A Recommendation For A GOOD Book On Retirement In Nicaragua

You need to get out more. Everywhere is more expensive.
I'm 68 and have lived in Guatemala for 15+ years plus El Sal, Nicaragua, Mexico and Colombia over the last 40 years. I have had several "latin american" cars.
Rent might be cheaper in Guate but gas, utilities, and medicines are much more. Purified water here is 45 cents per gallon, 30 eggs are $4, potatoes probably 70 cents per pound and fish more like $5-6. Granted, some things in Mexico are a bit more but not overall. Thousands of Guatemalans flock to Tapachula to go shopping every month because it is cheaper
I certainly appreciate your situation but at your age you should stop dreaming. Nicaragua won't be any cheaper.

Have to disagree. Nicaragua is one of the poorest countries in the hemisphere, and if you stay away from Managua, San Juan del Sur, and Granada one can easily get by on less than $700 a month. Considerably less if one chooses to. But like everywhere you get what you pay for. I doubt there are any similar sized Mexican cities where one can be as comparably comfortable on $700 a month as they could in Esteli. Maybe in Chiapas or parts of Veracruz state.

Actually, the Catarina area may be a good call for you with your medical problems. It is closer to Managua and also close to Granada and Masaya. Good roads the entire way so your back won't be a problem. It will be hotter then the Esteli area but it may be a good choice. If the rents are that low you may try to look into it. About a year ago I ran out of meds and bought my 4 drugs at the Vivian Pellas Hospital pharmacy one was lopressor, a low dose. I don't know what just that was but I got 90 day supply and the entire thing cost 278 US dollars.

I have lived in all three countries and in my experience the cost difference is small if nonexistent. Many expats live in Guate for $700 per month or less. The OP assumes he can get residency in Nicaragua which may, or may not be the case. Then what does he do? Plus medicine is much more expensive than Mexico. Gas in Nicaragua is more than Guatemala and much more than Mexico.
It is pretty much a moot point because he will never go anyway.

Where did you live in Nicaragua? Does make a difference. I can't pull the trigger on Nicaragua because I just don't want to sweat any more than necessary. Even the higher elevation towns aren't that cool. I told you guys awhile back that I'm interested in Santa Rosa de Copan but Honduras just seems too dicey to me with not enough infrastructure. I'm heading to Chiapas. Or possibly Zacatecas.

I lived in Granada in 1995-1997. It was waaaaay too hot and now it is waaaaaay too touristy. Back then there were only two hotels in the entire town and hardly any place to eat.

Have you looked into the highlands of western Panama? I know there are other expats living in the area. Also I seen to recall that Panama makes it easy for foreigners wishing to retire there. I do not remember any details (in fact I never really knew any of the details) but it is something else you might care to look into. Good luck with your move. I'll probably be doing something similar in a few more years if I can ever afford to retire.

I agree, Caterina is a laid back and lovely place and close to Granada. I love Granada and my wife and I bought and renovated a 'casa' there. However Granada is getting 'up market' for Nicaragua and considerably more expensive that smaller places nearby. The hospital in Managua 'Vivian Pellas' is reputed to be top notch and English speaking specialists available. Way cheaper than USA or Canada but expensive for Nicaraguans.

I prefer not to drive in Nicaragua and you can get by just fine without a car in Granada.