El Podcast

E74: Costa Rica vs. Nicaragua in Retirement

Episode Summary

Ally initially planned to retire abroad but ended up settling in Nicaragua before relocating to Costa Rica due to political instability. Despite the higher cost of living, Ally enjoys the climate and proximity to the ocean and city. Ally advises considering healthcare, culture, and activities when choosing a retirement destination and cautions about property risks. Ally left the US due to taxes, overcrowding, and safety concerns, highlighting the importance of feeling comfortable. Ally shares expat experiences, emphasizing research and following dreams when living abroad.

Episode Notes

A 67-year-old American expat shares thier journey from retiring in Nicaragua to settling in Costa Rica, revealing the realities of expat life, cost of living, and the importance of flexibility abroad.

Guest Bio:

Aly is a retired Californian who relocated to Nicaragua in 2016 before moving to Costa Rica in 2021 due to political unrest. A seasoned traveler with roots in Europe and Central America, Ally now lives in the mountains near San José, embracing a slower pace of life and community-driven living.

Topics Discussed:

• Cost of living in Costa Rica vs. Nicaragua
• Expat community dynamics
• Health care access and medical emergencies abroad
• U.S. Social Security and Medicare considerations for expats
• Property ownership risks in Central America
• Cultural adaptation, language learning, and safety
• Pros and cons of long-term retirement outside the U.S.

Top 3 Quotes:

• "If I wanted to be stressed, I would've stayed in the States."
• "You can live on $1,200 a month—but you might not want to."
• "You have to be flexible. It's not the United States. And that's kind of the point."