Photo: Google Maps
Cost of Food in Costa Rica
Daily food budget: $10–$20 per person. Here's what meals actually cost.
Budget
$10
per person/day
Mid-range
$20
per person/day
Luxury
$44
per person/day
What Meals Cost
Casado (set meal)$5-8
Gallo pinto breakfast$3-5
Soda (local eatery) lunch$4-7
Tourist restaurant dinner$15-30
Money-Saving Food Tips
- ✓Eat at sodas (local family-run eateries) for casados under $6.
Dining in Costa Rica
Eating well in Costa Rica doesn't have to be expensive. Here's what to expect and how to make the most of your food budget:
- ✓Look for lunch specials — many restaurants offer set menus at lower prices during midday.
- ✓Street food and markets are the best value and often the most authentic local cuisine.
- ✓Ask locals for recommendations — tourist-area restaurants typically charge 30-50% more.
- ✓Self-catering for breakfast (grocery store bread, fruit, coffee) saves $5-15/day per person.
- ✓Use apps like Google Maps or TripAdvisor to find highly-rated budget restaurants nearby.