A Comprehensive Exploration of the Ideal Haven for North American Expatriates
In the latest release of the Annual Global Retirement Index Costa Rica has once again claimed the top spot. This is the third consecutive time yearly ranking is specifically tailored for North American expatriates. A network of on-the-ground editors and global correspondents meticulously curates it. They draw from their personal experiences and a plethora of statistics to compile a comprehensive list. They consider such factors as cost of living, housing, healthcare, retiree benefits, and climate.
Where Should I Live In Costa Rica? – Expats Answer
In Our Facebook Groups for Expats, when someone asks where to live in Costa Rica, the replies are often from people who know. The answers are not helpful for someone just looking for help on where to move to.
These metrics are used to profile destinations outside the U.S. and Canada. The focus is on places where a retired couple can enjoy a comfortable life on a budget as modest as $2,000 a month.
This outcome doesn’t come as a surprising. I’ve lived in Costa Rica for over thirty years, drawn by the highlighted attributes. I’ve explored each country from Mexico to the southern tip of South America. I’ve found that Costa Rica truly stands out from the rest.
Costa Rica not only leads in overall rankings but also excels in healthcare. It boasts the world’s highest life expectancy. Its national healthcare system, “the Caja”, is ranked among the top 20 globally.
Furthermore, the country provides various private healthcare options that are significantly more affordable than those in the U.S. A dual private/public healthcare system offers coverage at a fraction of the cost expatriates would pay in the United States. Most individuals spend roughly $100 per month for public system coverage.
Recent buzz suggests Panama is a great place to move, but it actually only offers two good destinations for expatriates: Panama City and the David/Boquete areas. Whether you prefer sweltering heat and big-city living in Panama City or the isolated David/Boquete, which is a 6-hour drive from Panama City with no direct international flights, you have limited choices. In contrast, Costa Rica boasts two conveniently located international airports. They provide many flight options to the United States and Canada.
Moreover, Costa Rica provides a wider range of living options compared to Panama. Expatriates can choose to live in beach towns along the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. The coastline is 900 miles long and has 300 accessible beaches. Others may choose year-round spring-like weather in the highlands. They might pick popular areas like Atenas, Grecia, San Ramon, Heredia, Escazú, San Jose, or San Isidro de General in the southern part of the country.
During one of my relocation tours, a woman living in Panama highlighted the allure of Costa Rica. She said, “Costa Rica has many more places to choose for living.””
Essentially, Costa Rica caters to diverse preferences. It offers something for everyone and everything for someone. In fact, it hosts a higher proportion of Americans outside of the U.S. than any other country, attesting to its appeal.
Traversing the country from one coast to the other is a breeze. You can enjoy breakfast on the Pacific Coast. Then, have lunch in the Central Valley. Finally, savor dinner on the Caribbean side.
Beyond its scenic beauty, Costa Rica guarantees political stability. It abolished its military in the late 1940s. It stands as the most enduring democracy in Latin America. In contrast, Panama shows some stability. However, it faced a U.S. invasion in 1990. The U.S. wanted to depose General Manuel Noriega, the de facto ruler. They accused him of racketeering and drug trafficking. This is unprecedented in Costa Rica’s recent history.
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