Moving to Costa Rica vs. Panama: We compare the two popular expat destinations in 2023.
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- čas přidán 7. 09. 2023
- Many Americans, Canadians and Europeans looking at moving out of their countries consider moving to Costa Rica and Panama. For us, we chose Costa Rica, but in this video, we compare and contrast the two popular expat havens, talk about why we chose Costa Rica and why you might chose Panama over Costa Rica.
Did you decide to move to Panama and not Costa Rica? We'd love to hear from you in the comments.
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I was about to move to Costa Rica. Was building a condo in Jaco. Lots of construction delays. Went to check out Panamá. For me Panamá City was safe super, amazing food and bar scene. I live 56th floor with amazing views of Pacific and city. Roads better. A city life far superior. Canal super cool. Close to beaches on both coasts.
It’s so great to hear your experience Alan!!!!!!
Understand. I love Costa Rica. It’s amazing 2 completely different vibes. It’s been a year. Made lots of friends. 70 years old. Not sick one day. Super Happy for me😎
Panama City must be great if you're willing to live in a sauna! Yuck!! How the residents there stay there is beyond me!
I live in Volcan in Panama at 1400 meters in elevation so we have a cool climate. Costa Rica is very nice but is too expensive.
I've not read much about that area Robert but will do some exploring online! Yes, as with anywhere, Costa Rica isn't for all - cost is for sure a prohibitive factor for many. True also in parts of Europe and the Caribbean. Thank you for your great comment!
Can't you escape the heat by leaving in the mountainous regions of Panama?
Absolutely! We have not explored every microclimate in Panama, and while we are a bit tongue in cheek about climate, all the expats that are in Panama have found the climate that works for them.
You forgot to mention the highlands of Panama. Chiriquí province. Medical in Panama is very good. We Panamanian are very friendly, we are very welcoming of expats.
That's what we love about this community. We can only talk about our experiences - so having yours will help others plan. Thank you!
im deciding between panama and costa rica
@@travisoshea - we're here to support you if Costa Rica ends up being one you really want to explore in person
@@yourpuravida yea I think costar rica is going to the place. Have been looking at place to stay on air bnb
@@yourpuravida thank you.
Very Bias...My neighbor moved to Costa Rica and it's way more expansive and less safe. Yes it's humid in some areas, but Boquetti is perfect. and far more developed than Costa Rica. Plus Costa Rica allows anyone a visa, but Panama doesn't allow anyone with a felony in..period. much safer...
Yup, we aim to tell our experience, bias and opinion. We say that this is only our opinion. If Panama is your place, I’m happy you found it. Pura vida.
(and I look forward to traveling to Boquetti - I'd not heard much about it. Will be fun to explore - thanks for the recommendation!)
Is it realistic to search for decent accommodations in a safe area for $300/month?
@@angelstar7656 - this is a real challenge. Can it happen? Maybe. If you rent a room in a small(er) location. But that is quite low - not only for Costa Rica but for many expat destinations around the world...
Regarding nature: Costa Rica has awesome national parks. However, what I love about Panama is that you can have real adventures. For example, you can hike 21km on the colonial path Camino de Cruces just outside of the city and it is partially overgrown, etc. It's a real adventure. In CR this would be a major tourist attraction where they charge entry, etc. There are so many cool things to discover in Panama that nobody cares about. The rest is similar. CR has more mountains. Panama has more islands and indigenous.
I love this perspective. Thanks for your comment. Pura vida.
Not really, you can hike Pico Blanco in Escazu, along with other hiking options, for free and have a full view of the Central Valley. Also, there are many hiking options that are not saturated with tourists.
Intersting but how can you call Panama City a draw with San Jose…after stating a load of advantages of Panama City…climate aside. Also for your knowledge on Panama & Suriname have the best carbon footprints in the world. No experience of healthcare in Panama but Costa Rica wins hands down - but you have no idea about Panama period.
Great video. Thanks.
Thanks for your kind words and watching. Pura vida!
Great video think8mg of retiring to Costa Rica this is giving me a lot to think about
Here to help! 😁
Thanks for sharing! People often ask why I chose Costa and not Panama and I give a number of reasons why I love and prefer Costa Rica. But now i can share this video as a reference for them.
we will happily share this with the world! 🙂 Pura Vida!!!
Pretty fine presentation, thank you
we appreciate your comments!!!
