Around each tourist attraction, you can find dozens more. This takes some pre-planning, but its done all the time. When we arrived in Costa Rica, it was after spending about 4.5 months backpacking south from Mexico City, passing through Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua along the way, and the sticker shock when we arrived in Costa Rica was enormous. Nicaragua is definitely cheaper than Costa Rica, Here is a comparison of some prices to show you the difference between the two countries. If youre staying in not-to-be-missed historic Granada, there are several easy day trips you can make. Costa Rica is well known as an ecotourism destination to find quiet beaches and lush jungles, while it is actually Nicaragua that has the largest rainforest of Central America (home to 7 % of the worlds biodiversity!). Costa Rica on the other hand I have taken family out for late night beach walks. This website uses cookies to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Nicaragua is known for its lakes and volcanoes while Costa Rica boasts amazing national parks. This is your chance! And, since most beach travelers who de-board at Liberia head to a select few beaches in Costa Rica, those who expand their horizon ever so slightly have access to some of the most pristine and tranquil beach experiences that are difficult to find on the Costa Rican side. Costa Rica's Tourism Sector Struggles with VAT Increase Living in Central America - How does Costa Rica match up? Cost of Living Costa Rica is 89.9% more expensive than Nicaragua. Nicaragua vs Costa Rica: Which One Should You Visit? Unfortunately, this increase in VAT . Consuelo Mora, communications professional, forms part of that group of immigrants. That measure greatly reduces the risk of tourists spreading the coronavirus. My sister is heading to Costa Rica for the first time in May and she has never left the United States so needless to say she is a ball of emotions. That idea is based on some characteristics of the majority of the immigrants who for decades have come to the country. This means youre not flailing around on your own and theres more safety in numbers. I just showed her your blog post and all this great information really helped her to start researching all her questions/fears/worries etc. Nicaragua Expat Forum: Nicaragua vs. Costa Rica?| Expat Exchange Yes, I love writing compare/contrast articlesmostly because Im always looking for similar content when making travel plans! Dominical, located on the Pacific Ocean in the Puntarenas province, is a known tourist entity catering to surfers, beachgoers, and well-heeled 2nd vacation homeowners. Your email address will not be published. is public transport well set up? However, I believe that the people from disadvantaged socioeconomic conditions who emigrate here, look for a way to camouflage themselves, she noted. Book Pacaure Outdoor Center, Turrialba, Costa Rica. Nicaragua has had a troubled history with the United States government ever since the U.S.-appointed dictator who ruled Nicaragua for 40 years was overthrown in 1979. We skip all of them and eat local Like at La Cascada at Pelican Eyes San Juna Del Sur and La Frontera Granada both have amazing food service and each have best hamburgers in their area. As a person who traveled between both countries frequently I can tell you this. HAVANA TIMES Telling the story of the Nicas in Costa Rica means understanding the lives of hundreds of thousands of people whove remade their lives in a country different from their own. Ecuador vs. Nicaragua: What Investors Should Know Up Front - Viva Tropical (It is important to note that I wrote this blog post before the civil unrest that impacted Nicaragua starting in 2018. While there are many regions to explore within each country, this blog post is based on my first-hand experience to help you decide which country should you visit. In 2018 alone, 246,208 births, or 18% of all births in Costa Rica, involved a baby whose father or mother was Nicaraguan. We loved the culture, we loved the landscapes, we loved the adventure, we loved the cities and towns and we also really. Everything began with his Nicaraguan mother when she was a teenager, in the year when the Sandinista revolution triumphed. Both countries have many similarities but both also have many differences. This change comes as a result of the end of the differentiated tax regime established in Law No. And while I've traveled the world, I've been lucky to call Key West my home for the last 30 years. For a lot of years weve associated the Nicaraguans with the problems that vex us most: for example, the topic of security, of the public services, the employment picture, says researcher Carlos Sandoval from the University of Costa Rica. While there is an established gringo trail that passes through Nicaragua (more or less concentrated in Leon, Granada, and San Juan del Sur, and to a lesser extent in Isla de Ometepe), the luxury properties and high-end resorts in Costa Rica are not present in Nicaragua. I have spent substantial time in both Costa Rica and Nicaragua. El Salvador vs Costa Rica -: El Salvador vs Costa Rica live streaming Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Check out Volcano Mombacho and the artisan town of Masaya known for its pottery crafts. GDP growth of 4.5% in 2017 was insufficient to make a significant difference. Fill out the form below; I will reach out to you within 48 hours to schedule a free 15-minute call. Nicaragua has the lowest homicide rate in Central America . Exports of bananas, coffee, sugar, and beef are the backbone of its commodity exports. In 30 years, I had only experienced one incident. Last Updated on December 5, 2022 by Kate Storm So, you're heading either to Costa Rica or Nicaragua! Costa Rica vs Nicaragua: Which Country Should You Visit? When I started visiting Nicaragua in 2011, tourism was starting to take off. > Im 