Costa Rica or Panama? Where Should You Live?

[@kristc99]

I think Panama City is different from the interior. We're in David and costs are reasonable, and customer service is excellent.

[@EMSpdx]

It's way different!

[@sandrabedard7848]

Hola Michael. When we first started researching over 3 years ago to see what Country we wanted to Retire to we were looking at these Countries. Mexico, panama, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Belize . Costa Rica fit the list for us and here we still are almost 3 years living here permanently as Residents and purchased our home here. No regrets. We also felt that Costa Rica people are beautiful and loving people and we wanted to emerse ourselves into the Country, people and Culture so that is what we have done. We are here for Life. I didn't feel Panama has the same feeling we get here in Costa Rica. No regrets and love our lives here. Good interview.

[@riskyron1416]

I was 7 yeas into Costa Rica when yesterday given only a 5 day visa. I am thankful i had only a lease on my house. Owning would be a disaster. Lived in Panama before and government issues there are far preferable to Costa Rica. Especially as a US Army Veteran who served 32 years and was a Colonel O6. Unlike Costa Rica my VA Benefits are in force in Panama but in Costa Rica would lose treatment on multiple bone surgeries 57 years ago due the National Health Care Requirement.

[@AWalkWithWhizzy]

Thank you for becoming a resident and not a migrant (ex-pat) who insist on changing CR to make it like their "back home"

[@directrue1742]

If you want to enjoy life 90% go to Costa Rica if you want enjoy life 45% and work 45% go to Panama. And if you want to enjoy life 7% and work 83% stay in the USA.

[@majimespirit8421]

If you want to work 100% of the time move to a blue city in the USA. 😅

hahah this was really funny.

[@ArmandoChapinGuate]

Costa Rica is a very expensive country for what it offers, deteriorated roads, poor quality services. Panama is much more developed, the people are happier, the services are privatized and of quality, the health of Panama is much superior to that of Costa Rica.

[@keving574]

bureaucracy In Costa Rica is horrible. Tico’s are friendly but that’s not the same as providing great customer service. CR customer services is not good. Be honest

[@livingdaybyday1174]

I agree

[@AWalkWithWhizzy]

the bureaucracy is the SAME as everywhere else except in a different language. Learn CR spanish or just go hojme because you do not belong.

[@Canada_Michael]

Thanks for the great video. I've watched many videos on Panama and Costa Keeping in mind, I can't believe everything. I see, except for your videos, of course. everything.I visited Costa Rica last December. Rented a car drove all over alone and did not feel threatened at all Even though Canada advises a higher degree of danger for Costa Rica, but not so much for Panama. From what I can see. Panama seems to be cheaper if you're in the right areas. Panama city big city with big city prices. Cool thing About panama is if you're over 60 you get the senior 25% discount at restaurants, Also discounts Public transport, Utility bills, etc. I will visit Panama this year and see for myself.

[@elconocimientoespoder1521]

Well now I will give you my opinion...Im Greek- Panamainian and lived in Europe for a long time... Costa Rica is much more expensive than Panamá... Costa Ricans cross the border to buy products. Morealso I can tell panamainians are more open and friendly than Costa Ricans because there are much more People that speak English... Almost all Schools teaches English as second language besides Panamá is more cosmopolitan than Costa Rica.. You can find here People from all over the World and exquisite cuisine... Anyway it depends what are you looking for...

[@scubamarilu]

Both countries have the pros and cons. I'm from Panama. I lived in Playas Del Coco, very nice town, people are So friendly, plenty nature, places to access to surf, MTB, diving but cost of living is high. You must live a very basic life. Now Panama is not that cheap either, the last 5 years of cost of living is getting high as well. Playas del Coco and Boquete are similar, expats havens. In Panama expats enjoy more perks, tax free if you earn $11K per year. And if you are retire you get disounts on Presc drugs, medical services, restaurants, plane tickets, hotel rooms. In the banks you have priority service. Come to Panama.

[@Hooped1]

Another great interview! A fair and realistic overview of the differences between the two places. VERY much appreciated. When the day comes I'll be looking up Pablo to get it done. Thank you for the great work as always, keep it up!

