Costa Rica: as of November 12, 2026, the US State Department's maximum per diem for San Jose is $300 a day, made up of $147 for lodging and $153 for meals and incidental expenses. Anywhere in the country without its own rate falls under “Other”: $300 a day ($147 lodging, $153 meals and incidentals).
Per day, in US dollars. Effective Jun 1, 2026.
Actual hotel cost is reimbursed up to this amount per night.
Per diem is a ceiling, not a typical spend. Our own model puts a comfortable day of travel in this country at about $289 per person and a mid-range day at $128. See what Costa Rica costs right now
| Location | Season | Lodging | Meals & incidentals | Total | Effective |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose | All year | $147 | $153 | $300 | Jun 1, 2026 |
| Other (everywhere else) | All year | $147 | $153 | $300 | Jun 1, 2026 |
Source: US Department of State, Office of Allowances, foreign per diem rates, retrieved November 13, 2026. Rates are published in US dollars and revised on the first of each month; where a location has seasons, the row that applies today is shown in full strength. Confirm against the official table before filing an expense claim.
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