71 and retired. Little Corn Island sounds so sweet as do the other beaches here! This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Nicaragua vs Costa Rica: Which One Should You Visit? While we try to avoid the touristic places, Costa Rica having more English speakers definitely makes the trip easy. Expats interested in moving to Central America or South America typically go through a process of comparing many of the nations that make up that part of the world. Ive been to the Pacaure Outdoor Center several times with teenagers as well as my 50+ womens travel group. Best Places to Live Overseas: Costa Rica vs. Panama We have been to Honduras and greatly enjoyed itwe visited Copan Ruinas, Utila, and La Ceiba/the Cangrajel River Valley. Signing in allows you to change your location, ask questions in our community, contribute to our cost of living database, and more. Yoga and wellness is the key to take care of ourselves, our surroundings, and the people we love. I can go on. If its a matter of lesser prices, lesser crowds & active Volcanoes then my vote is hands down for Nicaragua. . When backpacking one of the most popular areas to backpack in the world, it's difficult to make the right decisions when it comes to safe spots and the dangerous ones. These are the kind of stories that make travel memorable. Costa Rica and Nicaragua are two beautiful places with jaw-dropping beaches and friendly locals. Even though the food culture doesnt sounds great in Nicaragua, Im still sold! Costa Rica sounds a great place for those surreal beaches and plenitude of adventure activities. And they are even significantly lower in Nicaragua than in Costa Rica (According to Wikipedia, Nicaragua actually has the lowest violent crime rate in all Central America). As it became discovered and its tourism industry more established, prices have gone up. I am thinking of moving to nicaragua. Economy - overview. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, Im working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA. Its an unbelievable experience suited for travelers of all ages. When comparing Nicaragua or Costa Rica from a cost standpoint, Nica will be less expensive. . Interesting article I am from Costa Rica. I live in Nicaragua and the food ,volcanos, Lake Nicaragua and the beaches are stunning and everything is cheaper. I have not been to both the place but now I know both and can pick if I have to choose. Layerculture is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com Other affiliate programs linking to other recommended products and services are also used. Learn more about our, Treat your body with a relaxing massage, nourish your body/face with a natural mask or energize your body and skin with our signature coffee/ coconut oil scrub, two of Nicaraguas finest ingredients. Cost Of Living Comparison Between Costa Rica And Nicaragua - Numbeo But sometimes you need to find a decent budget for food. Powered only by solar, youll have hot water showers in your private casita, freshly prepared meals, and a view overlooking the river. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Nicaraguans in Costa Rica: a Long History of Welcome and Rejection Full prices for more than 50 products in both countries. I do mean you should be willing to eat street food and shop at the local markets. Learn more about our Yoga Program. She remained until the civic rebellion of 2018 that was brutally repressed by the Ortega regime. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Some in the capital. (0.33 liter), Bottle of water You dont need anything else no insurance, no onward travel, no health pass. Make sure beaches arent littered with garbage before going- which drifts in with the tides and not put there by the locals! Dont get me wrong, I like cheap prices too. (1 kg), Apples A more complete history appears in the video below. ), How to Take the Perfect Day Trip to Lake Como From Milan (By Train or Tour!). Nicaragua vs Costa Rica which one should I travel to? This translates to their culture which, in turn, ties into my bad-boy little brother analogy. It is important to point out that there is a currently a lot of political unrest in Nicaragua. In their earlier clash . He assisted with our paperwork as we walked across the border, then handed us off to a Nicaraguan driver for transport to our hostel. There are higher-end restaurants in both these countries, but the real culinary magic happens on the street. Another belief is that the jails are full of migrants, although in reality the jail population is 87% Costa Ricans. In a good way. Planning a trip can be a lot of work! Turrialba, in the interior Cartago province, is a working, everyday town and typically not on the vacation bucket list. Whichever country you travel to, however, wed recommend learning at least some basic Spanish before you goboth you and the locals will be glad you did! I can confirm the beauty of nicargaua as well. I was there for about 5 weeks one year, alone, and never really had a hesitation about it. The wildlife, ocean activities, and available eco-wellness experiences are similar among the two countries. Yoga and wellness is the key to take care of ourselves, our surroundings, and the people we love. It is informative blog for us and we need this type of blog thanks for share this blog. By adventuresome, I dont necessarily mean willing to eat grasshoppers and ants. In other words, Costa Rica provided a similar value with similar experiences to what we saw in Nicaragua, they just charged a lot more for it. More infrastructure, more crowds its no surprise that this leads to higher prices. The rich foods and fruits, beautiful beaches, nice people, safe and comfortable places to rest after a full day of diversion.I invite you connect with the best country of Central AmericaNicaragua, and discover the beautiful that it has to offer every day. Costa Rica is a nature lovers