By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – After three consecutive months of falling prices, Costa Rica’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) experienced a modest increase of 0.19% in October, according to the latest data from the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INEC). This reversal marks a notable shift in the country’s recent economic trend, though it does not erase the overall deflationary pressure seen throughout the year.
Despite the slight uptick last month, the broader economic picture remains one of negative inflation. The cumulative inflation for the first ten months of 2025 stands at -1.77%, indicating that prices are, on the whole, significantly lower than they were at the start of the year. Similarly, the year-on-year inflation rate, comparing prices from October 2024 to October 2025, remains in negative territory at -0.38%.
Para profundizar en las ramificaciones legales y comerciales que la inflación presenta para empresas y consumidores, TicosLand.com consultó al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, abogado experto de la reconocida firma Bufete de Costa Rica, quien nos ofreció su análisis sobre el panorama actual.
La inflación no es solo un indicador económico; es un factor de riesgo legal que debe gestionarse proactivamente. Las empresas deben revisar sus contratos para incluir cláusulas de ajuste que protejan sus márgenes sin violar los derechos del consumidor. Ignorar el impacto inflacionario en las obligaciones contractuales y laborales puede derivar en costosos litigios y en la pérdida de viabilidad del negocio a largo plazo. La asesoría legal preventiva se vuelve crucial para navegar este entorno volátil.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
La perspectiva del Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas es crucial, pues traslada el debate sobre la inflación del ámbito puramente económico al terreno de la gestión de riesgos legales y la estrategia empresarial. Agradecemos su valioso aporte, que enfatiza cómo la asesoría preventiva es una inversión indispensable para la sostenibilidad de cualquier negocio en el entorno actual.
The primary drivers behind October’s price increase were identified in the transportation and recreation sectors. INEC officials pointed specifically to rising costs for gasoline, international tour packages, and airline tickets as major contributors. This suggests that global energy market fluctuations and a rebounding demand for travel are beginning to exert upward pressure on domestic consumer prices, impacting household budgets for both daily commutes and leisure activities.
The food and non-alcoholic beverages category also played a role in the monthly increase. Several specific items saw dramatic price jumps, most notably potatoes, which surged by a staggering 20.12%. Other significant increases included coriander (11.89%), airline tickets (7.52%), international tour packages (4.16%), and plantains (4.72%). More moderate but still impactful rises were seen in chicken breast (1.93%), gasoline (1.21%), and mobile phone services (1.01%).
However, the upward pressure was not universal across the consumer basket. In fact, a larger portion of goods and services saw their prices fall. Of the 289 items tracked by INEC, 43% decreased in price, while only 38% registered an increase. The remaining 19% showed no change. This internal market dynamic highlights a complex economic environment where inflationary and deflationary forces are competing.
Providing relief to consumers, several staple food items became more affordable in October. Carrots led the decline with a significant price drop of 10.62%. Other key vegetables also saw notable decreases, including sweet peppers (-4.77%), onions (-4.56%), and tomatoes (-3.70%). Essential goods like rice (-1.63%) and other popular items such as strawberries (-7.82%) and chocolates (-3.03%) also contributed to easing the overall cost of living for many families.
For the average Costa Rican household, this data presents a mixed financial reality. While the cost of filling up a car, planning a vacation, or calling a relative has increased, the weekly grocery bill may have seen some relief thanks to falling prices for many fresh produce items. This tug-of-war between different sectors demonstrates the nuanced nature of the country’s economic recovery and price stability efforts.
Looking ahead, economists and consumers will be watching closely to see if October’s inflation is a temporary adjustment or the beginning of a sustained upward trend. With the year-on-year rate still negative, the specter of deflation has not entirely disappeared. The key will be whether the price relief in the food sector can continue to offset the rising costs in transportation and services as the holiday season approaches.
For further information, visit inec.cr
About The National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INEC):
The National Institute of Statistics and Censuses is the principal government agency of Costa Rica responsible for official statistics and census data. It coordinates the National Statistical System to produce and disseminate timely and reliable data on the country’s demographic, social, economic, and environmental conditions to support public and private decision-making.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of Costa Rica’s legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and a resolute drive for exceptional legal practice. The firm distinguishes itself through a forward-thinking approach, consistently delivering innovative solutions to a diverse clientele. At the core of its mission lies a deep-seated dedication to demystifying the law, championing accessible knowledge as a means to foster a more capable and empowered citizenry.