[@internationalrelocationparner]

Thank you! We are just trying to provide helpful advice and perspective.

[@richardwilkinson72]

Costa Rica has always been my first choice. I like the temperate climate of the central Valley. San Jose and its environs offer many choices from large city to small towns that fall within this zone. Panama is more limited. Panama appears to be a much easier place to get residency. You do not have to pay into a Caja and there are discounts on many things for seniors. A statistic I heard recently regards violent crime. In 2023 Costa Rica reported 17.5 homicides per 100,000 while Panama rate was 11.5 per 100,000

[@WolfF2022]

Panama has also temperate climate at Santa Fe, Volcan, and so on. It is harder to get residency in Panama, a lawyer is obligatory there and the process costs several thousand Dollars (3k-7k), and just real estate investments count, in CR all you invest counts, even a car, so it`s easier to get the 150k invested and a lawyer isn`t obligatory. Panama is bigger than CR and the population density is far less than in CR. CR has more debts than Panama but also a more advanced democracy.

[@barco581]

Agree with you Richard. The Central Valley is really special and often overlooked.

[@daviddelacey8938]

This is great. Been scoping Jaco in 🇨🇷 - love it. Not cheap - however takes a few weeks to know where to go. But next up is Panama 🇵🇦 I live in LA & don’t see great savings in groceries & eating out BUT it’s really in property where you save - it’s 50% cheaper relative to where you buy/rent i.e your 1500 month rental here is 3k in LA or your 300k prop is 900k in LA and perhaps Ubering also cheaper. Also am a European so international hub maybe where to go as a base. Only 1.5 hr flight to get here. Get impression San Jose does not compete with Panama City but where nature living is concerned CR takes it but Panama has places. Might depend on the heat for me. I don’t find it too hot here in Jaco…

[@MrVader282]

After researching, both countries are similar, however, Costa Rica is more expensive and the consequences is a perception that, it's too expensive for a vacation, only the Ticos and Ticas can manage the cost but the Gringo prices are devastating, it's like going to Las Vegas with out the glitter but when you go home, your pockets are empty but you got some memories.

[@riskyron1416]

Not so if you go to hotels not catering to Americans. Simply avoid everything American, like American owned hotels, Restaurant Chains. Live like a local and prices will likely be a third of living like an American Tourist.

[@barco581]

Well if one wants to stay at high end Marriott hotels it can be expensive. But CR can be very affordable.

[@riskyron1416]

@@barco581 I agree. When visiting another country avoid American Hotels, Restaurants , Car Rentals and the US based Airlines. As said before I live in a 7 bedroom/5 bath house with 4 car garage on 23 acres I rent for $153 a month. When flying in or out of the airport in Alejuela, I stay in a hotel at $34 a night. Hell, in any country the high end American Hotels all have prostitutes as well as robbers just outside. For solo travelers look into Hostels. Usually $12 to $15 a night with breakfast included.

[@bitsurfr46]

I watch a lot of your videos. I think your real strength is after asking a few questions you let your guests tell their story 🎉.

[@heavensent8771]

I don’t get how you say Costa Rica has friendlier people. That is not true. Ticos are all about their circle, they are very sheltered and don’t open up easily. They will say hi and smile but trying to establish meaningful relationships with Ticos is hard. Yes, once they know they are supper friendly and helpful but it takes time to crack the shell. Panamanians by far are more open and warm towards strangers. Panamanians are vibrant people with a zest for life, for them there is always a party and they welcome all to the party. Ticos not so much. I was amazed at my first new year in Costa Rica I was as at restaurant by the border and when they New Year arrived the Ticos did not even wish each other a happy New Year.