paradise, so its where you come to be outside and outdoorsy. It makes things easier for any traveler not just to choose between the 2 but also know what to expect. Both offer tropical weather, beaches, rainforests, and welcoming people, so you might think deciding between Nicaragua vs Costa Rica would be straightforward. (1 kg), Onions More recently, social unrest in areas far removed from the countrys prime Pacific tourism beaches led to a media frenzy in North America. Jorge Lola is both Nicaraguan and Costa Rican. Pros and Cons of Living in Nicaragua | Expat Exchange Learn more about our Spa services. With a Costa Rican father and a Nicaraguan mother, she was born in Costa Rica and spent her childhood there. I am glad that I saw this post. Prices appeared to almost double as soon as we crossed the border, and the most noticeable thing about it was the other than that not much had changed. Cost of Living Comparison Between San Jose, Costa Rica And - Numbeo Let your own sense of adventure be your guide. We havent visited an active Volcano yet but Nicaragua having 19 active volcanoes and less crowd surely makes for one of the top reasons to add it to the bucket list. Treat your body with a relaxing massage, nourish your body/face with a natural mask or energize your body and skin with our signature coffee/ coconut oil scrub, two of Nicaraguas finest ingredients. I dont think, so because I personally have done many journeys to Nicaragua, and my family and I have enjoyed all the night in different places and city of Nicaragua without any problem ; in addition we have done the best tourism of our live. It definitely is a hard call depending on what youre after, but you cant go wrong either way! Thank you! International homes: the strongest tie between Nicaragua and Costa Rica. In terms of crime, the rate of intentional homicides is 13 per 100,000 people. Lower prices and fewer crowds are always a draw, right? Amidst all the back and forth, she and her family have built a home in Costa Rica where her dual nationality is appreciated. Both want more stability for him, and theyve found it here. I invite you to visit Honduras!!!!! (1 kg), Tomatoes The only place that required a mask was the ATM machine , Who says Nicaragua doesnt have the franchise burger and pizza joints NICARAGUA IS BETTER THAN COSTA RICA AND CHEAPER, PLUS THE PEOPLE THERE ARE SO MUCH FRIENDLY, ! NICARAGUA!!!!! Nicaragua vs Costa Rica: The Similarities, Costa Rica or Nicaragua: The Final Decision, The Epic, Exciting 3 Days in New Orleans Itinerary, Pozo Azul + Marinka Falls: Chasing Waterfalls in Minca, Colombia, How to Eat Pizza in Italy: 13 Practical Tips (+ Toppings Guide! The official insurance by Sagicor costs a little over $10 per day which quickly adds up if you want to stay for more than a few days. Haha. How does it compare to the United States? Rentals cars typically cannot be driven across the border. What are the best places to visit? How many volcanos you can visit on a week trip? The median after-tax salary is $360, which is enough to cover living expenses for 0.6 months.Ranked 8251st (TOP 89%) in the list of best places to live in the world and 2nd best city to live in Nicaragua. These same very capable (and adorable) men are also chefs preparing riverside lunches, breakfasts, and dinners at the property. Some of the best years of my life! You can get from one country to the other by plane, bus or by walking across the land border. That makes it easier to single out affected communities without having a countrywide spread. I was just a young teenager from SLC, Utah. Please enter price information for your location (France) to help assist us in making these comparisons more accurate. So, youre heading either to Costa Rica or Nicaragua! Why is such behavior disparaged? Karla Moreira moved to Costa Rica in 1980, part of a flow of Nicas who left the country for political reasons. Book Costa Ricas Iconic Horseback Riding On The Beach. There are some Ticos who even use the phrase Dont be a Nica, when someone behaves badly. Me gustaria comprar un terreno para construir una casa y despues mudarme y me tambien saber si el seguro social me es sufficiente pues soy Puertoriqueo? Book Condo Hotel Xalteva, Granada, Nicaragua. In the case of the August 2018 march, there was a different march called the next week in the center of San Jose, where the Costa Ricans chanted, Ticos y Nicas are brothers. If renting a home, ask if the property is gated with a security system. Nicaragua has very few fast food chains, but instead a lot of healthy and fresh, vegan/vegetarian options. I do the planning, you do the booking then its up to you tohave all the fun. One tip; nowadays security has changed worldwide so please dont leave your belongings unattended, dont show laptops, cameras, dont leave alone at night, etc. We dont want to be negative about it, because its an incredibly beautiful place with lots to offerbut for travelers like us who prefer to be a tiny bit more off the beaten path in exchange for lower prices and less crowded adventures, Nicaragua is the clear winner in the contest of Costa Rica vs Nicaragua. All you need to know about Playa Escameca, Nicaragua: beach, vibes, and surf. Some links in this post may be affiliate links. And my most favorite place to do it is at the Pacuare Outdoor Center. (1 kg), Potatoes Nicaragua. Textiles and agriculture combined account for nearly 50% of Nicaragua's exports. NIO, Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district, Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar), 500 gr (1 lb.) Of all the Central American countries, Costa Rica is absolutely the best one for a first trip outside the USAI hope she has an amazing time! Its a statistic that reveals the importance of the mixed families, families that experience and forge a Tico-Nicaraguan identity. Cost of Living Comparison Nicaragua vs Costa Rica, including food, housing, transportation, and more. Be honest and realistic with yourself: What do I like and what kind of trip do I want this to be? Yes, it was a bit of a schlep, but it can be done. