The average lunch with a sandwich, fries and drink will cost around 5,000 colones ($10). The average dinner – say spaghetti, pizza, steak, roasted chicken, or a rice and shrimp plate will cost around 7,500 colones ($15). Prices can go up depending on how elegant the restaurant is.

The cost of eating in Costa Rica in 2026 varies by venue. For a local, authentic experience, you visit a "Soda" (a small, family-run restaurant), where a "Casado" (a traditional plate of rice, beans, salad, plantain, and protein) costs between $6 and $10 (approx. 2,800 to 4,800 Colones). If you dine at a mid-range restaurant in a tourist hub like La Fortuna or Manuel Antonio, expect to pay $15 to $30 per person for a main course and a drink. High-end dining or resort meals can easily exceed $50 per person. Groceries are relatively expensive compared to other Central American countries because many items are imported, but buying local fruits and coffee at a "Feria" (farmers market) remains very affordable. Note that in 2026, a 10% service charge and a 13% sales tax are usually added to the bill, so the "menu price" might be nearly 25% lower than your final total.