Does anyone have any information about Costa Rica or Panama or suggest another retirement location?

The cost of modest housing in the city of Panama is affordable (less than $500/month mostly) with luxury stuff busting the seams at much higher prices (over $1000-2000). The beaches are similar. You can live in the interior or the highlands (David for example) for quite a bit less than the city. Boquete is getting more expensive all the time but is still a great deal for retirees (the prices, location and amenities).

Most of the conveniences are in Panama City, there are some in the David area, but more basic. Keep in mind, If you like to have options for shopping and food, Panama City is about it. It's about 7 hours from David by car.

Most everything is close to the beach... most options for living are Panama City & David area which are within an hour or less to some beaches or several retirement destinations at the beach. Coronado is recommended and is on 1.5 hours from Panama City. You get the basics plus some nice local amenities and great beaches with an easy drive to the City when you want it.

Overall cost of living is generally fractional if you live by basic means, but if you require the same luxuries you have lived by in North America, then you would find that housing prices vary from really cheap to unreasonable, good healthcare is much less, domestic help is extremely cheap (full-time live-in maid cost $160/month!) and domestically produced food and goods are much less. With the exception of clothes which are really cheap, imported items are generally similar in price.

There are no official numbers but it is estimated about 25-30,000 North Americans live in the area of David/Boquete (Chiriqui Highlands region). This area has a year-round "Spring-Like" climate that retirees really enjoy there. If you want the beach life Coronado is recommended. If you like city action and lots of options, stay with Panama City. Bocas del Toro is also very exciting but is too rustic for most retirees (not much for services or amenities available)

Conclusively Panama offers the world's best retirement program in a country which is very affordable. You will find cheaper (sure, perhaps the Phillipines) but not with better amenities and a more safe and stable environment in which to live. You also get to live tax-free, get huge discounts on most of the things you buy and do and this visa is easy to obtain. You even get bring your vehicle and household items here DUTY FREE. It's a great deal.

Conclusively, Panama has a beautiful City with amazing skyline and gorgeous towns in the beaches and mountains. Take a trip to San Jose and compare it. It is much cheaper and much closer to beaches everywhere here in Panama.

If you want more answers I'll gladly assist. You can e-mail me at livingwellinsd@yahoo.com

I dont have the answers to all those questions, but the number 1 country in Central America is now Panama. I have heard that Costa Rica living has become expensive, if you take dollars might not sound expensive but compared to other Central America countries yes. Now, Donal Trump has gone down to Panama and is building really nice Hotels and Condos that will be for sale soon. You can buy one for around $120k for the smalles unit and up. They are close to the beach, nice area, gated community etc....

Boquete in Panama!!.. =)

the cost of living is very inexpensive plus we use u.s dollars.

There are groceries, banks and hospitals in Boquete...or you can go to David which is the second largest city in Panama and is about 25 - 30 minutes from Boquete.

Climate is about 67-75 F

The beaches are about 35 minutes away.

There are many Europeans and Americans retiring there.

go to http://www.escapetoboquete.com/ for more information... or just google Boquete

wish you the best.! and hope it helps.

I've been to Costa Rica, fire ants suck!