If its your first time outside your home country, or youre on a family trip, this alone might be a big enough draw to pull you to Costa Rica. I personally know the owners who have created a unique lodging option in the heart of historic Granada. Historically and politically speaking, Nicaragua (often called Nica) has had an edgier past than Costa Rica. As fruit of this personal history and also of the historical contexts, Karlas family is binational. Learn more about our Yoga Program. I have air transport to Nicaragua booked for January 2019. Ive walked alone in their neighborhood as well as in town (during the day) without any concern. More on this under Best Things To Do In Costa Rica. But it is how you reach the volcano island of Ometepe. Lets get going! Moving to Nicaragua soon? Round #1 - Lifestyle Hacks Winner: Nicaragua One of the best ways to improve your lifestyle when living overseas is by hiring domestic help, something many can't afford in North America. ), 1 min. It's Cheaper One of the biggest factors that Boomers consider when looking at retirement locations is the cost of living. Personally, I love both of these countries equally for different reasons! This is your chance! Unsubscribe at any time. CRC Aporopobia is another term that has recently entered the discussion; this is a fear of the poor. Tolls are not really a thing in either of these countries. There are quite a few low-key resorts right on the beach so this lends a sense of security when it comes to lodging. Lower prices and fewer crowds are always a draw, right? More recently, social unrest in areas far removed from the countrys prime Pacific tourism beaches led to a media frenzy in North America. Costa Rica is open to everyone from everywhere and does not require a negative Covid-19 test. That idea is based on some characteristics of the majority of the immigrants who for decades have come to the country. While you can save some money by taking local transport, shopping for some of your own meals, and staying in less expensive lodging, prepare to budget the same amount here that you would to travel in most parts of Central Europe. In a good way. Miranda, who says that shes been very well received in the country, recalls a commentary that struck her: I was in a meeting with people that speak English, we were conversing normally in that language, and then they asked my nationality. Ometepe, an island formed by two volcanoes and smack in the middle of Lake Nicaragua, is an archeological paradise. We have been to Honduras and greatly enjoyed itwe visited Copan Ruinas, Utila, and La Ceiba/the Cangrajel River Valley. On my last trip, we picked up a rental car in San Jose, Costa Rica, used it for our journey, and dropped it off at the rental office near the Nicaraguan border. 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. (0.33 liter), Bottle of water More importantly, this means zero jetlag. But Nicaragua is lower cost and living near family is a big plus. You cannot take rental cars across the border between these two countries. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Costa Rica and Nicaragua are two beautiful places with jaw-dropping beaches and friendly locals. Good decision, congrats ,Nicaragua is the best country of Central America because is safest, kind people and beautiful places to visit.Nicaragua full of volcanos , beaches , and rich food and fruits. Yes, I love writing compare/contrast articlesmostly because Im always looking for similar content when making travel plans! Are masks required while out? I was there for about 5 weeks one year, alone, and never really had a hesitation about it. Yes, it was a bit of a schlep, but it can be done. Nicaragua vs Costa Rica - which one should I travel to? Nicaragua is known for its lakes and volcanoes while Costa Rica boasts amazing national parks. 5 Things You Should Know before Learning to Surf, Top 5 Beaches around San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua | Blog. Layer Culture When comparing Nicaragua vs Costa Rica which do you visit? Not in Nicaragua. . All rights reserved. As a person who traveled between both countries frequently I can tell you this. Costa Rica is a more established vacation entity that can give people more comfort and sense of security when traveling. Thats why they are a big draw for surfers. What is the REAL cost of living in Costa Rica? - Selina Its a very yogi word thats blowing across all of our vocabulary. Beautiful place Honduras! Those buses that you showed, are really a very dangerous option. Nicaragua vs Costa Rica: Which One Should You Visit? I like both places . / Rentals cars typically cannot be driven across the border. Having said this, you also need to be an adventuresome eater. My cousin Tom built this rainforest property some years ago and it just keeps getting better. I hope you can enjoy your trip to any place you choose! Costa Rica for the beaches but Nicaragua for its active volcanoes. I love Central America, and like you mentioned, each country has its own quirky, you simply have to identify which one suits you best. Signing in allows you to change your location, ask questions in our community, contribute to our cost of living database, and more. As with rental cars everywhere, insurance can add a significant cost. We caught up with the bus, hopped on and made the boat in time. The people are more friendly and you dont have that vibe where you gotta look over your shoulder periodically. Cost of living in Nicaragua compared to Costa Rica - MyLifeElsewhere.com Got Travel Insurance for Central America. How do I get around in Nicaragua? . Pizza Hut, Are and many more. Nicaragua has very few fast food chains, but instead a lot of healthy and fresh, vegan/vegetarian options. Nicaragua vs Costa Rica: Which is Worth Your Time? - Layer Culture ), 33 Weirdly Specific Things Weve Learned in 3 Years of Traveling the World, The Ultimate 2 Weeks in Guatemala Itinerary, How Choosing a Life of