How Much Are Meals, Drinks, Taxis and Other Daily Expenses in Costa Rica?
This depends on the type of traveler you are and what areas of Costa Rica you'll visit.
Many restaurants and grocery stores are slightly less expensive in Costa Rica than in the United States, but like most places, you get what you pay for.
Food and Dining Out
Keep in mind that most hotels offer a complimentary breakfast.
If you eat breakfast out, a typical small restaurant (called a "soda") will serve you rice and beans, eggs, and coffee/juice for about $3-5. You can expect a lunch or dinner to cost around $5-7. Costa Rica's staple meal is called a casado, and it includes rice, beans, salad, meat, maybe some plantains, and a savory sauce.
For a change of pace, you can find pizza, pasta, and steak in both typical and international restaurants. Top destinations (like Arenal, Monteverde, and Tamarindo always have plenty of options catering to international travelers. These meals will range in price from $8-15 per person. High-end restaurants have prices comparable to those in the United States.
Remember that the price of meals can vary quite a bit depending on your location. You can expect to pay less for restaurants in rural areas, and quite a bit more in popular beach towns like Tamarindo and Playa del Coco. When you're visiting these destinations you should budget to spend as much as you would in a beach town in the U.S.
Drinks
Beer or mixed drinks are about $2 - 4 at restaurants or typical bars. In fancy hotels or upscale restaurants, drinks can be 2 to 3 times as much.
Water is about $1 for a 20 oz bottle and $1.75 for a 60 oz bottle, while sodas and juices are similar to U.S. prices.
Taxis
Taxi rides are reasonably priced, and cost between $1-1.50 per kilometer.
Shopping and Souvenirs
T-shirts are around $10, and bags of coffee usually cost $7. Souvenir shops near the Costa Rica's top beaches have prices similar to those in the U.S.
Related Questions
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Destinations: Where to Go in Costa Rica
Deciding where to go in Costa Rica can be a bit overwhelming, because the country’s incredible biodiversity and variable climate offers a multitude of places to explore and enjoy. Nature enthusiasts will be in heaven as they walk through cloud forests, and wildlife havens such as the Caño Negro Refuge wetlands. Adventurers will get their adrenaline fix whitewater rafting over roaring rapids, zooming through evergreen forests on a zip line, and braving the jungle after dark on rainforest night tours. The beauty of Costa Rica is that the answer to the question “Where to Visit in Costa Rica?” is: everywhere! You can’t go wrong, because the country offers something for every traveller. Going with the family? You'll enjoy wildlife and adventure tours in the Arenal Volcano region of La Fortuna. Planning a couple's getaway? Treat yourselves to the beaches of Tamarindo. The magic and beauty of Costa Rica is that you can plan almost any type of holiday. So, whether you're in search of rest and relaxation, a place to stay near the airport when you’re in-country on business, or the chance to see a volcano or toucan up-close, we have the solutions for all of your Costa Rica travel needs.
Costa Rica Luxury Hotels
Expect only the best from these exclusive lodging options in Costa Rica. As luxury hotels, the accommodations are 100% invested in customer satisfaction and quality service, striving to meet an exceptionally high standard. Often, specialty restaurants and a wide variety of guest services make these hotel properties and resorts a distinctive treat.
Costa Rica Hotels
Costa Rica is all you've heard and more — from adventure vacations to romantic getaways, and family trips to solo travel, part of the magic of Costa Rica is that it almost seems to transform itself based on your travel needs. You can explore mountains, cloud forests, beaches, and more. In each of these unique destinations, you'll find hotels to match your activities and personality. Enjoy a honeymoon or anniversary of romance and indulgence when you stay in Uvita or Dominical, or a sustainable adventure for two when you find yourselves in Sarapiqui or Drake Bay. Perhaps the person you're celebrating and learning to love again is yourself; Costa Rica can accommodate your inner journey. Choose a hotel that offers yoga courses or a full-fledged yoga retreat — you can find them all over the country, from Tamarindo to Arenal. Want to take the family on a vacation where everyone can unplug? How about lodgings that double as working farms? Costa Rica's farm hotels will have you in the heart of the country — explore destinations including Arenal, Monteverde, and San Isidro General. Not only will you enjoy peace and quiet, you can even teach the children about sustainability and where their food comes from. The best part? Most farms offer an opportunity to assist with some of the chores, so you'll get to know the animals and harvest some of the produce you've been enjoying! Wherever you choose to stay, you won't be too far from adventures such as zip lining through rainforests, observing amazing wildlife in cloud forests, trekking across mountains and volcanoes, and napping on beaches. Your perfect vacation begins with the perfect hotel, and both are waiting for you in beautiful Costa Rica.
Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna
The charming and welcoming town of La Fortuna is a perfect getaway for families, couples, and friends. The only requisite is that you love outdoor adventure! So if you can’t wait to spend your vacation in the fresh air, biking, kayaking, hiking, and more, then discover why the Arenal region is just what you need. Best of all, you can enjoy luxe accommodations that boast volcanic views, and pamper yourself with a luxurious soak in a hot spring. Nature is waiting for you, and she’s easy to find when you book your Arenal adventure with Anywhere.
Monteverde Costa Rica Vacations
Heed the call of the great outdoors and let your next vacation take you to beautiful Monteverde, Costa Rica. Home to cool, misty cloud forests, and deep green foliage almost everywhere you look, there’s no mistaking that you’ve stepped away from everyday life. If spending time in nature is at the top of your travel to-do list, then you’ll get your fill of adventure in this part of Costa Rica’s Central Highlands. From zip lining across a canopy to tours of coffee plantations, there are plenty of activities to keep you moving in the fresh air.
Playa Del Coco
Coco Beach (Playa del Coco) is well known for its popularity with Costa Rica's youth. Seeking fun in the sun, many people pack the beach from end to end on weekends. Although the town is only a small fishing village, Coco has built great tourism infrastructure, and it is one of the most frequently visited locations in the country with plenty of tours and activities to do. Its white-grey sands sit in a horseshoe-bay and stretch three kilometers to Centinela Point.
Tamarindo
Once a quiet surf beach and fishing hamlet, Tamarindo is now a beach town with the infrastructure Western travelers have come to expect. Located on the Central West Coast of Guanacaste, Tamarindo still boasts unspoilt beaches and incredible biodiversity — despite the town’s recent and ongoing development. Come for fun in the sun and stay for the laid back vibe that is so characteristic of the region.
