Cost of Living Comparison Between Bocas del Toro and Las Cumbres Cost of Living Comparison Between Bocas del Toro and Las Cumbres

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$9.40 PAB 9.40

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$49.14 PAB 49.14

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.14 PAB 10.14

Cappuccino

$3.89 PAB 3.89

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

$1.71 PAB 1.71

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.66 PAB 1.66

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.97 PAB 1.97

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.10 PAB 4.10

Milk (1 liter)

$2.04 PAB 2.04

White Bread (500g)

$3.81 PAB 3.81

Eggs

$2.66 PAB 2.66

Local Cheese (1kg)

$16.79 PAB 16.79

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$8.67 PAB 8.67

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$8.39 PAB 8.39

Apples (1kg)

$9.83 PAB 9.83

Banana (1kg)

$1.48 PAB 1.48

Tomato (1kg)

$4.97 PAB 4.97

Potato (1kg)

$3.23 PAB 3.23

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.58 PAB 1.58

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.88 PAB 2.88

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.43 PAB 2.43

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

$39.64 PAB 39.64

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$34.32 PAB 34.32

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$738 PAB 738

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$893 PAB 893

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,204 PAB 1,204

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,208 PAB 1,208

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$690 PAB 690

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

Last update for Bocas del Toro: August 17, 2026

Last update for Las Cumbres: August 17, 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 Las Cumbres: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions

For families, Las Cumbres 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.

Safety-wise, Bocas del Toro and Las Cumbres are on par. Petty crime is typical for cities this size, and most residents feel comfortable going about their daily routines in either place.

It comes down to priorities – Las Cumbres 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.