Cost Of Living Comparison: Cooking and Eating Out in Costa Rica Vs. the United States

Costa Rica has been attracting North American expatriates for years. The beautiful and forgiving climate and the exceptional healthcare are only two of multiple reasons so many North Americans have come to call Costa Rica home. One more reason to relocate to Costa Rica is the incredible affordability of the food. Whether eating out or cooking for yourself, you will be pleased to know that you can eat like a king in Costa Rica.

Eating Out

Costa Rican cuisine is unique and delicious. And even better than either of those things, it’s affordable. Meals average around 33% less in Costa Rica than in the United States.

The average cost of a 3-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant in the United States is $50.00. In Costa Rica, the same meal would cost you only $33.88. A meal for one at an inexpensive restaurant in the United States costs on average $12.00, whereas that same meal in Costa Rica would cost only $7.26. Surprisingly, meals from fast food restaurants, such as McDonald’s, cost almost the exact same whether purchased in Costa Rica or the United States. But that shouldn’t be much of a problem, because who wants to eat fast food when there is much more delicious, authentic Costa Rican food to be had?

Cooking

The average cost of a 3-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant in the United States is $50.00. In Costa Rica, the same meal would cost you only $33.88. A meal for one at an inexpensive restaurant in the United States costs on average $12.00, whereas that same meal in Costa Rica would cost only $7.26. Surprisingly, meals from fast food restaurants, such as McDonald’s, cost almost the exact same whether purchased in Costa Rica or the United States. But that shouldn’t be much of a problem, because who wants to eat fast food when there is much more delicious, authentic Costa Rican food to be had?

Whatever you’re into, whether it be going out and getting pampered at a fancy restaurant, or if you prefer to cook for yourself, you will always be blown away by the incredibly low prices for food in Costa Rica.

ECI Development delivers affordable luxury residence and resort communities in Central America, providing our clients with various premier lifestyle options from the Caribbean to the Pacific. ECI delivers inspired residences for adventurous souls.

Coupled with over 20 years of inherent Corporate Social Responsibility in the communities where we work, ECI Development is building a sustainable business that is going to be around for the next 100+ years.