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

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$9.59 PAB 9.59

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$50.4 PAB 50.4

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.18 PAB 10.18

Cappuccino

$3.95 PAB 3.95

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

$1.70 PAB 1.70

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.60 PAB 1.60

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.02 PAB 2.02

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.89 PAB 3.89

Milk (1 liter)

$1.96 PAB 1.96

White Bread (500g)

$3.80 PAB 3.80

Eggs

$2.66 PAB 2.66

Local Cheese (1kg)

$17.11 PAB 17.11

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$8.66 PAB 8.66

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$8.35 PAB 8.35

Apples (1kg)

$9.73 PAB 9.73

Banana (1kg)

$1.52 PAB 1.52

Tomato (1kg)

$5.03 PAB 5.03

Potato (1kg)

$3.41 PAB 3.41

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.59 PAB 1.59

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.78 PAB 2.78

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.52 PAB 2.52

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

$39.46 PAB 39.46

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$35.14 PAB 35.14

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$749 PAB 749

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$901 PAB 901

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,213 PAB 1,213

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,220 PAB 1,220

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$709 PAB 709

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

Last update for Las Cumbres: October 6, 2026

Last update for Bocas del Toro: October 4, 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

Las Cumbres vs Bocas del Toro: 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, Las Cumbres and Bocas del Toro 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.