It will. As the first world countries get more expensive, more people will “escape” to cheaper countries. Scary to see how we can’t run from expenses lol
I've been to both countries and Costa Rica is not cheap. I visited in Dec. 2024 and was STUNNED by the prices at the local markets and at discount supermarkets like Mas por Menos (which is WalMart Neighborhood Market, the Costa Rican version). Even staple items that were not imported cost almost twice as much as they would here in The States. If you're looking to save money, Panama is a much better option!
You need 3 CAD dollars to buy coffee at a bakery. I moved out of CR a year ago after almost 20 years on and off living there, for the same reasons as you are talking about. I would qualify for rentista residency, but never bothered because of the CAJA cost. It would have been $450 monthly for that residency category. These days, you get 6 month tourist visa, so there is no point of getting a residency.
Jackie, could you address the whole issue of Panama joining Mercosur? How does that afford benefits to temporary or permanent residents in Panama to acquire residency in other Mercosur countries?
Yes, once you have become a resident, paying into the CAJA is mandatory. There was once an organization there , that membership entitled you to a group CAJA rate.
CR is using foreigners to pay for their CSS system (healthcare). $3.93 for a pineapple is no bargain! $16 for cottage cheese! 14% sales tax on everything. Panama is 7% but food is excluded. Add in the exchange rate, crime rate & higher inflation & CR is for rich people IMO.
I heard and read that USA Social Security health can be used here in Panama via John Hopkins medical system. My cousin is setting his one up because he is planning to retire.
NOT TRUE. Medicare cannot be used in Panama. If you have the right Medicare Advantage plan, it can be used at some hospitals in Panama for urgent care and emergencies .
Caja you can request a recalculation and most times its lowered. As for wages in CR they are the highest for any Latin American country. Its exoensive here because we have 150,000 US/Canadians living here and many tourists each season. The import tax is ridiculously high here, CR will eventually be the No go place soon if they do not change tactics in Government. Cons are more beautiful beaches in CR than Panama, but infrastructure is poor in CR. CR is easier more easily navigated than Panama as we have more than 1 way in and out. Panama is more diverse as far as living conditions(Panama City) Liberia or San Jose no where near as nice.😢
My concern is Panama will become just as expensive as Costa Rica.
It will.
As the first world countries get more expensive, more people will “escape” to cheaper countries.
Scary to see how we can’t run from expenses lol
There are always affordable places to live in Panama. I saw a furnished two bedroom house for $200 in Bugaba Panama!
I've been to both countries and Costa Rica is not cheap. I visited in Dec. 2024 and was STUNNED by the prices at the local markets and at discount supermarkets like Mas por Menos (which is WalMart Neighborhood Market, the Costa Rican version). Even staple items that were not imported cost almost twice as much as they would here in The States. If you're looking to save money, Panama is a much better option!
Goed info , Thanks 😃
You need 3 CAD dollars to buy coffee at a bakery.
I moved out of CR a year ago after almost 20 years on and off living there, for the same reasons as you are talking about.
I would qualify for rentista residency, but never bothered because of the CAJA cost. It would have been $450 monthly for that residency category. These days, you get 6 month tourist visa, so there is no point of getting a residency.
Jackie, could you address the whole issue of Panama joining Mercosur? How does that afford benefits to temporary or permanent residents in Panama to acquire residency in other Mercosur countries?
Looking forward to the 30th. Thx!
OK, I'm sold CR is a no go!
Yes, once you have become a resident, paying into the CAJA is mandatory. There was once an organization there , that membership entitled you to a group CAJA rate.
CR is using foreigners to pay for their CSS system (healthcare). $3.93 for a pineapple is no bargain! $16 for cottage cheese! 14% sales tax on everything. Panama is 7% but food is excluded. Add in the exchange rate, crime rate & higher inflation & CR is for rich people IMO.
I heard and read that USA Social Security health can be used here in Panama via John Hopkins medical system. My cousin is setting his one up because he is planning to retire.
NOT TRUE. Medicare cannot be used in Panama. If you have the right Medicare Advantage plan, it can be used at some hospitals in Panama for urgent care and emergencies .
@@itzaevans837 Medicare Advantage is NOT accepted at Pacifica Salud, the Johns Hopkins affiliate hospital.
Hello finally I'm on time
Exchange rates can indeed be a factor. I ran into that challenge in Mexico ; now in CR ? So Panama is increasingly becoming more attractive…
If you are a US citizen, Panama is better because there is no exchange rate. Panama uses the US dollar as their currency
I would like to know more about using Medicare Advantage in Panama. I had thought that was a definite no. This may be great news.
I will do a livestream 30th January about using Medicare Advantage and other US insurance in Panama
Caja you can request a recalculation and most times its lowered. As for wages in CR they are the highest for any Latin American country. Its exoensive here because we have 150,000 US/Canadians living here and many tourists each season. The import tax is ridiculously high here, CR will eventually be the No go place soon if they do not change tactics in Government. Cons are more beautiful beaches in CR than Panama, but infrastructure is poor in CR. CR is easier more easily navigated than Panama as we have more than 1 way in and out. Panama is more diverse as far as living conditions(Panama City) Liberia or San Jose no where near as nice.😢
Try a dozen organic eggs in Colorado for $11 dollars.
…Couple weeks ago Eggs were $14.99 in Oregon organic for 18 ct!!!
YIKES! THAT'S CRAZY EXPENSIVE. I get a dozen organic eggs for $1.65 in Panama.
The CR crime that I “ know of “ is not petty, … how about home invasions, yes that has increased as well.
I missed the Queen of Panama (sad)
Don't forget butter in Costa Rica is from $12-14..crazy and criminal.. It's local butter