I am strange.

Those who know me can cite endless evidence to support that statement, but what may be most obviously weird is my living situation. I have no home. Or rather, I have two homes. Most business men who travel for a living call one place home and merely pay visits to others. I do not. Like some unfortunate son torn between divorced parents, I divide my time nearly 50/50 between Costa Rica and Panama. And like that dutiful child, I really love both places. I am heavily invested in each - I do business, have vehicles, apartments and friends in both countries.

Since I began shuttling back and forth between these Central American neighbors four years ago on the mere 50 minute flight, I’ve been regularly asked, “which do you prefer?” That’s a very difficult question to answer. It is a challenge to even know how to compare the two, they are as fundamentally different to me as a Mom and Dad. There is plenty to love and to loathe about each. I also have a different perspective as an investor, a business owner and a single guy than most of those who’d like to see me pick my fave. That being said, here’s my list, which has changed noticeably over the past years I’ve been “keeping score”.

Economy

Not many countries, much less Central American ones, can keep pace with the current 8% GDP hyper growth of Panama. Costa Rica certainly enjoys more tourism and coastal development, but the size and scope of the investment entering a wide variety of industries in Panama is simply overwhelming. This surge of interest from large and small investors from around the globe has created an electric atmosphere of change, hope and infinite possibility on the tiny isthmus.

Advantage: Panama

Tourism

Ticos love the beach. This can be seen clearly by the number of Costa Ricans who wear surf gear in the capital of San Jose, where the temperature is often in the mid-60s (F) and the nearest beach is a 2 hour car ride away. Panamanians, by contrast, wear suits and ties despite sultry 90 degree days and living 20 minutes from the nearest (swimmable) beach. That’s one of my many theories as to why Costa Rican coastal tourism is perhaps 20 years ahead of Panama. There are hundreds of great hotels in Costa Rica and at least a dozen legitimate tourism towns. Panama, by contrast, might be able to claim ten great hotels and TWO viable “hot spots”.

Advantage: Costa Rica

Nightlife

This should be divided into two categories: Capitals and Everywhere Else. In the latter category, Costa Rica might have a chance. San Jose is a larger town, but retains a more country vibe with lousy roads, few high rise buildings and less sophisticated dining and nightlife. Panama is more eclectic, cosmo and with all the new money entering, has a constantly growing and changing after hours scene.

Advantage: Panama

Things To Do

It really depends on what you like to do. For National Parks, weekend getaways and eco-related outdoor fun, Costa Rica is just fantastic. Panama has most of those things, but just hasn’t yet developed the infrastructure. Panama has plenty of interesting sites, museums and curiosities and a local indian and ‘campesino” culture that’s fascinating and in many ways, still unspoiled by mass tourism. Both have great fishing, hiking, boating and surf.

TIE

People

Whew, you’re really putting me on the spot here. Ticos are fun, simple (in a good way) and very friendly. They’re also not afraid to tell a white lie or two if it means avoiding conflict. Panamanians are incredibly charming, quick witted and at the higher levels, incredibly talented business people. At the lower levels, they might claim stake at being among the worst service-oriented employees in the region. While Ticos are soft and cuddly, Panamanians can be tough and loyal. I can say plenty of good and bad about both…but who am I to talk…I’m GRINGO!?

TIE

Cost of Living

The cost to buy goods in Panama is far less thanks to it being one of the largest ports in the world and also b/c of Costa Rica’s ridiculous tariffs. A new automobile in Costa Rica runs nearly DOUBLE the price in Panama. General services, meals and drinks are on par, although “tourist price” in Costa Rica is quickly becoming the standard price. The nationalization of most utilities and services in Costa Rica (insurance, water, telephone, electricity) and San Jose’s near-perfect climate (no heat or a/c needed) gives it a huge advantage over semi-privatize Panama and its steamy hot weather. Until recently rents in Panama City were reasonable, so it had the slight advantage overall. However, with the current spike Panama publicity, along with new wealthy immigrants from Venezuela, Colombia and other suffering Latin economies, the lack of supply has forced prices to sky high levels. A current lag in San Jose real estate has, by contrast, lowered many rent prices. Not the case at the beach…I know, but you cannot compare the coastal areas of these two countries just yet.

Advantage: Costa Rica

Weather

No contest. Costa Rica’s weather is simply amazing. Panama’s ain’t bad, but they unfortunately put the capital city in the middle of the jungle, then hacked their way to the opposite coast. Amazing feat indeed…but more amazing would be for me to not sweat through my shirt daily.

Advantage: Costa Rica

Geography, Bio-Diversity

Both countries are STUNNING and have varied landscapes, weather and ecosystems. It’s truly amazing how bio-diverse both nations are. However, ACCESS to Costa Rica’s many lovely destinations makes this easier to appreciate. Perhaps when Panama has a more developed National Parks and tourism infrastructure, along with laws to protect the natural resources, it will be able to surpass Costa Rica.

Advantage: Costa Rica

Food

Dining is more diverse in Panama thanks in large part to a more diverse population. It continues to improve as more travelers arrive for tourism and business. Food in Costa Rica, especially in some of the tourism destinations like Manuel Antonio, is quite good…but plate for plate, my money’s on Panama.

Advantage: Panama

Expats

Also a tricky question to answer, but I think just like in tourism…you get the early adopters, then the semi-hipsters and at last…the cattle herd masses. The old-timers who moved to Costa Rica 30 years ago are something else; part prospector, grey area business dudes, hippies and weirdos. Today, a Friday night in San Jose could be Charlotte, NC. Not the case in Panama, where a new generation of more serious and worldly investors and retirees from all over the world are just beginning to trickle in. I have plenty of expat friends in both country whom I like a lot, but at the moment, the crowd coming to Panama just seems more like leaders and less like followers. Who else would move to Noriegaville ahead of the crowd?

Advantage: Panama

I love both countries and will rue the day when I must finally choose. Unfortunately, I think my girlfriend my require that sooner than I’d like. Until then, I feel very fortunate to call both wonderful, colorful and always interesting places HOME.

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Filed under: Culture on February 22nd, 2008