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Hostels in San José

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Travel insights for hostels in San José

Use these up-to-date, data-driven insights about booking a hostel in San José including ideal times to book, pricing trends, and more.

What is the cheapest month to book a hostel in San José?

The cheapest month to book a hostel in San José is May ($14). Conversely, the most expensive month to stay in San José is September ($160).

What is the cheapest day to stay in a hostel in San José?

The cheapest day to stay in San José is Friday ($31). On the other hand, travelers can expect to pay the most on Monday, when the average nightly price is $51.

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Cheapest hostels in San José, Costa Rica

Discover affordable stays in San José that provide a quality experience without breaking the bank. Hotels in San José can be found for as low as $33 per night. There is currently one property in San José that can be booked for this price. Costa Rica Backpackers is one of the hotels that can be booked for the lowest price in San José. Price data was last updated on 2 January 2026
At the moment, these hostels offer the lowest nightly rate out of those we've come across in San José. As prices can vary by date, change the dates if you're flexible to compare rates.
Costa Rica Backpackers
Costa Rica Backpackers

Costa Rica Backpackers

Avenida 6, Calle 21 y 23, San José, Costa Rica
3.0 km from city centre
Free Wi-Fi
Parking
$33
Avg. per night
View Deal
Hostal Del Este Santa Fe
Hostal Del Este Santa Fe

Hostal Del Este Santa Fe

Teatro Nacional 300 Metros al Sur y 25 Metros Este,Avenida 8 Calle 3y5, San José, Costa Rica
2.0 km from city centre
Free Wi-Fi
$51
Avg. per night
View Deal
Capital Hostel de Ciudad
Capital Hostel de Ciudad

Capital Hostel de Ciudad

Avenida 16 A Y Calle 60 A, Sabana Sur, San José, Costa Rica
1.2 km from city centre
Free Wi-Fi
Parking
$72
Avg. per night
View Deal
Hostel Casa Colon
Hostel Casa Colon

Hostel Casa Colon

Paseo Colon, Calle 24 Norte, San José, Costa Rica
0.7 km from city centre
Free Wi-Fi
Parking
$97
Avg. per night
View Deal

Other accommodations in San José

Find the perfect theme hotel or holiday rental for your stay in San José.
Costa Rica Guesthouse
Costa Rica Guesthouse

Costa Rica Guesthouse

Avenida 6, Entre Calle 21 y 25, San José, Costa Rica
3.1 km from city centre
Free Wi-Fi
Parking
$32
Avg. per night
View Deal
Clusia Lodge
Clusia Lodge

Clusia Lodge

San José, Costa Rica
37.4 km from city centre
Free Wi-Fi
$196
Avg. per night
View Deal
La Casa de Cariari Al Golf
La Casa de Cariari Al Golf

La Casa de Cariari Al Golf

Avenida 48A, San José, Costa Rica
8.5 km from city centre
Free Wi-Fi
Air conditioning
$115
Avg. per night
View Deal
Eco Stay Hostel
Eco Stay Hostel

Eco Stay Hostel

Calle 27A Edificio Dos Plantas, San José, Costa Rica
3.3 km from city centre
Free Wi-Fi
$70
Avg. per night
View Deal

Where to stay in San José

Explore different neighbourhoods and areas within San José to find the perfect location for your stay. Map data was last updated on 2 January 2026.
Utilize the map to find properties close to the San José area(s) or attractions you plan on visiting. More information on a given hostel can be accessed by clicking the hostel's name within the map.

Facts about staying in San José

Find useful tips and insights about staying in San José to help you make the most of your experience. FAQs were last updated on 2 January 2026.

  • What is the cost of a hostel in San José?

    On average, it’s $57/night for a hostel in San José, though $53/night or less would be considered a good deal. The least expensive hostel our users have found recently was for $12/night in San José. Try to avoid booking your hostel in February (the most expensive month). Booking in October (the cheapest month) could save you money.

  • What’s the best hostel in San José?

    With an average review score of 7.8 (out of 10) from 752 HotelsCombined users, Hostel Casa Colon is considered the best San José hostel.

  • What hostel is closest to San José Juan Santamaria Intl Airport?

    Hostel Casa Colon is 14.6 km away from San José Juan Santamaria Intl Airport, making it the closest San José hostel to the city’s most popular airport.

  • Should I stay in a San José hostel?

    Hostels in San José tend to have a more active social scene than hotels, so they’re perfect for outgoing travellers looking to meet other people. San José hostels are, on average, cheaper than other stays in the city due to their dorm-style sleeping quarters. However, this means you can spend your money elsewhere such as on local tours and events.

  • Does San José have hostels with “Pool” listed as an amenity?

    Yes, 1 San José hostel lists “Pool” as an amenity. If you’re looking for a particular hostel in San José with this feature, then consider staying at the popular Costa Rica Backpackers.

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