[@erickh.r.9087]

You just said it, u were by the border, that people don't represent ticos at all, trust me ticos are way more nice than panamanians, but anyway all towns and cities from each country has different people

[@guillermogouldburn763]

The President-elect of Panama is going to build a fast train from Panama City to David, very close to the border with Costa Rica. If Costa Rica follows suit, it will be very easy to enjoy the best each of these countries has to offer regardless of which one you chose to live in. You could travel from San Jose and be in Panama City in less than 6 hours by train very cheaply. Currently it takes abot 24 hours to make same trip by car or bus.

this will be awesome

[@robertgillies9382]

Panama City is a lot more expensive than Chiriqui for example. I live in Panama very close to the border with Costa Rica. I 've been here for 25 years. In general it is easier to live in Panama. Panama uses the US dollar which is an advantage. Anyway a very informative video.

[@dovygoodguy1296]

Unfortunately other places have serious identifiable problems. Cartels swallowing up Mexico, conflict and electricity shortages in Ecuador, underdeveloped infrastructure in Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and way to high expectations about El Salvador..... extremely high prices on imported common products not manufactured in. Latin America....

[@AdrianaAgell]

Very useful video! Nice dive into comparing these two countries on so many levels - from finances to lifestyle choices and even how things roll in their day-to-day. Thank you for sharing this insightful information with us all!

[@keywestcatlady]

Great Info! Thank-you!

[@TheMidasMD]

Opinions can be misleading cos it is subjective. What you guys should have done is take a list of everyday things, picked two cities or towns in each country and then compared notes on cost of things like car, rent, house, food, dining, appliances, services and so on and so forth. You will be surprised what you yourself will learn doing it this way.

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

Well, maybe, if the only reason you're moving to a place is because it's cheaper. But I get your point.

[@tpxrp6244]

La Fortuna is the place to be. PERIOD. Beaches 2-2 1/2 hours away, neat town and can explore lots without going far...and did I mention that big beautiful Arenal Volcano? Good video guys, thanks.

[@dakotahstr]

Good Morning Michael and Pablo! You are in the old location for the retreat,am I wrong? Great video, I always look forward to them. I love your backgrounds.

[@internationalrelocationparner]

Thanks for watching!!

[@markdickenson2885]

Everyone I have talked to about this issue has said the same thing about Panama...their people aren't very friendly. I know that is a broad brush to paint a country with but I was very interested in Panama and talked to gringos, ticos, and a friend of mine from Venezuela lived there for several years and all said the same thing. The gringos told me it was because of the canal and how my country treated their people which is understandable. I came to Costa Rica for the beauty and the weather...but stayed because of the locals.

[@edwarmartinez9614]

Eso no es cierto amigo, si acá en Panamá no fuéramos amables, no hubieran tantas personas de diferentes razas y países, lo que pasa es que acá todos sabemos guardar distancias y sabemos respetar el espacio de las personas , porque muchas veces somos muy jocosos y sabemos que no a todas las personas les agrada esto y por lo general cuando un extranjero decide vivir en nuestro país para retirarse se supone que quiere vivir en paz sin nadie que Los perturbe , por otro lado no creo que usted sea estadounidense, porque usted se refiere a los mismos como gringos y por lo general a los estadounidense no les agrada que se refieren a ellos con esa palabra igual que a los chinos no les gusta que se les diga chino o china .

[@tuyquienmas]

If we were mean with gringos, none of you will be here in Panama. We are not muslims from middle east that truly despise your people...we dont have problems with americans or anyone.

[@johnneilbunting2750]

know Pablo quite well. stand up guy.

[@barco581]

Panama City-perhaps the most North Americanized city in all of Latin America?

[@juanluiscarbonepicard-ami5379]

i concur

[@billgalli5991]

Thanks Pablo and Mike.

[@paulvta761]

Great video guys

[@keywestcatlady]

Greetings From Key West!

