costa rica cost of travel

Costa Rica Guide

Travel information and maps, how much does costa rica cost.

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.  On the other end of the spectrum, backpackers can spend as little as $250 a week for a dorm room and plate of beans.

Choose Price Range: Cheap | Economical | Superior

The descriptions below give a good general idea of how much it will cost to travel in Costa Rica in 2020.  The average per day costs include food, lodging, activities and transportation within Costa Rica.  The costs per person per day or per week do NOT include airfare ( see why ) and do NOT include alcohol or other incidentals .

These are average prices and you can probably expect to spend about 5-10% less in low season (May-Nov), 5-10% more in high season (Dec-April) and up to 50% more for the peak travel times around Christmas, Easter and New Years.

NOTE: July 1, 2019 – Costa Rica imposed a new 13% value added tax .  For some travel related items the tax will phase it at 4% for 2020, 8% for 2021 and 13% for 2022.  The rate is determined when you make payments, not when you travel so consider saving with reservations well in advance.

Super Cheap

This price range requires public buses, dormitories or hostels and grocery stores or fast food.  Reservations are not accepted at most accommodations in this price range and public transportation in Costa Rica is first come first served (no online reservation systems).  Flexibility while traveling is key to saving money.

$25 a person per day – Rock Bottom

If you plan to stay pretty much in one place, just want a dorm bed each night ($10-18), a couple of plates of rice and beans ($3-5) each day and can entertain yourself by walking along the beach you can probably get by for around $20 to $40 a day.

$220 – $420 per person ground costs for 8 to 10 days after adding minimal transportation from airport to beach.  Add miraculously low airfare at $250-$350 round trip (requires extremely flexible dates and a lot of luck) and you may be able to visit for under $500 per person plus incidentals .

$45-80 a person per day – Backpacker

I traveled the continent in the era of Arthur Frommer’s Europe on $5 a day but the same trip would be closer to $80-$100 per person per day now.  Backpackers do a bit better in Costa Rica but five bucks won’t get you through the first couple of hours of an average day.

If you’d like to try a canopy tour ($70), rent a surf board ($15), take a hike through a National Park ($7-$25 entrance + $25 to $40 pp for a guide), add a couple of beers ($2-$4) with your evening meal ($8-$15 to step up from rice and beans) and hop on the public bus ($4-16) to check out a few different areas you should double your budget to at least $50 per person per day.

There’s nearly always an unexpected expensive day when the cheapest hostel is full so you have to  step up or the bus schedule was wrong so you have to blow $40 on a taxi.

$400 to $590 per person for 7 days…$600 to $850 for 10 days plus super cheap airfare $450-$550 (usually requires flexible dates and some luck) for a total trip cost that could be under $1,000 per person plus incidentals .

The economical price range introduces some latitude and allows choices of transportation and lodging.  Many hotels and lodges in this price range accept reservations and you may be able to find some VRBO or other rental houses or condos that are affordable if you have 3-4 people in your group.  Estimates below assume at least double occupancy so if you’re a solo traveler adjust accordingly.

$90-150 a person per day – Budget

Move up to a private room and a hot water shower ($50-$150 double), a guide with a spotting scope to point out the birds while you’re hiking in the National Park ($25 to $40 pp), a couple of days with a 4×4 rental ($45-$80 per day depending on location, duration time of year and insurance options ) to check out an off the beaten path destination and a white water rafting trip ($60-$100) and you’ve about doubled the money again.

$630 to $1,050 ground costs per person  for 7 days  plus airfare.  If you have very flexible dates or plan at least 6 months in advance you may be able to find airfare as low as $450 per person but a more reasonable estimate is probably $600-$700.  Total trip cost of $1,100 to $1,700 per person plus incidentals assuming double occupancy.

Increased convenience, reliability, and efficiency are all included in the higher price ranges.  Advance reservations are recommended unless you’re traveling in the off season .  Even if you love planning and want to make all of your own reservations and arrangements it’s worth talking to someone who knows the country and can help you avoid mistakes like signing up for a week at an All Inclusive resort six hours away from the cloud forest you want to see.

