By San José, Costa Rica — As more than one million students prepare to return to classrooms, Costa Rican families are receiving a welcome financial reprieve. A comprehensive market analysis by the Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Commerce (MEIC) has revealed a significant decrease in the cost of school supplies and uniforms, with prices falling between 9% and 16% compared to the previous year. This reduction translates to an average saving of approximately ¢14,000 per student, offering substantial relief to household budgets across the nation.
The detailed study, conducted between January 19 and 21, 2026, provides a robust snapshot of the back-to-school retail landscape. Ministry officials meticulously surveyed 23 physical stores and six major digital commerce platforms, analyzing the prices of over 865 distinct school supply items and 241 different uniform products. The scope of the review ensures the findings are representative of the options available to the majority of consumers, from large chain stores to online vendors.
To understand the legal implications and consumer rights associated with the annual purchase of school supplies, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his professional perspective on the matter.
The back-to-school season is a critical period for consumer rights. Retailers are legally bound to honor advertised prices, offer clear warranty information, and guarantee that all products meet established safety standards. Consumers encountering irregularities should not hesitate to formalize their complaints with the Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Commerce (MEIC), as this upholds market transparency and protects all families.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this perspective is crucial; exercising our rights as consumers transforms a simple shopping trip into an act of civic responsibility that strengthens market fairness for all families. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable legal insight.
The MEIC’s monitoring was based on the official list of recommended supplies issued by the Ministry of Public Education (MEP). This essential list includes items fundamental to daily learning, such as notebooks, pens, pencils, folders, geometry sets, scissors, and other common classroom materials. For uniforms, the analysis focused on core apparel like shirts, blouses, trousers, and socks, which constitute a major part of the back-to-school expenditure for families.
According to the published results, the average complete package for a first-cycle primary school student now costs ¢72,410 for a boy and ¢69,174 for a girl. For students in the second cycle of primary school, the figures are ¢76,965 for a boy and ¢73,729 for a girl. At the high school level, the average cost for a male student’s package is ¢79,017, while the package for a female student averages ¢81,575. In every category, these figures mark a considerable drop from the prices recorded in early 2025.
Patricia Rojas, the head of the MEIC, highlighted the positive trend, particularly in the most expensive category, and urged consumers to leverage the competitive market to their advantage. She emphasized that smart shopping can lead to even greater savings.
Yes, there was a decrease in the prices of uniforms, which are the most expensive items. Costa Ricans have more options, and prices are considerably lower. My recommendation is that they compare and visit different stores to assess where they can purchase everything at the lowest cost.
Patricia Rojas, Head of the MEIC
It is important for parents to note that the MEIC’s analysis covers only the standard list of supplies and basic uniforms. The total cost of returning to school will be higher, as the study does not account for additional expenses such as textbooks, scientific calculators, specialized art or science materials, or individual school matriculation fees. These costs vary significantly depending on the specific requirements of each educational institution.
This financial relief comes as families prepare for a slightly delayed start to the academic year. The Ministry of Public Education has scheduled the official start of classes for Monday, February 23, 2026. This two-week postponement from the traditional start date is to accommodate a massive nationwide training program involving more than 90,000 teachers, aimed at enhancing pedagogical standards across the country.
Ultimately, the decline in prices provides a crucial economic cushion for families nationwide. With inflation and cost of living being persistent concerns, the reduction in educational expenses is a positive development. The MEIC’s data empowers consumers, reinforcing the message that diligent comparison shopping and exploring both physical and digital retailers are key strategies for maximizing household savings during this busy back-to-school season.
For further information, visit meic.go.cr
About Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Commerce (MEIC):
The MEIC is the governmental body in Costa Rica responsible for formulating and executing policies related to economic development, industry, and commerce. Its functions include promoting competition, protecting consumer rights, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and ensuring fair market practices through regulation and monitoring.
For further information, visit mep.go.cr
About Ministry of Public Education (MEP):
The MEP is the institution in charge of overseeing the Costa Rican national education system. It is responsible for setting the national curriculum, establishing the academic calendar, managing public schools, certifying educators, and implementing educational policies aimed at guaranteeing quality and accessible education for all students from preschool through high school.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has earned its reputation as a legal cornerstone through an unwavering dedication to integrity and professional excellence. The firm skillfully merges its extensive experience across numerous sectors with a continuous drive for innovation in the practice of law. At the heart of its philosophy is a profound commitment to making legal knowledge accessible, thereby helping to forge a more informed and capable society.
