Many tourists and expatriate residents in Costa Rica have come to the conclusion that the “Switzerland of the Americas” is called that way not only because of her politically neutral stance or the quiet pastoral scenes in mountain landscapes. Switzerland is known as one of the most expensive places in the world, and Costa Rica can now boast to have that in common with the Swiss Confederation. Thankfully, we live in a far and wide world where plenty of cheaper nations await.

The following five places have been selected based on an Internet query of places cheaper than Costa Rica; in other words, it is highly unscientific or evaluative. The Costa Rica Star found more than 110,000 anecdotal opinions about regions and nations that are ostensibly cheaper for expats than Costa Rica; the list below includes a link to the opinion source, a snippet of the rationale given, and a potential drawback.

In no particular order, these five places are cheaper than Costa Rica, at least durin these inflationary times:

1 – Nicaragua

Nicaragua is a great country for travel, and it’s cheaper than Costa Rica too. (Fodor’s Travel Community).

Nicaragua’s infrastructure has improved considerably over the past few years. So unlike Costa Rica – whose development remains constant – Nicaragua’s showing a strong positive trend.

Secondly, Nicaragua is a lot cheaper than Costa Rica. Which means it’s easier to start a business and – in the worst case scenario – it’s easier to try again if your business fails. (Go Backpacking)

Drawback: Questionable political stability and certain areas may feel a bit too pricey and ramshackle to some people. However, a recent Gallup survey found that residents of Nicaragua actually feel safer than their counterparts in Costa Rica.

2 – Panama

(Q) What is the cost of living like in Panama?

(A) It is substantially less than in the U.S. and a little bit cheaper than Costa Rica. (Poker Refugees)

I mean Panama is cheaper than Costa Rica, for sure. I set up my own “Marlboro Index,” and according to this Panama is one of the best countries! (Gecko Go)

Drawback: Rising civil discontent, although this should not affect the tourist or expat experience in Panama.

3 – Ecuador

If your funds are limited, Costa Rica is not the place for you, it has gotten very expensive, almost as much as the US. For example, gasoline is $6 a gallon. I chose Ecuador about one year ago and I cannot imagine living anywhere. I can live very nicely on $1500 a month and I believe Costa Rica requires $2500 a month to get a visa. Ecuador is $800. (Expat Exchange)

Drawback: Parasites in the water, violence and other factors that make Ecuador a bit rough around the edges.

4 – Bali

While there is much to love about Costa Rica, I found its culture (like its food) to be a bit bland. Bali, on the other hand, has a rich Hindu tradition and their architecture is very interesting and beautiful, with temples and shrines every few steps. Bali is also much cheaper than Costa Rica, and many people speak English. It also feels safer to us, but that probably depends on the area you’re in. (International Man)

Drawback: Indonesia is not a tolerant nation when it comes to drug offenses, and there have been concerns regarding violence against tourists and even terrorism plots in Bali.

5 – Camden, New Jersey and Detroit, Michigan

Camden is cheaper than Costa Rica! (Journey Education Consulting)

Homes in Detroit cost less than a pair of shoes in Costa Rica. (The Costa Rica Star)

Drawback: Camden was recently mentioned as the most dangerous city in the United States, followed by Detroit.