[@rayclarenc]

my uncle told my sister and my sister told me that our uncle, my dad and her dad said that our great granddaddy is Costa Rica based upon what my uncle said in 2014, so my great granddad, supposedly Costa Rican according to what my uncle told my sister and I love Costa Rica and I love Panamanian

[@shelleysquires7225]

Good morning, Love 🌺 Always good to see Pablo! I use his 3rd party shipping company out of Miami. I always recieve excellent service! Another great, interesting video Michael. Thanks again 🌺

[@Int.pablo.e.arias.c]

Thanks 🙏

[@internationalrelocationparner]

THANKS !!!! We are always happy to help

[@OBDPVCR]

I think it's a bit cheaper to eat healthier in Costa Rica and CR has more variety of fresh produce as well, whereas Panama has some cheap fruits and veggies but less variety and imported packaged and bottled goods cheaper. Health Foods (cacao, wheatgrass, spirulina, maca, etc) are cheaper and more abundant in Costa Rica imo. You can live as cheaply as you wish in either country, but I wish Panama had a better domestic health food market/brand like Jinca. Panama City is an AMAZING city though. Wish they were less strict about having to wear a shirt if you're making exercise along the Costa Cintera

[@shellijohnson3043]

Thank You!

[@FreeThinker-j7y]

I think that this guy is giving misguided information on cost comparisons! I feel that Panama offers more choices at less money on pretty much everything! Also medical services are much better than Costa Rica and very inexpensive! Outside of Panama City it's far less expensive to live!

[@jonathanLToronto]

Where should I go if I want to play golf(with a membership to any decent course)?

[@gif24gt60]

What about colombia vs argentina?😮

[@coffeewithbabymae6503]

I'm curious of what the price of a decent sized turkey goes for in both countries :) are they available?

[@fosterbrower4116]

Hey if you want to be free, and live in peace, CR is the deal, Mike mentioned Nicaragua in the mix, Panama and Nicaragua historically have allowed themselves to be governed by strongmen, ,authoritative figures. CR people haven't allowed it since 1948, so here's to the people of Costa Rica, hope things stay the same. Making a quick buck, nice rods, etc. etc. are wonder things, but if you ain't free, you ain't free, PEACE!!!

[@garyyarbrough888]

C R economy is totally reliant on tourism

[@dovygoodguy1296]

Issues today the drought in Panama reducing rhe activity of the Canal and government revenues. Costa Rica faces the effects of the migrants heading to the US and a State of Emergency. Panama has the problem of the migrants passing through as well. Both countries are now facing a serious water shortage. Of course the intense heat and humidity in Panama City sounds like it can wear you out and is intolerable compared to San José. Boquete isn't exactly a paradise. So I don't niw feel the intense desire to go to either country like i did a couple of years ago.

[@devillockj]

Thats hilarious how people think Costa Rica is an island. I spent a year there and my whole family back home talked like I was on an island the whole time. I just assumed they don’t know the difference between Puerto Rico and Costa Rica 😂😂😂🤦🏽‍♂️

[@rayclarenc]

You with the white shirt on what is Your are you Costa Rican?

[@garyyarbrough888]

C R has much higher crime rates and healthcare far better n Panama & US $ is currency.

[@surflifeimages]

You can rent a 1 bdr apartment in orange county So Cal for 3k+ Insanity.

[@coffeewithbabymae6503]

My Vietnam veteran friend is paying $2k for a basic apartment in Pasadena... saddest thing.

[@juniorsavoy1010]

How can I get in touch with Pablo?

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

email me [e-mail]

[@mykarma2]

Can you send me Pablo's information? I couldn't find me.

[@riskyron1416]

If a US Military Vet, Panama is hands down best, as they get free medical at any Hospital or Clinic and billed to the Veteran's Administration. On the downside there are many that will think Americans stink, and that becomes worse around Christmas commemorating the 1989 Panama Invasion. But in spite of that have found it easier to make friends in Panama. Though polite and friendly I just never have been able to make friends in Costa Rica. I attribute that to them being occupied with family and school day friends. Going north Nicaragua has become a disaster in the last 8 years. Ditto Ecuador in the last 3 years. I could easily get immediate Residency in Panama without penalty. But were I to get Residency in Costa Rica I would lose Medical I have had over 55 years from an injury due the requirement for National Health Care. that would not be the case in Panama. Costa Rica is more beautiful with more mountains, rivers and trees. But for beaches you cant beat Bocas del Toro Panama. On another plus side I find rental housing in Costa Rica cheaper than Panama.

