VanLife
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Costa Rica

Costa Rica

Current Index
95
vs World Average
-5%
Official (IMF + World Bank)

What this means for vanlife

Food in Costa Rica is close to the world average (index 95). Grocery costs are typical — budget as you normally would.

↑ Year-over-year change: +2% 2026

Index History

70 90 110 World = 100 2015 2018 2021 2024 2027
Index:

Based on World Bank ICP 2021, adjusted with IMF CPI

Compare with Costa Rica

Costa Rica
95
World (base = 100)
100

If you spend 100 at home:

100

Select home and destination countries to compare food costs

Similar Countries

Uruguay 95 -5%
Lebanon 95 -5%
Montenegro 95 -5%
Poland 96 -4%
Philippines 93.2 -6.8%

More countries in Americas

Argentina 70 -30%
Colombia 72 -28%
Peru 75 -25%
Brazil 78 -22%
Panama 88 -12%
Mexico 88 -12%

FAQ

Is food expensive in Costa Rica?

Food in Costa Rica is close to the world average. The VanBasket Index is 95 (world = 100).

How much should I budget for food in Costa Rica per month?

If the world average monthly food spend is $300, in Costa Rica you can expect to spend around $285. This is based on the VanBasket Index of 95 (world = 100).

How does Costa Rica compare to similar countries?

Costa Rica has a VanBasket Index of 95. Similar or nearby countries: Uruguay, Lebanon, Montenegro.

How often is the food price data for Costa Rica updated?

The index is updated monthly using IMF Consumer Price Index data. The baseline is from World Bank ICP 2021.

About the data: The VanBasket Index is based on World Bank ICP 2021 food price level data, adjusted monthly using IMF CPI. World average = 100. Index > 100 means food is more expensive than the global average. API for developers →

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