Cost of Living Comparison Between Bocas del Toro and Bugaba Cost of Living Comparison Between Bocas del Toro and Bugaba

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$9.34 PAB 9.34

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$49.37 PAB 49.37

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.02 PAB 10.02

Cappuccino

$4.05 PAB 4.05

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.73 PAB 1.73

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.66 PAB 1.66

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.99 PAB 1.99

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.91 PAB 3.91

Milk (1 liter)

$1.95 PAB 1.95

White Bread (500g)

$3.85 PAB 3.85

Eggs

$2.65 PAB 2.65

Local Cheese (1kg)

$16.73 PAB 16.73

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$8.83 PAB 8.83

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$8.06 PAB 8.06

Apples (1kg)

$9.67 PAB 9.67

Banana (1kg)

$1.46 PAB 1.46

Tomato (1kg)

$4.86 PAB 4.86

Potato (1kg)

$3.34 PAB 3.34

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.57 PAB 1.57

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.94 PAB 2.94

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.47 PAB 2.47

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$39.77 PAB 39.77

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$34.86 PAB 34.86

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$748 PAB 748

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$910 PAB 910

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,187 PAB 1,187

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,195 PAB 1,195

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$699 PAB 699

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update for Bocas del Toro: September 14, 2026

Last update for Bugaba: September 13, 2026

City Median Internet Speeds Comparison (Updated April 2026)

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

Bocas del Toro vs Bugaba: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions

For families, Bugaba is more practical. Housing and childcare are both notably cheaper than in Bocas del Toro, and the savings on those two alone free up budget for education, activities, and family trips.

It comes down to priorities – Bugaba wins on affordability, Bocas del Toro on earning potential. Factor in climate, language, visa rules, and proximity to places that matter to you before deciding.