Most of this you are just guessing! Boquete is a thriving expat town that is in the Caldera and is labelled as the land of the eternal Spring. Cerra Punta is high in the mountain and it's about 60 degrees there in the daytime. I have been there. Besides Panama city, the country is mostly rural and very inexpensive, but there is an extensive bus system so you can get anywhere by bus. Healthcare is world class and you do not need insurance because it's about 1/10th of what you would pay in the US. You never spoke about the residency process. How do they compare? Panama has one of the easiest Residency visas in the world.
We love hearing other POV. As we’ve said these are our opinions. We are not experts on Panama. That’s why we love to hear from others!
How do you rate the internet and cell phone service? I am trying to decide between the two places and my top five priorities in order are: safety; cost of living; internet access/speed; residency requirements; and ease getting to/from the Eastern USA
I have great internet at my home (and in my area, there isn't a fiber option) - lots to choose from. and cell service is strong in most of the country (less so in very rural areas) - much like all countries it depends on cell tower location@@angelstar7656
@@angelstar7656By the priorities you are remarking, I think Panama is best for you.
Thank you for informative videos! Have you purchased a car there? Would love to hear about this experience
Funny enough we just posted a video on purchasing a car in Costa Rica. Check it out: czcams.com/video/25jwMPDhNEs/video.html
@@juanluiscarbonepicard-ami5379 - we both purchased automatics as well...
I wasn`t in both countries, I`m equal on both, Panama has less debts, allows owning weapons, is less populated, doesn`t force you to the caja like Costa Rica, Costa Rica on the other side has less requirements to get a residency, even buying a car counts for the 150k and it seems easier to live there on a tourist visa, and the state is not as harsh as in Panama, which was quite obvious during the plndemic. Seems I need to visit both and decide then where it is personally better.
Hi! I just wanted to say how much you’ve done the countries featured in your videos justice! The in detail elaboration towards important topics rather than superficial ones such as healthcare, infrastructure etc…
It’s really helpful for any ex…(let’s be for real here -3-) immigrants moving to the region! I’ve wanted to ask though, in reference to owning, anything frankly, but specifically land or property, should there be any concerns for the natural environment taking a toll on such?
I’d hate to put a down payment on a new house then have it destroyed by an earthquake, or tsunami, or volcano, or, flooding, or torrential rainforest weather, or a hurricane or any of the thousands of crazy animals or bugs this country has!? 😭
we very much appreciate the comment! thanks for engaging with our videos!
How easy is it to regularly travel from San José to Panama City for the option of shopping?
Multiple flights a day and pretty low cost for airfare
Panama City will be the best place for most looking to have a similar lifestyle to a modern city. Also, a strong economy.
It's silly to compare weather in SJ (1km elevation) vs Panama city (on the coast)!🤦♂️.. should you compare Panama City's weather to something - compare it to Tamarindo - which is very similar.
Lived in Quepos for year and a half from Philly best time in my life. Moving to bocas del toro in August, because the price, beauty, people, also health care is up there in rankings.Will comment later when i get there, p. s food was not great in Costa Rica., just okay.
But how is the internet? Is it reliable and speedy? That is a big consideration for someone still engaged in remote work.
Infrastructure? Electricity, plumbing, roads, sidewalks, walkability, sanitation, sewage system?
Best choice is Colombia 🇨🇴 everything's cheaper, a lot of Americans are leaving Costa Rica and Me'xico for Medellin, Colombia, once you explore Colombia you will forget about moving to any of this two countries, Colombia is a big country and it is very diverse, good luck, greetings from USA 🇺🇸 🙏🇨🇴✌️
We have plans to cover Colombia in another video. Stay tuned. Thanks for your comment!
Colonbia da miedo con solo pensar en ese país 😢
Colombia is good, cheap, economic, but the bad thing is the insecurity.
@@LuisFernandez-gm7fs - I can't wait to really explore Columbia. No, not to move. I'm very happy in Costa Rica with our sense of security, but because its culture is so dynamic!
Plus it has the best concaine!! 😅😅😅😅😅😅
Unfortunately, the cost to be a resident in Costa Rica is too high (because of paying huge $$ for the cedula and then probably having to have private insurance as well).
Indeed, Costa Rica isn't going to be right (from a residency point of view) for all. That is true for almost every country. All have trade-offs!
@@yourpuravida you should do an episode on what it would cost someone on average pension income to get their caja - or even average social security income. With the new rates, I think it would be a huge consideration. And, in fact, my guess is if people are moving there to have lower cost of living because that is their only income, that it isn't going to work for them. And doing "border runs" is risky - we found that out with COVID.
@@CJ-Photo We'll for sure add this to a monthly Q&A!
I commonly hear: 3rd 🌎 living for 1st 🌎 prices in regards to Costa Rica.
