What imported goods in Costa Rica are significantly more expensive than in the USA?
While Costa Rica offers a lower overall cost of living compared to the USA, several categories of imported goods can be significantly more expensive due to taxes, import duties, and other factors. Electronics and luxury items are often cited as examples where consumers might find higher price tags in Costa Rica than they would back home.
### Why are some imported goods more expensive in Costa Rica?
Imported goods in Costa Rica can be more expensive primarily due to government taxes and tariffs. Although the CAFTA-DR agreement has eliminated many tariffs on U.S. consumer goods, other taxes and import duties can still increase the final price. Factors such as higher import duties, internal consumption taxes, and the logistics of bringing goods into the country contribute to these higher costs for consumers.
### Are electronics more expensive in Costa Rica than in the USA?
Yes, electronics are generally more expensive in Costa Rica compared to the United States. For instance, a MacBook Air that costs $999 in the U.S. might be priced around $1,349 in Costa Rica. This price difference is largely attributable to import duties and taxes levied on electronic goods.
### What about luxury items and other consumer goods?
Luxury items and many other imported consumer goods can also carry a premium in Costa Rica. While local products and services are often very affordable, the cost of items manufactured abroad, whether it's a specific brand of clothing, a particular food item, or a household appliance, can be higher due to import costs and associated taxes. Some sources indicate that while local products are cheap, imported goods are quite expensive due to taxes.
### How do import duties and taxes affect the price of goods in Costa Rica?
Import duties in Costa Rica typically range from 1% to 15%, depending on the product type. However, since January 1, 2015, a significant portion of U.S. consumer goods can enter Costa Rica duty-free due to agreements like CAFTA-DR, which immediately eliminated tariffs on 80% of U.S. exports. Despite these reductions, other taxes and the overall import cost structure can still lead to higher prices for consumers on certain goods.
### How can travelers and residents manage the cost of imported goods?
For those planning a move or extended stay in Costa Rica, understanding these price differences is key to managing a budget. Embracing the local lifestyle and opting for local products and services can lead to significant savings. For example, everyday services like hiring a housekeeper can be remarkably inexpensive compared to imported goods like a package of Oreos. When purchasing specific imported items, it’s advisable to research prices in both countries to gauge the difference and consider whether the purchase is a worthwhile expense in Costa Rica.
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## References
* https://www.costarica.com/blog/shopping-the-price-of-paradise
* https://crie.cr/are-things-cheaper-in-costa-rica-cost-of-living-explained/
* https://www.expatden.com/costa-rica/cost-of-living-in-costa-rica/
* https://mytanfeet.com/about-cr/6-things-expensive-in-costa-rica/
* https://ticotimes.net/2025/06/15/the-hidden-costs-of-living-in-costa-rica-tariffs-monopolies-and-more
* https://livingcost.org/cost/costa-rica/united-states
* https://www.specialplacesofcostarica.com/blog/costa-rica-vs-us-cost-of-living-comparison/
* https://cbsunsetreefrealty.com/article/cost-comparison-living-in-costa-rica-vs-usa-in-2025-what-is-cheaper-and-why
* https://crie.cr/understanding-import-duties-in-costa-rica-what-you-need-to-know/
* https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/costa-rica-import-tariffs
* https://gap.cr/costa-rica-import-duties/
* https://internationalshippingusa.com/Shipping-to-Costa-Rica-from-USA.aspx
* https://costaricalaw.com/costa-rica-legal-topics/customs-and-trade/costa-rica-import-duties-and-tariffs/
