I love México but Costa Rica is a small country with a Blue Zone longevity, Clean water to drink ,caribean, pacific, mountains, volcanos, rivers and peaceful you can easily drive anywhere in 3 hours..I love Costa Rica more!! Lol.
Great topic guys. We were considering Mexico also when we decided to leave USA in 2021. We chose Costa Rica for most the reasons you mentioned. I LOVE Mexican food however it isn't real HEALTHY. I love the Costa Rica fresh foods from our farmers market, veggies, fruit and organic chicken and fresh fish. I cook myself for my family mostly but do enjoy a local Soda once in awhile. We do have one authentic Mexican restaurant here in Heredia and the owners are from Mexico and it's delicious. We have health and happy lives here in Costa Rica and we know we made the right choice. We love visiting Mexico also. We have a friend living in Mexico and she said water shortage is a huge problem in many areas of Mexico and she has run out of water in her house for days sometimes weeks at a time. Thanks for sharing this topic! Pura Vida 😊
I've written Mexico off my list even for vacation because the country is being overtaken by the cartels, and the government is powerless to do anything about it. It's a cancer spreading throughout the country.
You guys should consider doing a video on Colombia versus Costa Rica. A lot of it would probably be similar comparisons to what was discussed in this video I’m sure. The reason I bring it up is because Colombia has an absolutely massive Expat community in just about every big city there is there. One thing is for sure, it’s a whole heck of a lot more affordable than Costa Rica by most measurements.
Costa Rica is more expensive but salaries are high compared to Mexico and the rest of latinAmerica! That make better quality of life for most of the people in the country and help to keep crime lower compared to other countries in the region....
Best video ever for this comparison. Having this debate now because I'm moving. I believe the only thing you missed was possible work if you needed it, and stability of Mexico, peso is up which country is more economically stable? Also from what i see, taxes and food prices are higher in Costa Rica. But I'm leaning more towards Costa Rica for the simpler quiet life and health care. I'll open a Mexican restaurant! haha
Aaron here. I am visiting Mexico this weekend and absolutely love it and it’s scratching my need for food, urban scenery and fun but I will be ready to return to my calm Costa Rica.
I am surprised by your comments regarding housing in Mexico. it seems a lot cheaper and higher quality. The cost of a trust is a negative but I am not sure it runs $2000/yr. I hear it's more like $600/yr. I do think that in both countries reselling a home is tough but the market is much liquid in MX.
Thanks for your comments. It's really hard to compare real estate overall between two countries and your points are taken. The cost of the trust was given to me by my real estate agent in Puerto Vallarta but a search shows I might have quoted the high end: "The exact fees vary depending on the value of the property transaction, but set-up costs are around US$1,000 and ongoing Trust fees can range from between US$500 and US$2,000 per year. Even at the lower range of the fee scale, this is a recurring cost that you need to take into account when you purchase land or property near the sea or a land border in Mexico." Thanks for watching and pura vida! - Aaron
Gracias Aaron. I actually lived in CR as a kid and my mother is Costa Rican. My wife is American and in many ways I think Mexico suits her better. For me, CR is better but if you don't speak Spanish having a large expat community around is important. The bigger communities in MX such as Mex City, Playa del Carmen, SMA and Baja are an easaier and similar type of stores (Wallmart, Costco)
I absolutely love Mexico and highly recommend people check it out if they're considering moving outside of the US, however for me, Costa Rica captured my heart.
