport fishing: $500 including equipment, snacks (depending on the type of boat).
• 2-tank certified dive: $115 per adult.
• Combo adventure tour (zipline, horseback riding, lunch, mud baths, hot springs, tubing): $105 without transportation and guide, $140-185 per adult with transportation and guide.
• Canyoning (waterfall rappel): $100-115 per person.
• National Park entrance fee: $6-$18 per foreign adult. Cahuita National Park is free!
• Guided hike with transportation and guide: $59 per person depending on the destination.
• 2-hour surf lesson: $40-60 per person including board rental. A 24-hour rental costs around $25 without insurance.
• Horseback riding: $60-90 per person depending on the length and location.

Food

Food costs vary in the country. Touristic areas are no doubt more expensive than local or rural areas. An average lunch in a tourist beach town can be around $10 USD including taxes and a drink.

Average food costs

• Rice and beans and Carne en salsa costs 2500 colones ($5).
• A smoothie: $1.50 (800 colones). A milkshake or special fruit smoothie can be a bit more (2000 CRC).
• Local beer: $2.25 (1,200 colones). Craft beer costs much more, around 3-4,000 colones per beer ($5-7).
• Traditional breakfast: $5 (3,000 colones).
• Traditional lunch: $7 (4,000 colones).
• A 1750 ml bottle of water: $2 (1,000 colones).

Overall Cost of Traveling in Costa Rica

Here is an idea of what your trip will be like according to a very general budget (not including airfare) per person:

• $30-$50 a day: You have to travel quite minimally. Sleep in a bed in a dorm or cheap hotel, eat at bakeries or local restaurants, and around the beach. No full-day tours.
• $75-$100 a day: Upgrade to a private room in a hostel, have a couple of beers, and a surf lesson or two.
• $150-175 a day: You’re looking at a nice mid-range hotel, a few tours, and renting a car. Includes meals at places other than sodas and more cocktails or even some craft beer.
• $200-375: You’re looking for a nice hotel or resort, guided tours, renting a car, or hiring a private shuttle and dinners at more expensive restaurants.
• $400 and up: At this price, you will probably be staying at an all-inclusive or a very upscale, luxury resort, having nice dinners and booking many tours.