Moving to Costa Rica vs: Mexico: We compare the two popular expat destinations in 2023.

Published 2023-09-08
Many Americans, Canadians and Europeans looking at moving out of their countries consider moving to Costa Rica and Mexico. 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 Mexico over Costa Rica.

Did you decide to move to Mexico and not Costa Rica? We'd love to hear from you in the comments.

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All Comments (21)
  • @directrue1742
    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.
  • @tutornotepad
    I am in Oaxaca now. My FMM expires in January. I am thinking Costa Rica for the nature. Thanks for the tips.
  • @sandrabedard7848
    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 😊
  • 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❤
  • @yourpuravida
    Why did you decide to move to Costa Rica or Mexico? We'd love to hear your story in the comments!
  • @GringlesFacil
    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.
  • @directrue1742
    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....
  • @tishhuston8920
    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
  • @xaviersoto7081
    I’m thinking about moving here. Trying to do my own research any information would be helpful.
  • @rickyorick
    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
  • 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.
  • @albertogamez1960
    Just to point out. Mexico ranks 4th in biodiversity and Costa Rica 28th. So your facts are quite off.
  • @mkoschara
    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).
  • 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!
  • Mexico vs Costa Rica??? Costa Rica by a freaking landslide. I have LIVED both locations .
  • @UnicornMeat512
    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
  • @sesomnoslen5729
    Roundtrip plane ticket from Guadalajara to Acapulco for less than $30.
  • @dovygoodguy1296
    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???