Thanks for bringing this up - I have heard that as well. I think that's a false narrative. To be clear - it is expensive here. This is de facto an island - expensive to get consumer goods to a small country with a small population off the main shipping hubs. You are trading the cost of goods for quality of life. And I push back on 3rd or 2nd world classifications. Both of those have very specific meanings. This is an agrarian country to be sure. Not poor, but also not at a tax base to have massive infrastructure spends, etc. I think they do a good job balancing quality, and I would happily sacrifice some creature comforts for this way of life. (but too, the dollar has gone down over 20% in just the last year against the colon so that doesn't help..)
well i've been going to c.r. for 13 yrs, my wife is from sarchi c.r... and i am moving to c.r. shortly..have researched both panama and although panama might be easier to immigrate to a lot of areas don't seem easily accessible..and i have never known anyone that lived south of the canal.also the darien gap the most notorious region for criminals and such
We agree! As we note if you are looking for massive city life then Panama City is hands down more appealing than anything in Costa Rica, but we agree with you that Costa Rica is (to us) more appealing overall. Thanks so much for your comments, Doug. Where are you landing in CR?
@@yourpuravida Sarchi area
@@yourpuravida well i bought a place in santa lucia, 10 minutes from la fortuna
Are you loving it@@dougdileo4727 ? Hope so - great area!
7:05 "In Panama you can't escape it". (the heat). This is so false and misleading. Panama mountain areas (Volcan, Boquette, ...) have cool mountain climates just like the cool mountain areas of CR.
Yes! There are microclimates and thank you for mentioning this! We try to have fun on our videos and we never meant to imply that there are NO changes in climate. We were speaking specifically about the region around Panama City in our discussions. Yes, there are some amazing areas of Panama with milder climates, but as we discussed heat was one of the factors that helped us (personally) choose Costa Rica over Panama. As mentioned we have friends who live there and would never think about anyplace else. It's just another factor to look into as you explore the options. Really appreciate the exchange @billbrasier9521
Don’t forget Valle de Anton
What was this amazing 11 course meal? Numerous courses for a cheap price isn't necessarily a good meal. I wish you had researched the question of health care before commenting. This might actually be important to some expats. I would like to hear other specific examples (or interviews?) of why someone might choose CR over Panama or vice versa. I'm beginning my search for a retirement destination starting early next year.
It was one of the best meal of my life at Riesen and I try to have an epic meal like this 2 times a year. It rivaled Pujol, for example.
Visit Panama Relocation Tours. Jacky Lang
Statistically, where are there more North American retired expats, Panama or Costa Rica?? I think it's important to be able to hear as many different anecdotal opinions as possible in this subject.... just my 2 cents waiting to visit both countries....
Please advise on where you had your $100 11course meal in Panama City...
Riesen... well worth the visit!
@yourpuravida thankyou sir ! Hoping to be there to scope & compare with 🇨🇷. FYI it's expensive here for sure BUT it is special. Kind of how 🇫🇷 has the je ne c'est quoi 🇨🇷 similarly has the Pura Vida - all about living. 🇵🇦 I will see - as a foodie I think that might be deciding factor.
Costa Rica internet was fine, Panama. I heard it is fine depending where you're at.
I hear Boquete climate is NOT like PC.
We have as well. This video has opened up a ton of conversation and it is great to see! I met a wonderful couple that used to live (9 years) in Panama and are now nomadic (currently staying in Atenas) with all kinds of insights about where and why they loved Panama. As we have said, having options that fit each expat's goals and needs is good.
Well, you've validated, reinforced your decision to live in CR instead of PA. You've judged PA and CR even though you've lived in CR yet not in PA. The information unrevealed is voluminous, noteworthy, but those omissions are ok with me. As for oppressive heat, the coast of CR (Tamarindo, Jaco) is just as oppressively hot as the coast of PA.
Why did you decide to move to Costa Rica or Panama? We'd love to hear your story in the comments!
I lived in Panama and Costa Rica and moved out of Panama because the 12:26 12:26 panamaians near the canal zone were the laziest dumbest people that think they won a war with the us to take back the canal
My wife and I moved to Costa Rica almost five years ago and really love it. We're in the Central Valley and like that we don't need to have heat or A/C. I have spent time in Panama and I much prefer Costa Rica.
You guys should add something more about cost of living: not only CR, on average, is lot more expensive than Panama; but also, some areas of CR (Guanacaste) are up to 3 times more expensive than the rest of CR - we are talking California and NY level of prices. 90% of potential expats flat out will not be able to afford it.
Many thanks for the note. We are actually planning this exact video topic. Be on the lookout for the results!