2nd time I watch your video. This time with new eyes. Months later, after I made my final decision and you touched on all my reasons for CR. I can live so much better in Merida, but CR will provide more of a calming effect and affect. May just visit Mexico for a month or 2. Thanks for the topic❤
I love Mexico and I love visiting Mexico, but coming home to Costa Rica feels like the right place for me. I hope the move goes well. Email us with questions! hola@yourpuravida.com
México is now (post elections) very unstable. Foreign investment is rapidly descreasing and local investment and money are fleeing the country like there's no tomorrow because we don't have legal security any more. The justice system is almost non existent because it's flooded with corruption. Yes, Mexico is a giant country with one of the largest and most cosmopolitan cities in the World where you can get anything you might desire and think of at any time, but with 25 mill people (in Mexico City) there's horrible traffic jams ALL day, EVERY day. Plus, crime has been steadily going through the roof for years throughout the whole country. Housing prices are at an all time high, making it difficult even for expats. Earthquakes can be devastating, and not only in Mexico City (which is famous for them). You can get exceptional health care services in the private sector, but they're insanely expensive, but the public health system is hell, so getting sick or having an emergency here is a luxury unattainable for most of the 130 mill people that live in the country. We have the best food on the planet and some of the best landscapes in the world. Tourism can go from incredibly cheap to insanely expensive, but your safety won't be guaranteed in any regard anywhere in the country. Education quality has fallen to the deepest pits of hell and the ignorance and resentment of the general population is appalling. If you want some cultural experince (arts, museums, shows, concerts, architecture, history, etc) you're in the right place, that's a given... Water is contaminated and scarce in many regions. Quality of life is incredibly low, from the biggest cities to the smallest towns because OC *owns* at least 30 % of our territory with the blessing of the government. And to top it off, we now have a radical left and populist government seeking to establish a dictatorship. Mexico is in no way, shape or form what it used to be 6 or 7 years ago. Sadly, this "paradise" is no longer. DO NOT COME HERE. I'm currently looking to move to CR with all my family. Sad but true.
Hi Guy's great video! 1. I'd would like to live in a rentable apartment very near the beach. Say Flamingo Beach, is that possible? 2 What would be the cost, plus or mnius USD? I now live in Pembroke Pines, FL. I enjoyed stumbling on your channel, your advice is appreciated ❤❤❤ Richard
Thanks for your comment! A long-term rental near Flamingo is going to vary wildly. You might be lucky to find a place within a drive for $1000/month that might not meet your standards, but you can easily find a luxury rental from $10000/month. Plus, we'd really recommend looking at the entire cost of living, not just an apartment rental (do you need a car? what type of food budget is best for your lifestyle? etc.). And Flamingo is more expensive than other places. Sorry to not be more specific, but we'd recommend setting your overall monthly budget and then from there determining where you could live. Pura vida!
For Mexico, sadly we cannot help you as that isn't our focus. But for Costa Rica, we'd encourage you to watch our videos and read our blogs (www.yourpuravida.com/links) and also there are tons of other great content makers. If you want to connect, feel free to set up an introductory chat on our website!
Thanks for your comment. Good point. It is possible to get around Mexico via air travel for fairly inexpensively, but you'll have to deal with airports, which can add time and stress. Pura vida!
Is it untrue that Costa Rica and Panama are basically going downhill because of illegal migrants, drought, civil unrest, drug trafficking and violence, which make these places much less desirable than they used to be???
We hear that but we also hear that as untrue. I do think there is a difference in opinion based on how things affect each person. I for one have not seen nor heard any of my circle feeling it.
@@yourpuravida What I mentioned is aside from the cancer of the cartels that is devouring Mexico, and the excited expats who claim to love Mexico dismiss this reality as a mere regional annoyance....
The few times I have been to Mexico, the food was awful. The street food was pretty good tho, but probably not as healthy as one would want. The best was in places run by Europeans. I love Mexicans, but hey seem depressed. The Scandahovian countries??? BOREING!!!! Just about 15-20 years ago those northern climes had the highest suicide rates in the world. PV??? Give me a break!
We appreciate your comments, Alberto. We've never said CR has the most biodiversity, we have said that a country as small as CR has 6% of the world's biodiversity. Here's one of many references for that statistic: www.costarica-embassy.org/index.php?q=node/12#:~:text=Costa%20Rica%20accounts%20for%20only,percent%20of%20the%20world%27s%20biodiversity. Mexico does have a massive amount of biodiversity as it's a very large country with lots of microclimates and regions. We love it there!
