Hey everyone! Last week we were able to catch up with a lot of friends, both traveling here and local friends visiting us on the beach. One thing we often hear from tourists is that Costa Rica is SO EXPENSIVE! And in many ways, it is! It’s easy to go over budget while traveling here, so it’s important to know your options—especially when you don’t want to spend $20 on a beachside hamburger or stay in a $5,000-per-night resort.
But don’t let that discourage you! You really can travel Costa Rica on a budget if you know how.
While Costa Rica is affordable in some ways, it’s the most expensive country in Central America. Many travelers are shocked by the prices and end up with hefty travel expenses. In this post, we’re sharing the best money-saving tips we’ve learned from years of living in and exploring all the hot spots in Costa Rica.
Below, we’ll cover:
✅ What to expect when traveling in Costa Rica on a standard budget
✅ How to save money on lodging, food, and tours
✅ Where to find local deals and hidden gems
If you’re from the United States or Europe, expect prices to be similar to what you’d pay back home. However, travel costs vary depending on your style—Costa Rica can be much cheaper if you plan wisely, but it can also get very expensive in tourist hubs.
Want to stretch your budget? Stay in more remote towns and avoid major tourist areas—this is the best way to save on accommodation, food, and activities!
What to Expect When Eating at Restaurants in Costa Rica
One of the biggest questions travelers ask when visiting Costa Rica is: “How much does food cost?” Costa Rica has a reputation for being expensive, and restaurant prices can definitely add up—especially in tourist hubs. But don’t worry! If you know where to go, you can eat delicious, authentic food on a budget.
Eating at Local Sodas: The Best Budget-Friendly Meals
The best way to eat well without breaking the bank is by visiting sodas—traditional Costa Rican restaurants that serve authentic, home-cooked meals at affordable prices.
💰 Price range: $5–$15 per meal
🍛 Must-try dishes at a soda:
- Casado ($6–$12): A balanced, hearty plate with rice, beans, salad, and your choice of meat (chicken, beef, fish, or pork).
- Chifrijo ($8): A filling bowl of rice, beans, crispy chicharrones (fried pork), pico de gallo, and tortilla chips.
- Ceviche ($10–$15): Freshly marinated seafood, perfect for a light meal.
- Whole fried fish ($15): A local specialty, often served with rice, beans, and plantains.
🍺 Drinks:
- A cerveza (beer) at a soda will cost $2–$5, while a craft beer in a tourist hub could cost $8+.
- Cocktails at touristy bars are around $10–$14.
Restaurant Prices in Tourist Hubs
If you want sushi, burgers, pasta, or international cuisine in popular beach towns like Tamarindo, Manuel Antonio, or Jaco, expect to pay:
💰 $12–$25 per meal at mid-range restaurants
🍸 Cocktails: $12+ each
For those who love trying all the restaurants without a budget in mind, expect to spend around $100 per day per person on food and drinks.
Budget Breakfast & Lunch Options
If you want to save money on food while still enjoying amazing meals, here are some great options:
🍳 Breakfast on a Budget
- Gallo Pinto breakfast with eggs & plantains ($5–$10) – A traditional breakfast found at sodas.
- Sweet or savory pastry with coffee ($4) – Get this from a local panadería (bakery), NOT a touristy “bakery” for the best deals.
- Fruit batido (smoothie) ($4) – A refreshing and healthy start to the day.
💡 Budget tip: If your hotel offers free breakfast, take advantage! It’s usually similar to a soda-style breakfast.
🥪 Cheap Lunch Options
- Empanada from a panadería or street vendor ($2)
- Pinchos (grilled meat skewers) from a street vendor ($2) – Adam has a Peligro Life video all about this delicious street meat! Click to watch.
- Casado from a soda ($8)
💡 Money-Saving Tip: To cut costs on beach days, eat a later breakfast and an early dinner, skipping a full lunch. If you get hungry, grab a cheap snack from a panadería.
LODGING
Costa Rica has a wide range of accommodation options, from budget hostels to luxury resorts. Here’s what to expect:
🏡 Airbnbs – Best for long stays
- We usually rent small Airbnbs for around $1,600/month, thanks to weekly and monthly discounts. This is a great option if you are looking to spend $300-1000 per week.
- Expect that a nice beach condo will cost $1,000+ per week.
🏨 Hotels & Lodges – For short stays
- Beach hotels & jungle lodges: $200–$400 per night (and more for high-end resorts).
🎒 Budget travelers – Stay in hostels or less luxurious hotels! – Just because a hotel isn’t super modern or have an ocean view, doesn’t mean it won’t have the Costa Rican charm you are looking for! We have stayed in some amazing places that are in nature and have more of a local vibe while saving money compared to a trendy hotel downtown.
- Dorm rooms: $10–$50 per night
- Private rooms (e.g., at Selina hostels): Under $100 per night
- Cabinas- many places will advertise “cabinas” which are a cheap way to travel and are usually in natural settings.
💡 Money-Saving Tip: If you walk into a hotel last-minute, they might offer a discount on empty rooms—especially in the low season. We once got a volcano-view villa at an all-inclusive hot spring resort for just $100 by asking at the front desk!
How Much Do Tours Cost?
Tours in Costa Rica can be pricey, so it’s important to budget:
🎟️ Guided tours: $40–$100 per person
🐒 Wildlife tours: $50+
🌋 Adventure tours (zip-lining, rafting, ATVs): $75+
🐠 Snorkeling or scuba diving: $80–$150
🎣 Fishing charters: $300–$1,200 per boat
💡 Money-Saving Tips for Tours:
- Skip tour companies if you have a rental car—you can drive to many waterfalls, national parks, and beaches yourself!
- Rent gear instead of booking excursions (e.g., surfboards, boogie boards, or snorkels).
- For fishing trips, ask local fishermen directly instead of booking online—we did this and have seen prices can drop from $1,200 to as low as $300 for a private trip.
- Nature is free! Take a beach day or go on a rain forest hike where you are sure to see many animals and make lots of memories!
Final Thoughts: Can You Travel Costa Rica on a Budget?
Absolutely! While Costa Rica is expensive compared to other Central American countries, you can travel on a budget by:
✅ Eating at local sodas & panaderías instead of tourist restaurants
✅ Booking Airbnbs or hostels instead of expensive hotels
✅ Finding DIY adventures instead of relying on paid tours
If you plan ahead, Costa Rica doesn’t have to drain your wallet! 💰🌴
Please comment if you have specific questions! And don’t forget to watch our Peligro Life youtube channel for more travel tips and wildlife experiences. – Look out for this Friday’s video on The Top Mistakes Tourists Make in Costa Rica!
PELIGRO LIFE 