Bit sad. He stated that his main driving force to win a new contract here was to ensure his children can grow up safely in a first-world country, and be exposed to other cultures. Hope he finds that move, wherever it may be
I've spent a fair bit of time in CR. Never felt unsafe there compared to other countries I've been to in central/south America, the Caribbean and Africa.
CR definitely the highest quality of life (alongside Panama) you get in that part of the world. Mostly managing to keep out the narco gangs that can cause havoc in poor Latino lands. Both those countries have large expat populations (mostly Yanks/Canadians), especially living along the coasts. Earning $USD, in a cheap country the dream for many. Panama sort of oddly has a sizeable Jewish community. Only country outside Israel I believe to ever have 2 or more Jewish PMs/Presidents. Trivia for you.
But yes for a local lad like Salas it could be a whole different story, earning Colons. Costa Rica likely not so cheap for him, immigrating expats pushing up real estate prices and all that.