Travel Changed Everything, If its your first time outside your home country, or youre on, While you can save some money by taking local transport, shopping for some of your own meals, and staying in less expensive lodging, prepare to budget the same amount here that you would to travel in most parts of, 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, Costa Rica is a beautiful place, but in many ways, it didnt feel quite as adventurous or exciting as being in Nicaragua, where decked out colorful buses drive you across the country for a couple of dollars and the, in the markets come with a flourish, a smile, and a huge scoop of, Volcano hikes, ziplining, kayaking, scuba diving, surfing, horseback riding as pronounced as the differences between the two countries seem when deciding between putting together an, Whether youre drawn to the wild Pacific coastline or laid-back Caribbean beaches, you will have. ), The Ultimate Mexico & Central America Packing List, How to Budget for a Trip: The Easiest Travel Budgeting Method (+ Tips! Connections are genuinely made with tourists not because they are tourists but because they are human and because the people genuinely want to share and connect with other cultures and people. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Planning a trip can be a lot of work! If you decide to travel to Costa Rica, we can only recommend one thing: Take a bus or a taxi, head to Peas Blancas and come on over to Nicaragua. But please do some research in advance of heading there. The great cultural and political challenge that we have is to recognize ourselves in that interdependence.. International homes: the strongest tie between Nicaragua and Costa Rica. 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'll talk more about the second residency and visa process in a few days. Its a great way to test-drive tropical fruits and vegetables youve never seen before. Vs Cons. Once you get past the chickens hanging in an open-air market and put aside your expectations of how food should be refrigerated, food shopping is a great cultural immersive experience. Topic posted by RichardArunachala. I cant tell you how many people were shocked when I announced I would travel alone to Nicaragua. It has dangerous bull sharks and is somewhat polluted so its not for swimming, per se. Whether its climbing a volcano on Isla de Ometepe, volcano boarding (basically sledding) down a volcano outside Leon, or peering into the lava-filled crater of a volcano at night near Granada, you will not leave Nicaragua without an incredibly memorable volcano experience if thats what youre after. Fill out the form below; I will reach out to you within 48 hours to schedule a free 15-minute call. Cost Of Living Comparison Between Costa Rica And Nicaragua Cost Of Living Index (Current) Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant 5,000.00 (9.24 $) 2,163.37 (4.00 $) Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course 30,000.00 (55.47 $) 15,462.82 (28.59 $) McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) 4,864.50 (8.99 $) 3,245.05 (6.00 $) Dont forget Las Peitas for great pizza. 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! This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. It is informative blog for us and we need this type of blog thanks for share this blog. But if you want to raft and hike away from the tourist scene then this is a safe bet for you. Costa Rica is a great family destination because of the accessible wildlife viewing, ziplining, and rafting; the latter is actually my favorite thing to do in Costa Rica. Some of the outbreaks of open xenophobia, like a violent demonstration that occurred in August 2018 in San Joses La Merced Park, where some Ticos yelled, Nicas out!, have motivated a different response from the rest of Costa Rican society. Cost of living in Nicaragua compared to Costa Rica - Expatistan Book Pacaure Outdoor Center, Turrialba, Costa Rica. In 2018 alone, 246,208 births, or 18% of all births in Costa Rica, involved a baby whose father or mother was Nicaraguan. Both phenomena manifest themselves in different ways, according to who is demonstrating them. The average cost of living in Nicaragua ($614) is 1% less expensive than in the United States ($2213). Even though the food culture doesnt sounds great in Nicaragua, Im still sold! Nicaragua Expat Forum: Nicaragua vs. Costa Rica?| Expat Exchange 3. Dont get me wrong, I like cheap prices too. Tiny Nicaragua is becoming a big problem for Joe Biden Costa Rica has a higher cost of living compared to its neighboring countries in Central America such as Belize, Nicaragua, and even Panama. . Nicaragua is not called the land of lakes and volcanoes for nothing. Can I book organized tours to hike up a volcano? Learn more about our Surf Program. Wherever tourists go, theft and other petty crimes often follow. Jorge Lola and Melissa Miranda, both also Nicaraguans now in Costa Rica, have heard that type of comment many times. Costa Rica v. Nicaragua | The Differences - Witch's Rock Surf Camp I just showed her your blog post and all this great information really helped her to start researching all her questions/fears/worries etc. This has kept it more affordable and less developed than nearby Costa Rica which has been a tourist and expat hotspot for years. One of the myths about Nicaraguans is that they take jobs away from the natives, even though for years the Nicas have occupied jobs in construction, agriculture, domestic services or as security guards that are no longer attractive to the majority of the Ticos [Costa Ricans]. I brought my first female travel group to the lodge and most had never rafted before. In Costa Rica, those white sand stretches of beach youre imagining can be found in the Cahuita National Park area, Playa Cocles and Puerto Viejo. Karla and her family left Nicaragua to return to Costa Rica in 2007, once again for political reasons, when Daniel Ortega returned to power.