$170-250 a person per day – Superior

A budget of around $200 per person per day buys you a great vacation in Costa Rica with superior lodging ($125-$275) in unique settings, comfortable transportation (either chauffeured or rental SUV) and enough tours and activities to discover the best of Costa Rica and get back to the lodge happily exhausted each night.

$1,200 to $1,600 per person ground costs for 7 days plus airfare and incidentals .  Getting a reasonably good deal on airfare (less than $750 per person) will push to the grand total to $1,900 to $2,500 per person double occupancy for a superior class Costa Rica vacation.

$275-500 a person per day – Deluxe/Luxury

Double your budget one more time and you’ve bought yourself luxurious surroundings and pampering, a day of deep sea fishing or scuba diving to add to your activities and a domestic flight to give you an extra day on the beach instead of in the car.  Of course if you want a fishing charter and 18 holes of golf with a caddie every day you can push the budget even higher.

$1,925 to $5,000 ground costs per person for 7 days plus airfare. 

Not Included – Incidental Items – Costa Rica Travel Budget

Alcohol and a few other things we haven’t included because they’re unpredictable or optional.

• Souvenirs and shopping.  Even t-shirts can run $25 so if you have children, grand kids, nieces and nephews it can add up fast.
• Alcohol.  The upper price ranges above include a beer or glass of wine with a meal, but if you’re going to spend an entire afternoon sipping $16 Piña Coladas under a palm tree or order $200 bottles of wine then increase your budget accordingly.
• Cell phone.  If you can live without it you can save a lot.  Otherwise there are international calling plans that range from free to $10 per phone per day.
• Rental Car Insurance and damage waivers.  We always use the insurance included with our credit card because for us it gives the best possible coverage and it’s free.  If you decide your best option is the insurance and/or waiver offered by the rental agency it can add between $25 and $95 a day.
• Excess banking fees.  Using airport ATMs and paying international transaction fees could add up to 10% to your total cost so we recommend avoiding them with these tips .
• Travel Insurance or Emergencies.  Travel insurance can run from 5% to 15% of the total trip cost depending on how much you want covered and how liberal the payout policies are.  An emergency room visit and a last minute ticket home because of a broken leg could cost thousands.
• Splurges.  If you decide to take a helicopter ride along the coast or upgrade to a beachfront suite you could spend an extra few hundred bucks in a few minutes.
• Mistakes.  Mistakes can be very costly so give our list a quick read and avoid the most common ones.
• Nickle and Dime.  Little costs can add up to between $50 and $600 per couple (airport taxi or car service $80 x2, public transport to airport $8 x 4, airport parking $120 per week, one checked bag each RT $50 x 4, one carry-on each $25 x 4, seat assignment $25 x 4, wi-fi $5 x 4 hours etc.)

Families with small children will find some savings available especially if everyone piles into the same room.  We’ve written a separate article on family budgets for Costa Rica vacations that will help provide an accurate estimate.

Another Way to Estimate

The categories above should give you a pretty good idea of what you can expect to get based on how much you have to spend but we’ve also looked at figuring a budget.  Use the average cost of lodging, transportation, tours & activities , add in food & drink costs then see our suggestions on how to get the cheapest airline tickets to come up with a total cost of travel for your family or group .

International Airfare to Get There

One of the most variable numbers in your budget will be the cost of international airfare to get there ( see tips on saving ).  We consider anything between $500 and $600 round trip pretty reasonable from the U.S. and that’s what we used for the total trip costs for seven or ten days shown above.

Most direct flights from the U.S. to Costa Rica originate in Miami, Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles or Denver.  We’ve seen round trip tickets priced from $250 to $850 from these gateway cities to the main airport in San José Costa Rica (SJO) for 2019.  Flying into the other international airport outside Liberia (LIR) near the northwest beaches of Guanacaste is used to be more expensive but now prices are similar.

If you’re not flying from one of the cities with direct service you’ll pay an additional $100-$200 for the first leg of your flight so anything under $500 round trip to SJO and anything under $550 round trip to LIR from cities like New York or Chicago is a great deal.