Does costa rica tax income from your home country? I get military disability that my budget would be relying on. It won't work out if the Costa Rican government takes a cut before i spend it
@yourpuravida Oh, thank goodness. And thank you for the quick answer. I cant decide if I value culture and history or nature and wildlife more. Maybe I'll just spend a couple years in both places to see what I prefer.
we are going to do a video very soon just on the uptick in crime in CR. True, it is not non-existent, we don't want to minimize it. But all of the crime statistics are lower than in Mexico but not lower than all expat-favored countries.
While you talk about moving around México s like the only places to visit are the expats places... moving within México states is like going from one country to the other. Just as diverse as the country itself. Just an example. Central México. I do think that if you speak Spanish opens up a bigger world! Saludos from Jalisco's high lands!✌
I love México but Costa Rica is a small country with a Blue Zone longevity, Clean water to drink ,caribean, pacific, mountains, volcanos, rivers and peaceful you can easily drive anywhere in 3 hours..I love Costa Rica more!! Lol.
Great topic guys. We were considering Mexico also when we decided to leave USA in 2021. We chose Costa Rica for most the reasons you mentioned. I LOVE Mexican food however it isn't real HEALTHY. I love the Costa Rica fresh foods from our farmers market, veggies, fruit and organic chicken and fresh fish. I cook myself for my family mostly but do enjoy a local Soda once in awhile. We do have one authentic Mexican restaurant here in Heredia and the owners are from Mexico and it's delicious. We have health and happy lives here in Costa Rica and we know we made the right choice. We love visiting Mexico also. We have a friend living in Mexico and she said water shortage is a huge problem in many areas of Mexico and she has run out of water in her house for days sometimes weeks at a time. Thanks for sharing this topic! Pura Vida 😊
Love hearing that you have a similar experience Sandra! Thanks so much for engaging with the videos!
I've written Mexico off my list even for vacation because the country is being overtaken by the cartels, and the government is powerless to do anything about it. It's a cancer spreading throughout the country.
I am in Oaxaca now. My FMM expires in January. I am thinking Costa Rica for the nature. Thanks for the tips.
Love Oaxaca! But we'd be excited to have you here! Pura Vida!
You guys should consider doing a video on Colombia versus Costa Rica. A lot of it would probably be similar comparisons to what was discussed in this video I’m sure. The reason I bring it up is because Colombia has an absolutely massive Expat community in just about every big city there is there. One thing is for sure, it’s a whole heck of a lot more affordable than Costa Rica by most measurements.
Great minds think alike! That video coming soon!!
@@yourpuravida 🇨🇴 🇨🇷 = ? 💪🏻
Costa Rica is more expensive but salaries are high compared to Mexico and the rest of latinAmerica! That make better quality of life for most of the people in the country and help to keep crime lower compared to other countries in the region....
Best video ever for this comparison. Having this debate now because I'm moving. I believe the only thing you missed was possible work if you needed it, and stability of Mexico, peso is up which country is more economically stable? Also from what i see, taxes and food prices are higher in Costa Rica. But I'm leaning more towards Costa Rica for the simpler quiet life and health care. I'll open a Mexican restaurant! haha
Aaron here. I am visiting Mexico this weekend and absolutely love it and it’s scratching my need for food, urban scenery and fun but I will be ready to return to my calm Costa Rica.
I am surprised by your comments regarding housing in Mexico. it seems a lot cheaper and higher quality. The cost of a trust is a negative but I am not sure it runs $2000/yr. I hear it's more like $600/yr. I do think that in both countries reselling a home is tough but the market is much liquid in MX.
