How Much Does Costa Rica Cost in 2026?
Real 2026 prices for Costa Rica: daily budgets, car rental, park fees, food and where the money actually goes for a mid-range trip.
Costa Rica is the most expensive country in Central America to travel in, and the gap has widened since 2023. Here is where a mid-range budget actually goes in 2026.
Daily budget#
| Category | Budget/day (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 60–90 | Double room, mid-range guesthouse |
| Food | 25–40 | One casado lunch, one sit-down dinner |
| Local transport / fuel | 15–25 | If self-driving |
| Activities | 15–40 | Park entry, one guided tour every other day |
That lands most people at $110–150 per person per day, before flights and the rental car.
The car-rental trap#
Advertised rates of $12/day are real, but mandatory third-party liability
insurance (SLI) is not included and runs $15–25/day. Book direct with the
insurance shown, or you will argue about it at the counter.
Where you can save#
- Eat the
casado— a full plate of rice, beans, plantain and protein for $5–8 at asoda. - Travel between June and November for lower rates outside the driest weeks.
- Skip paid "hanging bridge" parks near Arenal; the national park trails cost less and deliver more wildlife.
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Build a free itineraryFrequently asked questions
Is Costa Rica expensive?+
For Central America, yes. A mid-range traveller should plan around $110–150 per person per day in 2026, excluding flights and car rental.
Should I pay in dollars or colones?+
Small local businesses give better value in colones. Hotels and tours quote dollars. Cards are widely accepted; carry some cash for rural areas.