Where was the best food of your life?. Name of the place.
Riesen in Panama City. Pura vida!
Currency is better in Panama (US dollars)
Panama City is definitely much denser than San Jose, and the number of apartments in high-rise buildings is many times over that of San Jose; but San Jose is actually larger in area and more spread out… small homes outnumber apartments by far… In general, Panama’s urban areas tend to be more concentrated than those in Costa Rica, which tend to spread out and become more like towns than cities…
Now, the actual number of international visitors to Costa Rica is larger than those arriving in Panama, despite Panama indeed being an international flight hub, which Costa Rica really isn’t, it’s more just a destination…. But on a yearly basis there are actually more international tourists visiting in Costa Rica than in Panama, only possibly in less concentrated areas than in Panama…
This is a great post - so much info and perspective. Thank you!
I prefer C.R. for a stress free life, Panama looks to be too much like Miami.
Panamás infrastructure is better that in Costa Rica in every way love it , but Costa Rica keep on pulling you every time you what to travel !!! .
? ...They are making a comparison based on their personal preference, both individuals live in Costa Rica, Where is the opinion , reality or experience of the Panama side expat?
Thanks for your comment. It's hard to compare the infrastructure between the two countries. Our preferences are clearly Costa Rica but we definitely see lots of upsides about Panama. Pura vida!
Thanks for your comment, @romantico345. Pura vida!
Panama 🇵🇦
Panama is a great place to put your MONEY
NO TAX FOR AMERICA, LITTLE FOR PANAMA. REALLY THE MAINES RESON.COST FOR A VERY SMALL RESIDENT,TO GET VISA &PASSPORT.
If the climate is so bad in Panama City, how can so many people live there?! How independent is each country from American power??
The climate is not bad, it's just that some people don't like hot weather. People who like hot weather would hate San Jose. It comes down to preference, not the weather.
@@guillermogouldburn763 You mean San José is relatively mild with humidity and heat? Compared I suppose to Panama or other places? We're in western Canada, with low humidity. The weather is so pleasant right now.... around 18 degrees Celsius.
Can you take advantage of Healthcare in Costa Rica 🇨🇷 if you live in Panama? 🇵🇦🤔
This is a nuanced answer, but yes. Private pay hospitals are exactly that: private pay. Anyone can go to them; some specialties in Costa Rica have created "medical tourism". But you cannot take advantage of the public system as that is one you pay into.
CR will charge you just for exist...that is crazy
I have not been in Panama yet,but sjo is ugly city no walkable ,beside roads in Costa Rica is not accessible to other areas like 200km takes 7hrs to get tomtravel
Thanks for your comments. I'd disagree that San José is ugly and not walkable. The valley is incredibly beautiful. From my apartment, I can see the mountains, volcanoes and a beautiful skyline. Every morning I take a walk for an hour through different parks and neighborhoods. But yes, SJ isn't for everyone. Pura vida!
How can you talk about places you haven't visited.
I came twice to Costa Rica and went once in Panama for one month.... I did not like Panama it's not clean at all, trach everywhere. Costa Rica has beautiful beaches, But in Panama it's hard to get to the beach. I will not go again to Panama. So everything about in Costa Rica is better than Panama.
We really appreciate your perspective!!!!!!
I didn't watch the whole video but did you compare day-to-day living prices? CR is a third world country with first world prices. All the Ricas cross the border to buy stuff in Panama. Enough said really isn't it fellas?
You must have missed most of the video. 😉 There are many reasons why one would want to live in Costa Rica over Panama. And many reasons why one would choose Panama over Costa Rica. Pura vida.
Go to Costa Rica, Panamá is to fill, Costa Rica is the Best.
Thanks for your comment. Pura vida!
Really? roads are way better in Panama, our main haighway have 4 lanes. Temperature? relocate to Boquete or Volcan. We have the dollar and import almost everything, so briging Amazon stuff gets very cheap and you do NOT pay US or PANAMA taxes, if item is lower than $1000. Supermarkets are full of US items. Panama will offer you senior citizen discounts, at the banks, you get priority service. MOVE TO PANAMA. Panamanian society loves to bark but we dont bite.
The happiest country in Latin America is Colombia 🇨🇴
En costa rica hay claces sociales es lo que el gringo no entiende
Gracias por tu comentario, no estamos en desacuerdo. Pero con este comentario es importante señalar que en cada país existen clases sociales. Para nosotros la clave es intentar integrarnos y no ser "sólo expatriados".
Thank you for your comment, we do not disagree. But with this cimment it is important to note that there are social classes in every country. For us the key is trying to integrate and not be "expat only".