Because it’s so easy for individuals to find their own airfare bargains, travel packages almost never include airfare.  Most custom agency planned vacations start when you’re met by a driver at the airport in Costa Rica and end when you’re dropped off for your departing flight.  If you don’t have a favorite flight searcher (or even if you do) we recommend kayak.com for quick comprehensive searches of dozens of airlines lowest fares with flexible dates.

• Travel Planning Guide

How much does a trip to Costa Rica Cost?

How much money should you budget for your trip to Costa Rica?

• How much does a one-week trip to Costa Rica cost?
• How much does a two-week trip to Costa Rica cost?
• How much does a one-month trip to Costa Rica cost?
• Hostel Prices
• Hotel Prices

The Cost of a Trip to Costa Rica

A trip to Costa Rica for one person usually costs between $47 and $301 per day and $94 to $601 for two people. This is a wide range of costs, and the daily average per person from our data is $119 (₡60,578) per person. This average includes food, accommodation, sightseeing, and local transportation expenses contributed from other travelers. Prices can vary based on travel style and activities. While the overall price for a trip to Costa Rica is dependent on your personal travel style and the specific places you visit, if you book standard accommodation and travel with an average level of convenience, then your budget should be somewhere within this range. Also, the prices for individual destinations such as San Jose, Quepos, and Jaco may vary, but generally fall somewhat close to this range. Below you can find a breakdown of travel expenses by category, plus a comparison of guided tour costs versus traveling independently.

If you're considering an independent trip to Costa Rica, it's helpful to have an idea of the amount of money you'll need. For budget travelers, planning to spend around $47 (₡23,924) per day should cover your essential expenses, including affordable accommodations like hostels and budget hotels, cost-effective meal options, local transportation, and affordable activities. For those with a mid-range budget, allocating around $119 (₡60,578) per day would allow for more comfortable hotels, dining at typical restaurants, and exploring a range of popular attractions. Luxury travelers, on the other hand, should anticipate a daily budget of $301 (₡153,333), which would encompass higher-end accommodations, dining at nicer restaurants, and indulging in private tour options. It's worth noting that these price ranges are based on extensive travel cost data for Costa Rica from fellow travelers, as well as insights from travel companies regarding hotel and tour prices. For further details on travel costs, you can refer to our comprehensive travel cost data for Costa Rica .

How much does a one week trip to Costa Rica cost?

When planning a one-week trip to Costa Rica, most visitors to Costa Rica spend between $328 and $2,104 for their trip, with the average cost falling around $831. This estimate includes essential aspects such as sightseeing, local transportation, food, and accommodations. With a full week, you'll have sufficient time to explore one, two, or possibly three locations within Costa Rica, depending on the amount of time you want to spend in each place. The most popular places worth considering are San Jose , Quepos , and Jaco . Keep in mind that these numbers are based on overall averages and may vary depending on your individual preferences.

How much does a two week trip to Costa Rica cost?

With two weeks, you should budget between $656 and $4,207 for your trip to Costa Rica. The average price for a two week trip is $1,662. Two weeks will allow you enough time to visit between three and five places. If you're on a budget, you might want to consider some of the more affordable places such as San Jose, Santa Elena, and La Fortuna.

How much does a one month trip to Costa Rica cost?

With a month-long trip to Costa Rica, expenses can be anywhere from $1,407 to $9,016 with the average being $3,562. The cost of travel is dependent on your overall style of travel. If you have a full month, you'll likely want to stay at a vacation rental with a kitchen during at least part of your trip so that you can prepare your own meals. Backpackers often prefer hostels for the same reason. Hostels also offer a more social atmosphere at a very affordable price range.

Hostel Prices in Costa Rica

With more than 90 hostels in Costa Rica, the average price is $16 per night for a dorm bed. Hostels are a terrific option for younger independent travelers looking to save money while staying social during their trip. With many types of hostels, it can be overwhelming to sort out the best places, though. Our analysis of the hostels in Costa Rica not only found the average price, but also uncovered some surprises about the overall quality, amenities, and atmosphere of hostels in the region. You can see more details from our analysis about typical hostel prices in Costa Rica here .

