Living in Costa Rica: The Good, the Bad & the Unexpected After 18 Years

I've been living in Costa Rica for 18 years — and in this video, I'm breaking down the good, the bad, and the unexpected truths that most expats never talk about. From the perfect climate and world-class Costa Rica healthcare system to bad roads, crushing bureaucracy, and a shifting cost of living in Costa Rica — this is the real expat experience nobody else will tell you. Whether you're thinking about retiring in Costa Rica, becoming a digital nomad, or dreaming of moving abroad — I've lived it all. I'm a dual citizen, I navigate the Costa Rica residency process firsthand, and I'll give you the unfiltered truth after 18 years on the ground. ✅ WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS VIDEO: 🌤️ The climate — why I haven't worn a winter coat in 18 years 🌎 Earthquakes & flooding — the natural disasters nobody warns you about 🦜 Conservation — Costa Rica's greatest and most unique strength 🚗 Roads, power outages & improved internet infrastructure 🏥 Healthcare deep-dive — CAJA universal system vs. private options & real wait times 💵 Cost of living in 2025 — why the US dollar doesn't stretch like it used to 📋 Residency & dual citizenship — my personal journey without a lawyer 🕐 Bureaucracy & "Tico time" — how to survive the red tape 🌴 Is Costa Rica still the best place to retire abroad? My honest verdict. ⏱️ CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction — 18 Years in Costa Rica 00:28 The Climate: Why I Haven't Worn a Winter Coat in 18 Years 01:50 Natural Disasters: Earthquakes & Flooding 03:41 Conservation: Costa Rica's Greatest Strength 05:29 Infrastructure: Roads, Power & Internet 07:33 Healthcare: CAJA vs. Private Options 10:12 Cost of Living: The Dollar vs. the Colón 12:12 Residency & Dual Citizenship 13:35 Bureaucracy & "Tico Time" 14:42 Lifestyle & Pace of Life 15:51 Costa Rica safety in 2026 16:39 Final Verdict: Is Costa Rica Still Worth It? 🎙️ Want to Go Deeper? Listen to the Costa Rica Expat Podcast for in-depth conversations with retirees, digital nomads, and long-term expats sharing their real experiences living in Costa Rica. 👉    • The Costa Rica Expat Podcast   🔔 Subscribe for weekly videos on expat living in Costa Rica, relocation tips, cost of living, residency, and expat life. 📲 Connect with Dave Instagram:   / david.a.melnick   📖 My Book Intertwined: Adopted Sacrifice – A Kidney Donor's Journey of Faith and Obedience Read my personal story about donating a kidney to my sister. Part of the journey takes place in Costa Rica. 👉 Available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/05wmqedr Links to verify sources mentioned in video PRO #1 — The Climate Is Almost Perfect https://alittleadrift.com/living-in-c... CON #1 — Natural Disasters Are a Real Part of Life https://alittleadrift.com/living-in-c... PRO #2 — Costa Rica Is a Sustainability Powerhouse https://alittleadrift.com/living-in-c... CON #2 — Infrastructure Will Test Your Patience https://alittleadrift.com/living-in-c... PRO #3 — Healthcare Is Surprisingly Good   / 4304884313173065   https://thelatinvestor.com/blogs/news... https://brighttax.com/blog/americans-... CON #3 — The Cost of Living Is No Longer a Bargain https://thelatinvestor.com/blogs/news... https://www.outsideonline.com/adventu... PRO #4 — Residency Pathways Are Accessible https://brighttax.com/blog/americans-... CON #4 — Bureaucracy Will Drain Your Soul https://brighttax.com/blog/americans-... PRO #5 — One of The Top Retirement Destinations in The World https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurabeg... https://internationalliving.com/the-b... Con #5 - Safety Has Changed https://ticotimes.net/2026/01/29/cost... https://costarica-immigration.com/cos...