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All these represents higher cost but we definitely need to improve on that. by Costa Dulce Team | Feb 3, 2020 | Costa Rica vs Nicaragua, Ecotourism, Nicaragua, Scroll down for an update on Costa Rica vs Nicaragua during Covid-19. I brought my Open Mind Adventure group of women travelers here without a hitch. I brought my first female travel group to the lodge and most had never rafted before. Costa Rica is officially on the list of places that have been discovered by big tourism, and as a result, national parks and other highlights can get crowded quicklyespecially during the high season. Granada, a colonial, inland city with fabulous architecture and colonial homes, is where Ive spent the most amount of time while in Nicaragua. Whilst comparing Nicaragua vs Costa Rica did this guide help you? What is the REAL cost of living in Costa Rica? - Selina As fruit of this personal history and also of the historical contexts, Karlas family is binational. But thats the thing: in Nicaragua, we never had to go looking. Partially as a result of all of the tourism infrastructure, you will find far more English speakers in Costa Rica than in Nicaragua. That being said, one of our normal precautions when traveling is to purchase travel insurance from Safety Wing, and we definitely wouldnt visit Costa Rica or Nicaragua without it! By David Bolaos on Jun 03, 2022 Costa Rica: land of the sloth, the surf and of course the tan (or burn, in my case). 4. The long history between Costa Ricans and Nicaraguan immigrants has shaped families and friendships, although discrimination and xenophobia still persists. Is it cheaper to live in Nicaragua? In Costa Rica, we spent time in laid-back Caribbean Puerto Viejo, and have our sights set on the beautiful Pacific Guanacaste region (Playa Junquillal looks delightful, for example) for our next visit! While Costa Rica requires a budget similar to that of a Central European country, Nicaragua is much more in line with other countries in Central America like Guatemala and Honduras. of options to choose from in both Costa Rica and Nicaragua! Hola all you wandering souls. Your use of this service is subject to our, Quality of Life Comparison Costa Rica vs Nicaragua, Health Care Comparison Costa Rica vs Nicaragua, Pollution Comparison Costa Rica vs Nicaragua, Property Prices Comparison Costa Rica vs Nicaragua, Traffic Comparison Costa Rica vs Nicaragua, Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course, McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal), Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat), Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car), Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car), Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment, Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data, Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL), Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child, International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child, 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ), Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre, Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre, Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate. Your use of this service is subject to our Being in Dominical requires ground transportation, so having a reliable driver for your stay provides both safety and convenience. That really only applies to the capital. For people who are less accustomed to traveling in Central America or within the developing world in general, those tradeoffs may be absolutely worth it! The great challenge we have in Costa Rica is precisely to recognize our interdependence; that is, this Costa Rican society wouldnt be the same without Nicaraguans. You no longer need the PCR test. The Caribbean side of Costa Rica is less well known than the Pacific side, but Puerto Viejo is tuned into tourists. Example: The ONLY beach in Nicaragua, with decent infrastructure, is San Juan del Sur, and prices there are expensive or similar to CR. Personally, we greatly preferred traveling in Nicaragua vs Costa Rica. However, we felt extremely safe in both countries, and both felt far more secure than Honduras or even Guatemala (which ranks as one of our two favorite Central American countries). Hi Alberto! We loved the culture, we loved the landscapes, we loved the adventure, we loved the cities and towns and we also really, really loved the prices. Warm weather and adventure travel make me happy. After fifteen years living in that neighboring country, she opted to return to Nicaragua in 1992, when Violeta Barrios was president. of boneless chicken breast, 0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket, Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area, Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area, Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ) for 2 people in 85m2 flat, Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area, Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area, Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio, Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands), 1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers), 1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands), Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new, Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands), Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes), Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city, Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub, 2 tickets to the theater (best available seats), Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert, 1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.