[@riskyron1416]

Currently in Chitre' Panama in a 5 Star Hotel at $23 a night. They gave me the 50% Pensionado Discount!

[@edwarmartinez9614]

Bueno eso de que acá en Panamá no queremos a los estadounidense no es tan cierto, claro como todos lados ,hay personas odiosas , pero nosotros somos un país capitalista y nuestro aliados principal son los EEUU y nosotros deseamos que a EEUU le valla bien y sigan siendo el número uno, porque a nosotros también nos va bien, y no respaldarnos ideologías comunistas no socialistas y eso lo heredamos de EEUU,

[@riskyron1416]

@@edwarmartinez9614 Entiendo el disgusto por la invasión de Panamá de 1989. Pero de ninguna manera veo a los panameños como un pueblo odioso. Al igual que en Vietnam, la gente allí no tiene animosidad contra los estadounidenses, ni siquiera aquellos que como yo sirvieron allí. Reconocen la diferencia entre gobierno y gente enviada pero opuesta a la guerra

[@heyjoejoe]

Naah man Panama is way way better place than Costa Rica …. Costa Rica is so 3rd world I pass I’m moving to Panama after been in both places for 3 months

[@clarencehammer3556]

Who speaks the best Spanish, Costa Ricans or Panamanians? I’m sure there must be differences.

[@guillermogouldburn763]

Costa Ricans speak the best Spanish, but Panamanians speak the cooler Spanish (think Reggaeton Spanish)

[@huezola]

No comparison: Costa Rica is much much better. Period!

[@jonathanLToronto]

Care to explain your opinion please? Which is better if you are looking for mid size city?

[@kb4804]

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.

[@christianthorne8807]

Where are you from, I know both countries and the beaches of Panama are more beautiful and have better roads, the country is more developed.

[@fincafeliz6402]

WRONG The roads in Panama were blocked for 5 weeks and they won their fight to close down the mine.

[@jakelesnake4927]

Both great countries, but mas bonnitas chiciticas en Costa Rica.

[@ronisCR10]

During a period of my life, I traveled to Panama many times and I strongly disagree with the guest. The average Panamanian's character is not as friendly. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would give them a 6 or 7, while I would give Costa Ricans a 10. Also, I feel that Ticos lead a more relaxed life in terms of politics and economics. They live life at a different pace.

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

Yes, my assessment as well ;)

[@markdickenson2885]

I haven't been to Panama because my neighbors(mix of ticos gringos etc) in Costa Rica and a bunch of other people have said the exact same thing.

[@ArmandoChapinGuate]

Panamá es muy superior en economía y es más seguro que Costa Rica, busque estadísticas y no hable por hablar.

[@edwarmartinez9614]

Eso no es cierto, acá en Panamá, aunque la economía está algo estancada, vivimos bastantes cómodos para nosostros y claro cada uno de nosotros estamos trabajando para que nuestro país supere económicamente y queremos que nuestro país sea autosuficiente y no es que no seamos amigables , lo que pasa ea que aca sabemos guardar distancias y respetar el espacio privado de las personas, pero si usteded se relaciona mas con un panameño sabra que somos demasiados relajados pero también tratamos de ser serios y cumplidores en nuestros asuntos y trabajos.

[@AWalkWithWhizzy]

So if you are not a resident, you are a migrant. Act that way and don't try to make Costa Rica anything other than it is, BEAUTIFUL. If you don't like it, you are free to leave. But you are a migrant so don't make CR like the US or where ever you come from. Just stay home

[@livingdaybyday1174]

C.R. is the wild west.

[@ernestoroldan8786]

Simple..Costa Rica is much much expesnsive than Panama...in general

[@RudyParenteau]

Costa Rica is expensive and has poorer infrastructure, power, and banking issues, immigration is expensive* more expensive than Panama and harder to get. PANAMA has better immigration, banking, cheaper rents in rural areas, great beaches, safer, and great roads than Costa Rica, easy to buy a car, if you get a fixer ......so Panama wins in my opinion.