Explore Costa Rica

Cost To Visit Costa Rica: Complete 2026 Budget Guide

This 2026 Costa Rica travel cost guide breaks down what you’ll spend on accommodations, food, tours, and transportation to help you plan your visit.

Planning a trip to Costa Rica and wondering what it will cost you? You're in the right place!

Is Costa Rica Expensive to Visit?

Yes—for Central America, Costa Rica is considered expensive. It’s often called the "Switzerland of Central America" due to its stunning landscapes—and higher prices. Compared to U.S. destinations, it’s still more affordable, but it’s not as cheap as Guatemala or Nicaragua.

Costa Rica’s focus on eco-tourism, national parks, and sustainability has driven up the cost of tours and lodging. That said, there’s still something for every budget, from dorm beds to luxury jungle lodges.

In this guide, we’ll break down:

Peak vs. off-season pricing
Accommodation, food, transport, and attraction costs
Most and least expensive regions to stay
Full daily and weekly budget breakdowns

Seasonal Cost

Costa Rica has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, which greatly affect prices.

Peak Season (Mid-December – April)

Dry season = most popular time to visit
Sunny weather on Pacific coast and in the Central Valley
Highest prices for flights, hotels, and tours
Book early for popular spots like Manuel Antonio or La Fortuna

Shoulder Season (May – early July & November)

Rain increases, but often just afternoon showers
Green landscapes and fewer tourists
More affordable accommodations and tours

Off-Season (August – October)

Peak rainy season (especially on Pacific side)
Some areas become muddy or hard to access
Lowest hotel and flight prices, but weather is hit or miss
Caribbean coast (e.g., Puerto Viejo) is actually drier during this time

Most Expensive Times To Visit Costa Rica

Christmas & New Year (Dec 20 – Jan 5) – highest demand and pricing
Semana Santa / Holy Week (March or April) – major local holiday
Spring Break (March) – popular with North American travelers

Cheapest Months To Visit Costa Rica

May – early June – shoulder season savings
September – October – lowest prices (except Caribbean coast)
Early November – transitional weather and good deals

Not A Member? ✈️

Save 40%-95% with Jetsetter Alerts - Airline Mistake Fare & Flash Sales Alerts!

Get Personalized Airfare Alerts

Where You Stay

Location makes a big difference. Tourist hotspots are more expensive, while less developed regions offer better deals.

Most Expensive Areas To Stay

Manuel Antonio / Quepos
- Beach town with rainforest & national park
- High-end eco-resorts, boutique hotels
- Near: Manuel Antonio National Park, beaches, wildlife
La Fortuna / Arenal
- Hot springs resorts and volcano views
- Lots of adventure tours = premium pricing
- Near: Arenal Volcano, hot springs, waterfalls
Santa Teresa
- Remote surf/beach town on Nicoya Peninsula
- Luxury villas and yoga retreats
- Near: Beaches, surf schools, tide pools

Affordable Areas To Stay

San José (Capital City)
- Large selection of hostels, hotels, and Airbnbs
- Good base for day trips to volcanoes or coffee farms
- Near: Museums, Poás Volcano, cultural attractions
Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast)
- Chill beach town with Afro-Caribbean vibe
- Budget-friendly hostels and cabins
- Near: Cahuita National Park, wildlife rescue centers
Monteverde
- Cloud forest region with eco-lodges and mid-range hotels
- More affordable than Arenal
- Near: Hanging bridges, ziplining, birdwatching

Cheapest Areas To Stay

Dominical / Uvita
- Less commercialized beach towns on the southern Pacific coast
- Hostels, surf lodges, and jungle cabins
- Near: Marino Ballena National Park, waterfalls
Turrialba
- Off-the-beaten-path coffee and volcano region
- Cheap guesthouses and mountain stays
- Near: Turrialba Volcano, whitewater rafting
San Isidro de El General
- Inland town with local vibes and very low prices
- Good stop for mountain travelers heading south

Costa Rica Vacation Costs

Below is a detailed breakdown of average travel expenses.

Average Accommodation Cost (Per Night)

Budget Traveler
- Dorm beds, hostels, basic guesthouses
- ₡7,000–₡18,000 / $13–$32 USD
Moderate Traveler
- 2–3 star hotels, eco-lodges, Airbnbs
- ₡25,000–₡60,000 / $45–$110 USD
Luxury Traveler
- 4–5 star resorts, private villas, all-inclusive eco-resorts
- ₡80,000–₡250,000+ / $140–$450+ USD

Food Cost (Per Person, Per Day)

Budget
- Local sodas (small diners), bakeries, supermarkets
- ₡4,000–₡6,000 / $7–$11 USD
Moderate
- Mix of local and mid-range restaurants
- ₡8,000–₡14,000 / $14–$25 USD
Luxury
- Fine dining, seafood, resort restaurants
- ₡20,000+ / $35+ USD

Transportation Cost

Local Buses
- Reliable and cheap
- ₡400–₡2,000 / $0.70–$3.50 USD per ride
Shuttle Services (Intercity)
- Shared tourist vans between major towns
- ₡15,000–₡30,000 / $25–$55 USD
Car Rental
- Essential for exploring rural areas
- ₡30,000–₡60,000 / $55–$110 USD per day
- Add insurance costs and 4x4 required in some regions
Taxis / Uber
- Uber available in San José
- ₡3,000–₡8,000 / $5–$14 USD average ride

Attractions

National Park Entrance Fees – ₡1,500–₡8,000 / $3–$15 USD
Ziplining or Canopy Tours – ₡28,000–₡45,000 / $50–$80 USD
Hot Springs (Arenal) – ₡12,000–₡28,000 / $22–$50 USD
Wildlife Tours / Night Walks – ₡12,000–₡20,000 / $22–$36 USD
Surf Lessons (Jaco or Tamarindo) – ₡20,000–₡30,000 / $35–$55 USD

Day Trips From Major Cities

From San José
- Poás Volcano – $15 entry, + transport/tour: $30–$60 USD
- La Paz Waterfall Gardens – Entry: $50 USD
- Coffee Farm Tours – $25–$40 USD
From La Fortuna
- Arenal Volcano Hike + Hot Springs – $55–$90 USD
- La Fortuna Waterfall – Entry: ₡8,000 / $15 USD
- Whitewater Rafting – $70–$95 USD
From Manuel Antonio
- National Park Guided Tour – ₡15,000 / $27 USD
- Mangrove Kayak Tour – ₡25,000 / $45 USD

Daily Budget (Per Person)

Budget Traveler
- Dorm bed, soda meals, bus transport, free hikes
- $35–$60 USD per day
Moderate Traveler
- Hotel or lodge, local + Western meals, 1–2 guided tours
- $90–$140 USD per day
Luxury Traveler
- Resort, private tours, rental car or private driver
- $200–$400+ USD per day

Weekly Budget (7 Days)

Budget Level	Lodging	Food	Transport	Attractions	Total (USD)
Budget	$100–$200	$60–$90	$40–$70	$40–$60	$240–$420
Moderate	$300–$600	$100–$150	$100–$150	$100–$200	$600–$1,100
Luxury	$1,000+	$250+	$200+	$200+	$1,650+

Flight Cost

Round-trip flights from the U.S. to San José (SJO) or Liberia (LIR):

Peak Season: $500–$800
Shoulder Season: $350–$600
Off-Season: $300–$500