Description
🌴 HE MOVED TO COSTA RICA… 6 YEARS LATER 🇨🇷 (THE REAL TRUTH)
What is it really like to move to Costa Rica?
Not the vacation version…
Not the Instagram version…
👉 The REAL version.
In this expat interview, Brent shares what happened after leaving Canada and building a life in La Fortuna, Costa Rica—including the challenges most people don’t talk about.
From getting stuck during the 2020 shutdown… to rebuilding his life, identity, and routine—this is one of the most honest conversations we’ve had.
🌎 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS VIDEO
✔ The real cost of living in Costa Rica vs Canada
✔ Renting vs buying (and why many expats rent first)
✔ Healthcare in Costa Rica (public vs private reality)
✔ Banking struggles without residency
✔ Dating in Costa Rica (what to expect… and what to avoid)
✔ Cultural differences that frustrate foreigners
✔ Why 70% of expats leave within 1–3 years
✔ How Costa Rica changes you mentally and emotionally
🧠 THE PART MOST PEOPLE DON’T EXPECT
Moving to Costa Rica isn’t just a location change…
👉 It’s an identity shift
As Brent explains, everything you were “back home” doesn’t really matter here—and that can either:
✔ Free you
OR
❌ Break you
⚠️ REAL TALK (DON’T SKIP THIS)
Costa Rica is incredible… but it’s not for everyone.
As Brent shares:
👉 Many people leave within a few years
👉 Culture shock is real
👉 Patience is required
👉 You have to let go of control
👉 If you don’t adapt… you won’t last
🧳 THINKING ABOUT MOVING TO COSTA RICA?
This is where we come in 👇
At Travel Costa Rica NOW, we help you figure out if this move is actually right for YOU.
✔ Relocation planning
✔ Residency guidance (which option fits you best)
✔ Shipping your belongings
✔ Banking & logistics help
✔ Relocation retreats (experience before committing)
👉 Start here:
https://www.travelcostaricanow.com
💡 BEFORE YOU MOVE (IMPORTANT ADVICE)
👉 Come spend time here first
👉 Rent before you buy
👉 Understand the lifestyle
As we always say:
“Do your homework… it’s a much better experience.”
🔔 MORE REAL EXPAT STORIES
This is part of our Moving to Costa Rica series where real people share real experiences.
👉 Watch more expat interviews here
👉 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQKlkpF7LdtFKQwdhcUOOUPDfhH0T9fEM
☕ SUPPORT THE CHANNEL (PURA VIDA)
👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/tcrn
Thinking about moving to Costa Rica? We help with:
✔ Relocation planning
✔ Residency guidance
✔ Shipping your belongings
✔ Relocation tours
👉 https://www.travelcostaricanow.com
00:00 – Moving to Costa Rica (6-Year Expat Reality)
01:32 – Moving Right Before COVID (What Happened Next)
03:55 – Getting Stuck in Costa Rica During Border Closures
04:20 – First Impressions of La Fortuna Costa Rica
04:25 – Do You Need Spanish to Live in Costa Rica?
05:15 – Culture Shock in Costa Rica (What Surprises Expats Most)
06:05 – Why Costa Rica Isn’t “Efficient” (Big Adjustment)
07:30 – Making Friends in Costa Rica (Expats vs Locals)
10:10 – Cost of Living in Costa Rica vs Canada (Real Numbers)
10:45 – Renting vs Buying Property in Costa Rica
11:19 – Real Estate Market in La Fortuna Costa Rica
11:55 – Dating in Costa Rica as a Foreigner (The Truth)
13:25 – Cultural Differences in Relationships
14:50 – Are Foreigners Seen as “Money”? (Gringo Stereotypes)
16:11 – Is Costa Rica a Sex Tourism Destination?
17:24 – Dating Apps in Costa Rica (Tinder, Bumble & More)
18:34 – Mental Health & Identity After Moving Abroad
22:26 – The Dark Side of Expat Life (What People Don’t Expect)
26:22 – Retirement in Costa Rica (Staying Active & Happy)
29:19 – Boredom & Alcohol (Why Some Expats Struggle)
30:20 – Why Many Expats Leave Costa Rica (1–3 Year Reality)
30:47 – Psychedelics in Costa Rica (Personal Growth Discussion)
34:53 – Are Drugs Common in Costa Rica? (Safety Talk)
37:35 – Homelessness & Migrants in Costa Rica
40:12 – Transportation in Costa Rica (Motorcycle vs Bus)
41:13 – Currency & Exchange Rates (USD vs CAD vs Colón)
42:45 – Banking in Costa Rica Without Residency (Real Struggles)
50:50 – Healthcare in Costa Rica (Public vs Private Experience)
58:10 – Final Advice Before Moving to Costa Rica
Is Living in Costa Rica Worth It Long-Term? only you can answer that.
A FUN way to donate to Travel Costa Rica NOW and show your LOVE and appreciation. And I do love a great big cup of coffee. Pura Vida https://buymeacoffee.com/tcrn