Cost of Living in Panama

Cost of Living in Panama

The living costs in Panama can be considered relatively low compared to developed countries in the West. New and used cars are fairly cheap as are other goods and services in the country.

The average expenditure for a family of four is around $2,500 per month, excluding rent, while a single person may spend approximately $700 per month. This makes Panama one of the best options for expats and retirees seeking a low-cost lifestyle.

Prices vary across regions in Panama, with higher costs in Panama City compared to areas like Boquete or David.

Is Panama Expensive?

While Panama's overall expenses are relatively low, individual peculiarities may be higher, especially if they are imported products. Most basic food items like milk (around $6.69 per gallon) and beef (around $6.00 per pound) are slightly more expensive compared to neighboring South American countries. Locally produced fresh fruits and vegetables are relatively cheap.

Meals can range from as low as $10 for fast food to $55 for a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant. However, you should also consider Panama's relatively low taxes, affordable healthcare services (compared to the United States), and incentives for retired people.

When discussing monthly expenses in Panama, Panama City serves as a useful benchmark, being one of the most expensive and developed regions in the country. However, it's crucial to recognize that basic expenses can vary significantly in other areas, such as the mountains or coastal communities.

In the final chapter, we will provide a more detailed comparison, highlighting the differences in costs between the capital and other parts of the country, offering insights into how these variations can impact your budget and lifestyle.

Cost of Living in Panama vs USA

As we can see in the above-mentioned analysis, the overall expenditure is less as compared to the USA. Depending on the specific place in Panama, general or overall costs are, on average, approximately 40% lower than in the USA. The biggest portion of this difference is attributable to rent, with Panamanian rent approximately 50% cheaper​.

Other costs such as utilities, groceries, and transportation are also lower, making it possible to live comfortably at a fraction of the cost in the United States.

Cost of Living in Panama City

On the list of the first things to do when you are considering a move to another city, is to do a cost of living comparison. This guide will help you to make a rough estimate of the average expenses in Panama City. Panama City is costly compared to other parts of Panama, like Las Tablas or Bocas del Toro.

Renting in Panama City

The rental prices in Panama City differ quite a lot depending on the neighbourhood and the type of housing. If you are looking to rent an apartment in Panama City read our dedicated article: How to Find an Apartment in Panama City.

When it comes to the one-bedroom apartments a buyer can expect to pay about $1,500 per month for a unit in Casco Viejo but this price is not fixed and can easily go a notch higher depending on the historical background of the building as well as the state of renovation of the property, consider rents for a 1-bedroom apartment could take more or less $1,500/mo.

Punta Pacifica and Punta Patilla which are considered the luxurious zones require $1,500 to $2,500 monthly for a single/double room apartment for a fluctuating price of $6,000 a month for luxury penthouse apartments and spacious condos. These zones are one of the most preferred areas by expats in Panama.

In the mid-range areas, situated in the business heart of the City, El Cangrejo and Bella Vista the cost of renting a one/two bedroom apartment is cheaper, ranging in the average between $800 and $1500. Such areas are densely populated with a young working population and have nightlife, shopping and eating facilities.

The other areas of town that have rental units that are cheaper and ideal for those who would like to live in a serene environment include Bella Vista, San Francisco which has rental houses which are spacious and within a compound with greenery such as parks going for about $700 to $2000 monthly depending on the size of the apartment and the facilities within the apartment.

Buying a House

The Panama City housing market is quite diverse and there is everything from expensive flats to rather ordinary houses. If you are looking to buy an apartment in Panama city take a look at our dedicated guide: How to Buy a Property in Panama.

Prices of homes in the Casco Viejo area, a favoured neighborhood by tourists characterizing the sought-after historic zone, are quoted between $300,000 and over $1 Million hence categorizing it as one of the most expensive in light of colonial trappings plus that it provides a tourist-like feeling.

Other affluent areas for example the Costa del Este and Punta Pacifica have relatively newer and more lavish houses in what can be regarded as modern estates, the prices for such houses are within the range of $250.000 – over $1.000.000 depending on the size and location.

The more affordable areas of Panama that can be considered are El Cangrejo and Bella Vista. Here we can observe more recent buildings and the offered apartments cost from $150,000 to $400,000 depending on their area and additional services​.

Utilities

Utilities in an 85-square-meter standard, air-conditioned, single-person, apartment, which covers electricity, water, cooling, and garbage, can range from $70 to $140. Consider an additional $150 if you own an apartment for the condominium monthly fee.

Electricity, especially if air conditioning is used frequently, tends to be the largest expense, considering around $200 monthly.

Internet services, with speeds around 60 Mbps or more, generally cost $30 to $60 per month​.

Food

Groceries: The price of buying groceries in Panama is fair. An individual’s monthly grocery bill can fluctuate from $200 to $350 depending on shopping habits and routines.

Take a look at our dedicated article about Shopping and Grocery Stores in Panama.

Dining Out: It is usually cost-effective to eat out. For eating at a cheap restaurant, consider a cost of $20, while the cost for a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant might be within the range of $30-$70 per person. Dinner in a posh place can amount to around $80 per person.

To find the right restaurant take a look at our article Best restaurant in Panama City.

