It is true that Costa Rica is a destination that does not necessarily rhyme with "cheap". But keep hope, nothing is lost because like everywhere, you can always get by by finding good deals and cheap accommodation.
Obviously, the choice of your hotel depends of course on the route you are going to take to discover Costa Rica.
In the following sections, then, here is a selection of cheap hotels, hostels or guesthouses to stay in the main cities of Costa Rica.
Where to stay cheap in San Jose, Costa Rica?
San Jose is the capital of Costa Rica, this is probably where you will land on an international flight. Some take the opportunity to visit the city a bit, while others will simply stay there the first night when they land or the last night before taking their plane back at the end of their stay. So here are the cheap but great accommodations in San Jose:
| Establishments | Price per night for 1 person | Price per night for 2 pers. | Institution rating |
| Lost in Costa Rica | Approx. 8 € for bed in dormitory | Approx. 24 € for private room | 8.5/10 |
| Stray Cat Hostel | Approx. 11 € for bed in dormitory | Approx. 20 € for private room | 9.1/10 |
| In the Wind Hostel and Guesthouse | Approx. 10 € for bed in dormitory | Approx. 20 € for private room | 9.5/10 |
| Selina san jose | Approx. 14 € for bed in dormitory | Approx. 56 € for private room | 9.1/10 |
| Nativus Art Hostel | Approx. 14 € for bed in dormitory | Approx. 37 € for private room | 9.5/10 |
| Finca Escalante | Approx. 9 € for bed in dormitory | Approx. 37 € for private room | 9/10 |
Where to stay cheap in Monteverde, Costa Rica?
The Monteverde region is a must-see during your stay in Costa Rica. This region offers many varied activities such as:
- Hikes in the Cloud Forest
- A walk on the suspension bridges
- Zip lines
- Night walks to observe the animals
- And many other things ...
Here are the nicest hotels with a decent budget in the area:
| Establishments | Price per night for 1 person | Price per night for 2 pers. | Institution rating |
| Sleepers | Approx. 7 € for bed in dormitory | Approx. 17 € for private room | 9.0/10 |
| Hostel Cattleya | Approx. 5 € for bed in dormitory | Approx. 12 € for private room | 9.6/10 |
| Monteverde Backpackers | Approx. 10 € for bed in dormitory | Approx. 35 € for private room | 9.4/10 |
| Hostel La Suerte | Approx. 7 € for bed in dormitory | Approx. 16 € for private room | 9.4/10 |
| Santa Elena Hostel Resort | Approx. 12 € for bed in dormitory | Approx. 34 € for private room | 9.4/10 |
| Selina monteverde | Approx. 12 € for bed in dormitory | Approx. 48 € for private room | 8.7/10 |
| Casa Jungle Monteverde B&B | Approx. 25 € for private room | Approx. 25 € for private room | 9.1/10 |
Where to stay on a budget in La Fortuna in the Arenal region of Costa Rica?
La Fortuna with the Arenal region where we find the Arenal Volcano is a perfect region to come and do some sport, hiking or to come and relax in the many hot springs in the area.
Among the cheaper accommodations in La Fortuna, here is my selection:
| Establishments | Price per night for 1 person | Price per night for 2 pers. | Institution rating |
| Arenal Backpackers Resort | Approx. 16 € for bed in dormitory | Approx. 30 € for private room | 8.8/10 |
| La Choza Inn & Off Site Thermal Resort | Approx. 12 € for bed in dormitory | Approx. 28 € for private room | 8.4/10 |
| Arenal Palace | Approx. 10 € for bed in dormitory | Approx. 22 € for private room | 9.4/10 |
| Selina la fortuna | Approx. 14 € for bed in dormitory | Approx. 54 € for private room | 9.1/10 |
| Hostel Backpacker La Fortuna | Approx. 10 € for bed in dormitory | Approx. 33 € for private room | 8.1/10 |
| Essence Arenal & Spa | Approx. 31 € for private room | Approx. 31 € for private room | 8.7/10 |
Where to stay on a budget in Corcovado, Costa Rica?
Located at the southern end of the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, this region is very wild and is therefore an ideal place to come to admire splendid landscapes and observe animals. Here are some of the inexpensive places to sleep in the region:
| Establishments | Price per night for 1 person | Price per night for 2 pers. | Institution rating |
| Palapa Hut Nature Hostel & Campground | - | Approx. 12 € for private room | 8.9/10 |
| Osa Jungle Hostel | - | Approx. 16 € for private room | 10/10 |
| Utopia Tica Sustainable Lodge | - | Approx. 27 € for private room | 9.9/10 |
| Bolita Rainforest Hostel & Cabinas | Approx. 11 € for bed in dormitory | Approx. 2 € for private room | 9.4/10 |
| Albergue La Laguna | Approx. 19 € for bed in dormitory | Approx. 37 € for private room | 9.4/10 |
| Drake Bay Paradise Lodge | Approx. 30 € for bed in dormitory | Approx. 33 € for private room | 8.3/10 |
Where to stay cheap in the Caribbean in Costa Rica?
