Costa Rica Grocery Stores: Where to Shop (+ Chains to Avoid)

Introduction

Finding a place to go grocery shopping in Costa Rica is easy. There’s no shortage of supermarket chains, small convenience stores or mini markets (known as pulperías or mini supers), or even farmer’s markets to choose from. Even the smallest neighbourhood will have its own corner grocery store.

But knowing where to shop for reasonable prices is a different story. Grocery shopping in Costa Rica is notorious for being quite expensive, partly due to high import taxes on foreign products. It’s not surprising to find basic American personal care items, snacks, and condiments double or triple in price on Costa Rican shelves.

That said, grocery shopping in Costa Rica doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. The secret is knowing which grocery stores to go to and which ones to avoid. Let’s get started: 

Different Bands of Costa Rica Grocery Stores 

This might come as a surprise, but Walmart has a very strong presence in Costa Rica. It’s the single largest supermarket chain, operating a total of 277 stores across the country. This includes 14 Walmart supercenters, 188 Palí stores, 49 Maxi Palí stores, and 38 Mas x Menos grocery stores.

If you’d rather shop from a Costa Rican-owned store, there are other options apart from large grocery store chains like Walmart. Auto Mercado is a well-known high-end supermarket, while middle-high range supermarkets include Mega Super, Super Compro, Perimercados, PriceSmart, and budget supermarkets including Pequeno Mundo, and BM.

You can also find smaller-scale shops, like small convenience stores, along the street. The most commonly found convenience stores in major cities are Vindi (a sister company of Auto Mercado), AM PM, and Fresh Market. Each neighbourhood will also have its own small and basic markets or mini markets, which can cover basic grocery food shopping.

Many gas stations in Costa Rica have their own convenience store, too, which is a good option if you’re in a pinch. While not the most complete, they usually have the basic items, snacks, and sometimes even coffee and hotdogs.

So, which ones are the best grocery stores?

The answer depends mostly on location, preference, dietary needs, and budget. If you’re looking for value for money, Pali is your go-to for the cheapest prices. But when it comes to a gourmet selection, Auto Mercado is a high-end favourite. Meanwhile, pulpería prices tend to be marginally higher than those of supermarkets and, at times, it can be the most convenient option. Comparing prices, looking for weekly specials in larger grocery stores, and finding a membership warehouse club near you are key to finding the best ones.

Good to know: most grocery stores in Costa Rica accept credit cards. If you pay cash, they accept both Costa Rican colones and US dollars. Stores will use the exchange rate of the day to convert the dollars and give your change in colones.

Most Popular Costa Rica Grocery Stores

1. Mas x Menos

Translating to “More for Less,” this supermarket is one of the largest chains in Costa Rica. It’s also been bought out by Walmart. These stores are usually clean, well-organized, and fully stocked with a decent selection of products. You can grocery shop for fresh produce, meats, and even find some gluten-free, vegan, and organic options. However, the prices may be potentially higher compared to smaller-scale shops.

Where to Find Them: 

There are 38+ Mas x Menos stores found across major cities around the country, and a lot of them are spread out across the Central Valley. Check their store locator here.

2. Auto Mercado Supermarket

Auto Mercado is a well-known premium supermarket chain that stands out because of their upscale shopping experience. The stores are clean, the selection is high-quality, and the customer service is top-notch. However, with gourmet offerings and imported products come much higher prices, and they have a reputation for being more expensive compared to most supermarkets in the country. If the budget is not an issue, then Auto Mercado ticks all the boxes.

Grocery Tip: On Wednesdays, Auto Mercado has “Dia del Campo” where many products go on sale for up to 50% off, or have 2 for 1 or 4 for 3 bundles.

Where to Find Them:

There are 40+ Auto Mercado stores across Costa Rica, including grocery stores and convenience stores. Check their store locator here.

3. Pali

For the cheapest deals, shop at Pali. It’s a discount supermarket chain owned by Walmart. They’re known to have the most affordable prices and a basic selection of products. The low prices do come at a cost; there’s a limited variety of items on the shelves, and the customer service isn’t the best. Still, if getting the lowest prices is the top priority, this budget supermarket has the basics covered. Pali also has a bigger, full-service supermarket counterpart called Maxi Pali.