Transportation

• Public Transportation: Panama City has an effective metro system and buses. A one-way ticket on public transport is about $0.35 and a monthly metro pass is around $30.
• Taxis: Taxis are easily gotten. On average, a short trip within the city is about $3 to $5, while to the airport is around $25.
• Uber: Uber is relatively cheap with a 15-minute ride costing around $4, much lower compared to the United States. For more details, see our article: Uber in Panama.
• Gasoline: Gasoline prices are relatively low, averaging around $0.9 - $1 per litre.

Healthcare Costs

Health Insurance: Private insurance policies in Panama can be acquired from both local and international insurance companies. It is advisable to take private health insurance, the cost is about $100 - $200 a month, in general, but cost is a function of factors such as age, coverage, and pre-existing conditions.

For complete information check our guide Panama health system and insurance.

Medical Services: Consultations with doctors and medical services are cheap compared to most Western countries. The cost of a visit to a doctor is somewhere between $50 and $100.

Entertainment

• Cinema: A ticket for a movie in Panama City is approximately 10 dollars. Check the best Cinema in our dedicated article here
• Gym Membership: The cost of monthly gym memberships for a single person varies between $20 and $50.
• Cultural Activities: There are many cultural activities in Panama City, and most of them are free or low-priced.
• Nightlife: The cost of clubbing in Panama is fairly cheap as most of the clubs charge an entry ticket that can range from $10 to $20 and cocktails are priced at about $12. Find the best Disco club in the Night clubs in Panama City article.

Education

Panama City has several schools to offer, with both international as well as bilingual schools. In this case, international schools are the most preferred as they cater to the needs of both expatriates and the local people who value quality education.

The cost of education in International schools is slightly expensive and may range from $5.000 to $15.000 per year depending on the Institution, grade, and additional services among others. The few international schools in Panama City include the International School of Panama and the Metropolitan School of Panama that offer American, British or International Systems Education.

Other costs are registration fees and school uniforms, books, extracurricular activities etc which add to other annual costs. These schools are popular for their effective infrastructure, racially and ethnically diverse student population, and global schooling hence perfect for families moving to Panama​.

Miscellaneous

Mobile Phone Plans: Internet and Data Providers in Panama offers various and particularly conveninet tariff plans.

An average mobile plan offering 10GB of data and free local calls costs between $20 and $30 monthly. The key players are Claro and Tigo among others and one can choose either prepaid or postpaid services. There are some options for a cheaper amount of data or international calling packages for those who use the Internet actively.

Clothing: Affordable clothing, shoes, and accessories can be bought in local malls like Albrook Mall and Multicentro, whereas luxury brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton can be found in locations like Multiplaza Pacific Mall.

**The cost also differs with the brand, generic jeans ranging $40 - $70 while a pair of branded sneakers can cost from $60 to $100​. Take a look at our dedicated guide about Shopping and Grocery stores.

Electronics and Vehicles are much cheaper than in European countries.

Budget for a Single-Person Household

Cost of Living in Other Parts of Panama

Living costs in other regions of Panama, such as coastal or mountain areas, vary. Here's a breakdown of some notable areas:

Life in Beach Communities

Panama is known for its beaches and beach communities, making it one of the most expat and retirement-friendly countries. The standard of living in these areas depends on the level of development within the area.

• Coronado: Popular and upscale beach destination with state-of-the-art facilities, make it a popular place for retired expats. Here you can find plenty of freshly builded luxury homes, the average rents start at around $1,200 for a two-bedroom apartment.
• Gorgona, San Carlos, and Pedasí: These areas are more isolated and do not feature as many houses for sale as in other areas, but if you wish to buy a house or a beach property for a cheaper price these are the right spots. However, these areas are more isolated and do not feature as many houses for sale as other areas of the country. Here rents starts at $700 per month.

Mountain Life in Boquete and Beyond

If you want to have a cooler climate, you have to visit the mountains of Panama. The town of Boquete is a favourite among retirees and other expats, and it is considerably cheaper compared to the city and the beach regions.

In Boquete, you can find a whole house to rent for a price ranging from $600 to $1,200 depending on the location and the status of the building, this is much cheaper than Panama City or Coronado​.

Basic needs such as food and other necessities are also cheaper; market prices of food and other basic commodities are about 50% cheaper compared to those from Panama City. However, a trade-off is that these areas are rather rural and sometimes isolated with little or no facilities.

Smaller Towns and Rural Areas

For those looking to live even more affordably, Panama offers various smaller towns and rural areas that have significantly lower costs:

-David: The second largest city in Panama, is cheaper than the capital, and has many amenities, making it a convenient option for expats. You can rent an apartment for as low as $400 to $800 per month. There are just a few expats living here.

• Other regions like Las Tablas, Chitré, and Santiago offer an even more relaxed and affordable lifestyle, here you will find a rural environment far away from big cities, with rents that range from $300 to $600 per month. These towns are less touristy and cater more to locals, offering an authentic Panamanian experience​.

Each area provides a distinct lifestyle, with Panama City offering a more urban environment, while beach and mountain towns offer a tranquil life at a lower cost.

Sources & FootNotes

[1] Numbeo Cost of Living in Panama City
[2] ReloFirm Panama Cost of Living
[3] International Living Panama City
[4] Panama Relocation Tours Cost of Living
[5] Living in Panama Cost of Living