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Costa Rica.

• $10 for a dorm bed at Costa Rica Backpackers in San Jose more details
• $18 for a dorm bed at Room2Board Hostel and Surf School in Jaco more details
• $20 for a dorm bed at CASA PURA VIDA SURF HOSTEL in Tamarindo more details

Hotel Prices in Costa Rica

You'll find a wide range of hotel options across Costa Rica. Below are prices for some of the destinations, and for more details see our analysis of hotel costs in Costa Rica .

Hotel Club del Mar Oceanfront

Hotel arenal kioro suites & spa.

Should you do an organized tour or travel independently in Costa Rica?

When planning a trip to Costa Rica, there are two primary options to choose from: organized tours and independent travel. Organized tours offer a convenient and hassle-free experience, as all the details of your trip are handled by travel experts. Additionally, you'll have the benefit of an expert guide who can provide valuable insights and knowledge during your journey. This option is often favored by travelers who appreciate the convenience and ease it offers, with many tours providing transportation and expert guides to enhance the overall experience.

On the other hand, independent travel provides a different set of advantages. It offers a higher level of freedom and flexibility, allowing you to customize your itinerary and explore at your own pace. This option appeals to travelers who value the ability to make spontaneous decisions and have more control over their travel plans. The independence of traveling on your own can provide a sense of adventure and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture on a deeper level.

Ultimately, the choice between organized tours and independent travel depends on your personal preferences and travel style. Consider your desired level of convenience, the amount of guidance you prefer, and the level of flexibility you seek when making your decision. Both options have their own merits, and the decision should be based on what aligns best with your travel goals and preferences.

Comparing Trip Costs in Costa Rica

When we compare the prices of organized tours to the average costs of independent travelers, we can see that sometimes the prices are fairly even.

Tours vs. independent Travel: Pros & Cons

Organized tours.

• An expert guide familiar with the culture
• Convenient transportation
• Fellow travelers to socialize with
• Well researched activities
• Efficient and thought out itinerary
• The security of have a trip leader if something goes wrong
• Limited options
• Usually not customizable
• The fast pace often means you can’t visit one place in depth
• Usually more expensive than independent travel
• There may be limited time to interact with the local culture and community

Independent Travel

• Completely customizable
• Opportunity to visit off-the-beaten-path destinations
• Can fully immerse yourself in the local culture
• Freedom to move at your own pace
• Flexibility to change your itinerary at any time
• More affordable
• Challenging to plan an efficient itinerary
• Transportation may be challenging or inefficient
• Booking and trip planning can be a hassle
• Popular sights may sell out well in advance
• If something goes wrong, you're on your own

Are organized tours more expensive than independent travel in Costa Rica?

Organized tours average $212 per day in Costa Rica, and are generally all-inclusive with one large payment. Independent trips usually average $119 (₡60,578) per day, and include individual payments to hotels, local transportation, food, and sightseeing. When compared, organized tours and independent trips each come with their own set of challenges and benefits. It's important to understand all aspects of both types of trips to make a fair comparison. You can see our thorough analysis of tour prices in Costa Rica here .

Here are a few sample tours in Costa Rica:

• Ultimate Escape ($1,836) 11 days, 8 destinations more details
• Monkeys, Jungles and Volcanoes (8 Days, Departure Transfer Manuel Antonio To San Jose) ($2,545) 8 days, 7 destinations more details
• Monkeys, Jungles and Volcanoes (8 Days) ($2,795) 8 days, 6 destinations more details
• Costa Rica Cycling Tour (e-Bikes) ($4,065) 10 days, 9 destinations more details
• Pura Vida Costa Rica - Premium Adventure ($7,650) 13 days, 8 destinations more details

More for Costa Rica

If you're planning a trip to Costa Rica, check out these other informative travel guides.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works .

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1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis. 2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis. For example, the Food 2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment 1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.

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