Where to Find Them:

There are 205+ Pali stores in all provinces in Costa Rica. Check the store locator here.

4. Maxi Pali 

Known as the bigger Pali, Maxi Pali is another warehouse-style discount store operated by Walmart. They offer low prices and bulk discounts on all the basics from groceries, home goods, cleaning supplies, pet supplies, and clothes. You can purchase electronics here, too. Some Maxi Palis have a pharmacy inside the store, which not all supermarkets have.

Where to Find Them:

There are 57+ Maxi Pali stores in all provinces in Costa Rica. Check the store locator here.

5. Supermercado Walmart

The Costa Rican branch of Walmart is essentially the same as the ones in America, though maybe not as big. They have competitive prices and a wide range of products like general merchandise, groceries, a frozen food section, clothing, home and garden, pet supplies, etc. The only catch is that the Walmart store itself has limited locations in Costa Rica.

Where to Find Them:

There are 14 Walmart stores in 6 provinces in Costa Rica. Check their store locator here.

6. Local Organic Markets 

Apart from the big chains, each town also has their own organic market. This is a good option if you want to shop local. You can find gluten-free items, fresh produce, and other organic products in these small, locally-owned shops. Popular ones include Mama Toucans Natural Market in Dominical, Mentha y Limón General Store in Tamarindo, and Green World Store in Santa Teresa.

7. Mini markets

A mini market or a mini super is a small and basic market. They have a more limited selection of basic items, food, personal goods, and maybe a small produce section. We don’t recommend grocery shopping at mini-markets since they tend to be overpriced and sometimes sell expired goods.

Farmers Markets in Costa Rica

Every area in Costa Rica has its own farmers market locally known as feria. According to the National Production Council, there are around 80 ferias throughout Costa Rica, so wherever you go, there’s likely a fresh market close by. Local brands gather to sell fresh fruit, fresh produce, dairy, poultry, ready-to-eat food, and other local delicacies at very good prices.

It’s a great alternative to grocery shopping in larger supermarkets and helps you save money. The Costa Rica farmers markets sell fresh produce that has the same quality, if not better, at significantly lower prices. Buying directly from the farmers is also a great way to support the community.

The details of each farmer’s market depend on the town, but typically, it’s over the weekend from Friday to Sunday. You’ll find many farmers’ markets located in the centre of the city. Here are a few popular Costa Rica farmer’s markets:

San Jose

• El Mercado Central is the most popular farmer’s market that’s been operating since 1882. Apart from produce, there are a lot of ready-to-eat meals like traditional Costa Rican casados, homemade tortillas, empanadas, cheeses, and other delicacies.

Guanacaste

• Feria de Villa Real outside Tamarindo is open daily. They have a great selection of fruit, local vegetables, dairy, and more.
• Feria La Paz is an organic farmer’s market outside La Paz Community School. They’re open from 3pm-6pm on Wednesdays.

Quepos/Manuel Antonio

• Farmer’s Fair sells high-quality produce, cheeses, fresh seafood, ready-to-eat salads, guacamole, sauces, and more. They’re open from 4pm on Fridays, and on Saturday mornings.

Escazu

• Central Farmer’s Market happens every Saturday from 7am to 1pm outside San Miguel Church. They offer locally-grown fresh fruits and vegetables, local cheeses, meats, seafood, and other Costa Rican staples.

Pharmacies in Costa Rica

Pharmacies or “farmacias” in Costa Rica are easy to spot, but they’re not always inside supermarkets like many may be used to. Only some stores like Walmart, Mas x Menos, and Maxi Pali have their own pharmacy, but not in all branches.

Every Costa Rican pharmacy is required to have a licensed pharmacist on site. They’re able to assess common symptoms and recommend treatments on the spot. 

Farmacias Fischel is our preferred pharmacy. It’s a big chain with stores in almost every town in Costa Rica. But again, there is a wide selection of pharmacies, from nationwide chains to smaller stores. They’re usually well stocked with over-the-counter drugs, baby formula, deodorant, shampoos, vitamins, diapers, etc.

Have questions about grocery shopping in Costa Rica? Let us know and we’ll share more tips about shopping from big chains, supermarkets, farmers markets, and other grocery stores! 

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