The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica is a splendid coast and there is a lot to do there:
- Tortuguero
- Cahuita or Puerto Viejo with the parks of Cahuita or Manzanillo
In my opinion, this coast is less frequented whereas it is really magnificent.
Where to stay cheap in Tortuguero?
Tortuguero is one of the essentials on your Costa Rica itinerary, whether you are going for 7 days, 2 weeks or even 3 weeks.
Here are the cheap hotels in the Tortuguero area:
| Establishments | Price per night for 1 person | Price per night for 2 pers. | Institution rating |
| Tortuguero Cabins | Approx. 8 € for bed in dormitory | Approx. 24 € for private room | 9.5/10 |
| Cabinas Icaco Tortuguero | - | Approx. 20 € for private room | 9.0/10 |
| Aracari Garden Hostel | Approx. 10 € for bed in dormitory | Approx. 25 € for private room | 9.6/10 |
| Hostel Tortuguero 7BackPackers | Approx. 10 € for bed in dormitory | Approx. 19 € for bed in dormitory | 8.6/10 |
| Hotel El Icaco Tortuguero | Approx. 21 € for single room | Approx. 22 € for private room | 8.3/10 |
| Balcon del Mar Tortuguero cabins | Approx. 22 € for single room | Approx. 30 € for private room | 8.3/10 |
| House Marbella | Approx. 30 € for single room | Approx. 37 € for private room | 8.5/10 |
| National Tortuguero | Approx. 30 € for single room | Approx. 50 € for private room | 8.7/10 |
| Tortuguero Hostel | Approx. 18 € for single room | Approx. 25 € for private room | 7.3/10 |
Where to stay inexpensively in Puerto Viejo?
Puerto Viejo, located in the South on the Caribbean coast is a fairly lively city with a Caribbean atmosphere, it is a perfect location to visit both Manzanillo Park and Cahuita Park and its surroundings.
Below is the list of the best inexpensive places to stay in Puerto Viejo:
| Establishments | Price per night for 1 person | Price per night for 2 pers. | Institution rating |
| Hostel Pagalu | Approx. 10 € for bed in dormitory | Approx. 25 € for private room | 9.5/10 |
| Oasis Hostel | Approx. 9 € for bed in dormitory | Approx. 22 € for private room | 8.3/10 |
| Roots Family | Approx. 15 € for bed in dormitory | Approx. 30 € for private room | 9.1/10 |
| Tasty Dayz Hostel | Approx. 12 € for bed in dormitory | Approx. 37 € for private room | 8.1/10 |
| Selina Hostel | Approx. 35 € for private room | Approx. 50 € for private room | 8.5/10 |
| Beach 508 | Approx. 18 € for bed in dormitory | Approx. 49 € for private room | 8.5/10 |
| Madre Selva Hostel | Approx. 11 € for bed in dormitory | Approx. 25 € for private room | 8.1/10 |
Where to stay inexpensively in Cahuita?
Cahuita is in my opinion a must in Costa Rica, Cahuita Park is one of the most beautiful with many animals, beautiful landscapes, little attendance and above all it is not expensive unlike other parks in the country.
If you go there, you can choose between staying in Puerto Viejo or finding a hotel directly in Cahuita:
| Establishments | Price per night for 1 person | Price per night for 2 pers. | Institution rating |
| Secret Garden | Approx. 8 € for bed in dormitory | Approx. 37 € for private room | 9.3/10 |
| Brigitte's Ranch | Approx. 23 € for private room | Approx. 20 € for private room | 8.6/10 |
| Algebra Cabins | - | Approx. 28 € for private room | 9.4/10 |
| Cahuita Cabins | - | Approx. 37 € for private room | 8.4/10 |
| Ache Cahuita Bungalows | - | Approx. 39 € for private room | 9.2/10 |
| Cabinas Caribe Luna | - | Approx. 42 € for private room | 9.2/10 |
Similar items
There are many possibilities available to you for getting around Costa Rica.
It is essential not to forget certain things when packing your suitcase for Costa Rica.
For more information on the subject, do not hesitate to read the following articles:
- 7 day itinerary in Costa Rica
- Which beach to choose in Costa Rica?
- What budget for 3 weeks in Costa Rica?
- Guatemala or Costa Rica?
- Traveling in Costa Rica by bus
- Three unmissable natural sites in Costa Rica
- Costa Rica: Caribbean or Pacific Coast?
- 3 week itinerary in Costa Rica
- How to dress in Costa Rica?
- Costa Rica: renting a car or by bus?
- Which hotel to choose in Costa Rica on the Caribbean Coast?
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