Thanks for your comments. It's really hard to compare real estate overall between two countries and your points are taken. The cost of the trust was given to me by my real estate agent in Puerto Vallarta but a search shows I might have quoted the high end: "The exact fees vary depending on the value of the property transaction, but set-up costs are around US$1,000 and ongoing Trust fees can range from between US$500 and US$2,000 per year. Even at the lower range of the fee scale, this is a recurring cost that you need to take into account when you purchase land or property near the sea or a land border in Mexico." Thanks for watching and pura vida! - Aaron
Gracias Aaron. I actually lived in CR as a kid and my mother is Costa Rican. My wife is American and in many ways I think Mexico suits her better. For me, CR is better but if you don't speak Spanish having a large expat community around is important. The bigger communities in MX such as Mex City, Playa del Carmen, SMA and Baja are an easaier and similar type of stores (Wallmart, Costco)
I absolutely love Mexico and highly recommend people check it out if they're considering moving outside of the US, however for me, Costa Rica captured my heart.
Mexico vs Costa Rica??? Costa Rica by a freaking landslide. I have LIVED both locations .
Hi, why Costa Rica over México?
Thanks guys. Very interesting.
Thanks for watching! Pura vida.
CR has major infrastructure issues. Water. Electric. Wifi. Permits omg. Wow.
2nd time I watch your video. This time with new eyes. Months later, after I made my final decision and you touched on all my reasons for CR.
I can live so much better in Merida, but CR will provide more of a calming effect and affect. May just visit Mexico for a month or 2.
Thanks for the topic❤
I love Mexico and I love visiting Mexico, but coming home to Costa Rica feels like the right place for me. I hope the move goes well. Email us with questions! hola@yourpuravida.com
Lived in both. Mexico has a new government and it's very scary. And it's very expensive now. Myself I would live in Costa Rica.
Mexico is a great country to visit when you're living in Costa Rica. And yes, the Pan American Highway is a myth (Darien Gap).
Absolutely! One of my favorite countries to visit. I’ve more than once made Mexico City a stop on the way to or from the States.
There is no comparison Mexico is very expensive. It's gotten crazy now.
México is now (post elections) very unstable. Foreign investment is rapidly descreasing and local investment and money are fleeing the country like there's no tomorrow because we don't have legal security any more. The justice system is almost non existent because it's flooded with corruption. Yes, Mexico is a giant country with one of the largest and most cosmopolitan cities in the World where you can get anything you might desire and think of at any time, but with 25 mill people (in Mexico City) there's horrible traffic jams ALL day, EVERY day. Plus, crime has been steadily going through the roof for years throughout the whole country. Housing prices are at an all time high, making it difficult even for expats. Earthquakes can be devastating, and not only in Mexico City (which is famous for them). You can get exceptional health care services in the private sector, but they're insanely expensive, but the public health system is hell, so getting sick or having an emergency here is a luxury unattainable for most of the 130 mill people that live in the country. We have the best food on the planet and some of the best landscapes in the world. Tourism can go from incredibly cheap to insanely expensive, but your safety won't be guaranteed in any regard anywhere in the country. Education quality has fallen to the deepest pits of hell and the ignorance and resentment of the general population is appalling. If you want some cultural experince (arts, museums, shows, concerts, architecture, history, etc) you're in the right place, that's a given... Water is contaminated and scarce in many regions. Quality of life is incredibly low, from the biggest cities to the smallest towns because OC *owns* at least 30 % of our territory with the blessing of the government. And to top it off, we now have a radical left and populist government seeking to establish a dictatorship. Mexico is in no way, shape or form what it used to be 6 or 7 years ago. Sadly, this "paradise" is no longer. DO NOT COME HERE. I'm currently looking to move to CR with all my family. Sad but true.
Hi Guy's great video!
1. I'd would like to live in a rentable apartment very near the beach. Say Flamingo Beach, is that possible?
2 What would be the cost, plus or mnius USD?
I now live in Pembroke Pines, FL.
