Costa Rica is not the most budget-friendly destination in Central America, but there are ways to make your dollar last here.Â
They have their own currency, the Costa Rica Colones, but USD is widely accepted. Prices will generally be listed in both Colones and USD. Here are some average prices on what you can expect to pay in Costa Rica (all prices listed in USD).
Accommodation: A budget hostel in Costa Rica is going to cost you between $15-20/night for a dorm bed.
You can get a mid-range private room in a guest house hotel for around $25-50, while hotels can cost anywhere from $100-1000. There are some luxurious resorts in Costa Rica.
FREE Accommodation:
Couchsurfing is used in Costa Rica, which is a great way to save money and connect with locals. Another great way to save money on accommodation is by joining TrustedHousesitters. I have come across several housesits in Costa Rica.
Food:Â A typical plate consisting of rice, beans, chicken and salad will cost you around $5 at a ‘Soda’ which is just a local restaurant you can find throughout the country. These are the cheapest places to eat.Â
Eating Western food is much more expensive, and will cost you around $10-20 USD for a meal. Groceries in Costa Rica are affordable, so cooking is a great way to save money.
Water: You can actually drink the water in Costa Rica! Bring a reusable water bottle with you so you can fill up on the move.
This is one of the best ways to save money in Costa Rica as bottled water will cost you between $1-3 per bottle. Plus it’s a ton of plastic that doesn’t have to be used! If you aren’t sure about the water, you could always use a product like lifestraw.
Beer: A local beer is going to cost you around $2-3.
Tours: Day tours can be expensive in Costa Rica, expect to pay around $50-100 depending on what it is.
There are many natural attractions and national parks you can visit on your own. Most will still have entrance fees, but these are usually only around $10-20.
Overall Daily Budget: The first time I visited Costa Rica I spent around $100 a day, but we rented a car, slept in private rooms, and did tours almost every day.
The second time I visited Costa Rica I only spent an average of $50/a day. It was so much cheaper because I was staying in dorms, taking local transport (with a few shuttles), and only doing tours every couple of days.
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