Costa Rica
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
Based on World Bank ICP 2021, adjusted with IMF CPI
Compare with Costa Rica
If you spend 100 at home:
Similar Countries
More countries in Americas
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.