Cost of Living Comparison Between Bocas del Toro and Puerto Armuelles Cost of Living Comparison Between Bocas del Toro and Puerto Armuelles

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$9.34 PAB 9.34

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$50.2 PAB 50.2

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.12 PAB 10.12

Cappuccino

$3.93 PAB 3.93

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

$1.70 PAB 1.70

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.59 PAB 1.59

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.96 PAB 1.96

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.03 PAB 4.03

Milk (1 liter)

$1.98 PAB 1.98

White Bread (500g)

$3.76 PAB 3.76

Eggs

$2.58 PAB 2.58

Local Cheese (1kg)

$17.25 PAB 17.25

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$8.81 PAB 8.81

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$8.38 PAB 8.38

Apples (1kg)

$9.66 PAB 9.66

Banana (1kg)

$1.46 PAB 1.46

Tomato (1kg)

$4.88 PAB 4.88

Potato (1kg)

$3.29 PAB 3.29

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.64 PAB 1.64

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.89 PAB 2.89

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.57 PAB 2.57

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

$40.10 PAB 40.10

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$35.02 PAB 35.02

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$759 PAB 759

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$902 PAB 902

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)

$699 PAB 699

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

Last update for Bocas del Toro: September 7, 2026

Last update for Puerto Armuelles: September 8, 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 Puerto Armuelles: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions

For families, Puerto Armuelles 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 Puerto Armuelles 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 – Puerto Armuelles 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.