COSTA RICA NEWS – Food is more expensive in Costa Rica than in other Latin America countries. This is the conclusion of a study by the Programa Estado de la Nación (State of the Nation Program), presented on Wednesday.
The study shows that food prices in Costa Rica are on 22% higher of the (regional) average and in some cases, like pasta, up to 44%.
Items like pharmaceuticals, fuel and some services are higher in Costa Rica. Pharmaceuticals for instance on average are 17% higher, while fuel is 9%.
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My Pricesmart Index To High Prices in Costa Rica
[/su_pullquote]The study found services like private health care can cost up to 53% more in Costa Rica, private hospital services 46% and private education 31%.
Even getting a haircut is 28% more expensive in Costa Rica.
In contrast, Costa Rica has low cost telephone services. The difference is a much as 64% below the Latin American average. Electricity costs are 36% below the average, sugar 10% and water 9%.
The information of prices in Costa Rica was developed in conjunction with the Unión Costarricense de Cámaras y Asociaciones del Sector Empresarial Privado (Uccaep) – Costa Rican Union of Chambers and Associations of Private Business Sector.
When it come to food shopping, in Costa Rica there are various options: mega stores (Walmart): warehouse retailers (Pricesmart and Belca); major (chain) supermarkects (Masxmenos and Pali – owned and operated by Walmart, Automercado, Megasuper, Perimercados and Jumbo), independents local supermarkets such as Saretto in Escazú; the rising trend to convenience stores such as Am/Pm, Freshway and Vindi (Automercado). The pulperia is an option in many barrios (neighbourhoods).
Please use the comments below to add your favourite (or not shop there) stores.
