As of November 12, 2026, Costa Rica is cheaper than Jamaica for travelers: a mid-range day costs about $128 in Costa Rica against $149 in Jamaica, a gap of 16.9%. Over the past year Jamaica has moved more in the US-dollar traveler's favor (−2.2% after inflation, against −5.9%). Both sit at US advisory Level 2. Costa Rica is the easier of the two to travel.
| Measure | Costa Rica | Jamaica |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-range day | $128 | $149 |
| Lean day | $56 | $64 |
| Comfortable day | $289 | $352 |
| Real change, 12 months | −5.9% | −2.2% |
| Exchange rate alone, 12 months | −9.7% | −0.2% |
| Versus 5-year average | −10.7% | −2.9% |
| US advisory | Level 2 · Increased caution | Level 2 · Increased caution |
| Ease of travel | 4.4 · Well set up | 3.6 · Workable |
| Index score | 50 | 48 |
| Best months | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr |
| Shoulder months | May, Jun, Nov | May, Jun, Nov |
The better figure in each row is in bold. Costs are modeled estimates per person, excluding international flights.
Wildlife and stability, at a price: the colón has made it Central America's most expensive stop.
The catchA strong colón pushed dollar prices up sharply since 2022. It is safe and easy, but not cheap.
Beaches, music and mountains, mostly sold as an all-inclusive.
The catchViolent crime is high outside resort areas, and independent travel takes local knowledge. Resort prices are set in dollars.
Source: Trip Arbitrage (triparbitrage.com), reading of November 12, 2026. How this is calculated.