I enjoyed stumbling on your channel, your advice is appreciated ❤❤❤ Richard
Thanks for your comment! A long-term rental near Flamingo is going to vary wildly. You might be lucky to find a place within a drive for $1000/month that might not meet your standards, but you can easily find a luxury rental from $10000/month. Plus, we'd really recommend looking at the entire cost of living, not just an apartment rental (do you need a car? what type of food budget is best for your lifestyle? etc.). And Flamingo is more expensive than other places. Sorry to not be more specific, but we'd recommend setting your overall monthly budget and then from there determining where you could live. Pura vida!
What part of Costa Rica to live?
I’m thinking about moving here. Trying to do my own research any information would be helpful.
For Mexico, sadly we cannot help you as that isn't our focus. But for Costa Rica, we'd encourage you to watch our videos and read our blogs (www.yourpuravida.com/links) and also there are tons of other great content makers. If you want to connect, feel free to set up an introductory chat on our website!
Why did you decide to move to Costa Rica or Mexico? We'd love to hear your story in the comments!
It's have lived in both. Mexico is now very expensive
No water. But the new government is very scary now
Roundtrip plane ticket from Guadalajara to Acapulco for less than $30.
Thanks for your comment. Good point. It is possible to get around Mexico via air travel for fairly inexpensively, but you'll have to deal with airports, which can add time and stress. Pura vida!
@@yourpuravida you're welcome!
Is it untrue that Costa Rica and Panama are basically going downhill because of illegal migrants, drought, civil unrest, drug trafficking and violence, which make these places much less desirable than they used to be???
We hear that but we also hear that as untrue. I do think there is a difference in opinion based on how things affect each person. I for one have not seen nor heard any of my circle feeling it.
@@yourpuravida What I mentioned is aside from the cancer of the cartels that is devouring Mexico, and the excited expats who claim to love Mexico dismiss this reality as a mere regional annoyance....
The few times I have been to Mexico, the food was awful. The street food was pretty good tho, but probably not as healthy as one would want. The best was in places run by Europeans. I love Mexicans, but hey seem depressed. The Scandahovian countries??? BOREING!!!! Just about 15-20 years ago those northern climes had the highest suicide rates in the world. PV??? Give me a break!
Just to point out. Mexico ranks 4th in biodiversity and Costa Rica 28th. So your facts are quite off.
We appreciate your comments, Alberto. We've never said CR has the most biodiversity, we have said that a country as small as CR has 6% of the world's biodiversity. Here's one of many references for that statistic: www.costarica-embassy.org/index.php?q=node/12#:~:text=Costa%20Rica%20accounts%20for%20only,percent%20of%20the%20world%27s%20biodiversity.
Mexico does have a massive amount of biodiversity as it's a very large country with lots of microclimates and regions. We love it there!
Does costa rica tax income from your home country? I get military disability that my budget would be relying on. It won't work out if the Costa Rican government takes a cut before i spend it
no - Costa Rica does not tax foreign income!
@yourpuravida Oh, thank goodness. And thank you for the quick answer. I cant decide if I value culture and history or nature and wildlife more. Maybe I'll just spend a couple years in both places to see what I prefer.
If you have ability to do both, I’d definitely consider that!!!
Crime is waaay underreported in CR. And not just petty theft.
we are going to do a video very soon just on the uptick in crime in CR. True, it is not non-existent, we don't want to minimize it. But all of the crime statistics are lower than in Mexico but not lower than all expat-favored countries.
Yes I think youd have to consider the crime rate based on the size alone of mexico could not be accurate.@@yourpuravida
😋😐🤔🙄🤩
While you talk about moving around México s like the only places to visit are the expats places... moving within México states is like going from one country to the other. Just as diverse as the country itself. Just an example. Central México. I do think that if you speak Spanish opens up a bigger world! Saludos from Jalisco's high lands!✌
Fully agree. This is definitely from our expat perspective. Thanks for the important comment!
@@yourpuravida Np✌