Cost of Living in David - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $497 (excluding rent), and $1,000 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,010 (excluding rent), and $1,306 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$5.03 PAB 5.03

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$35.85 PAB 35.85

$29.87 PAB 29.87

$39.83 PAB 39.83

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$6.89 PAB 6.89

$6.64 PAB 6.64

$7.15 PAB 7.15

Cappuccino

$2.75 PAB 2.75

$1.51 PAB 1.51

$4.19 PAB 4.19

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

$1.39 PAB 1.39

$0.98 PAB 0.98

$1.72 PAB 1.72

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.46 PAB 1.46

$1.03 PAB 1.03

$1.80 PAB 1.80

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.48 PAB 1.48

$0.99 PAB 0.99

$1.98 PAB 1.98

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.27 PAB 2.27

$1.51 PAB 1.51

$3.03 PAB 3.03

Milk (1 liter)

$1.73 PAB 1.73

$1.68 PAB 1.68

$1.77 PAB 1.77

White Bread (500g)

$2.11 PAB 2.11

$1.99 PAB 1.99

$2.22 PAB 2.22

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.58 PAB 2.58

$1.58 PAB 1.58

$3.32 PAB 3.32

Eggs

$2.02 PAB 2.02

$1.20 PAB 1.20

$2.44 PAB 2.44

Local Cheese (1kg)

$5.63 PAB 5.63

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$11.07 PAB 11.07

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$2.81 PAB 2.81

Apples (1kg)

$7.74 PAB 7.74

Onion (1kg)

$2.57 PAB 2.57

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.37 PAB 1.37

$0.74 PAB 0.74

$1.98 PAB 1.98

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.55 PAB 2.55

Wine (Bottle)

$9.89 PAB 9.89

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.72 PAB 0.72

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.01 PAB 3.01

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.03 PAB 2.03

$1.88 PAB 1.88

$3.04 PAB 3.04

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.98 PAB 0.98

$0.89 PAB 0.89

$1.15 PAB 1.15

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$25.2K PAB 25.2K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$29.7K PAB 29.7K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$174 PAB 174

$49.82 PAB 49.82

$299 PAB 299

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

$27.77 PAB 27.77

$19.84 PAB 19.84

$31.74 PAB 31.74

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$43.27 PAB 43.27

$29.96 PAB 29.96

$54.9 PAB 54.9

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$30.75 PAB 30.75

$26.78 PAB 26.78

$34.72 PAB 34.72

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$6,100 PAB 6,100

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$345 PAB 345

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$352 PAB 352

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$598 PAB 598

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

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

Last update: March 1, 2026

David Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

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

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

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Cost of Living in David - Frequently Asked Questions

Panama often sits as a comfortable middle ground for cost-conscious visitors and remote workers. In broad terms, you’ll find modern amenities without the sticker shock of pricier hubs, especially when comparing city cores with rural towns. The Cost of Living in Panama tends to scale with neighborhood choice, from urban centers with solid transit to quieter areas where rents and grocery bills feel more approachable. Practical decisions like choosing local produce, using public transport, and mixing coworking with café work can stretch a budget without sacrificing convenience. Tip: map your needs against a few neighborhoods before committing to a long stay.

Finding a place to live in Panama blends variety with practicality. In Panama City you’ll find modern apartments near neighborhoods like El Cangrejo or San Francisco, while coastal towns offer more affordable options. For groceries you can balance local markets with foreign supermarkets for familiar staples. Transport ranges from reliable buses and Uber-like services to a metro in the capital; choose a location close to your work or a transit line. Co-working spaces are plentiful and often budget-friendly for part-time use. Panama living cost varies by area and lifestyle, so test a few weeks to compare. Tip: negotiate leases and look for long week-to-week rentals to stay flexible.

Quality of life in Panama often comes from a mix of outdoor access, reliable services, and approachable costs in the right area. If you like a fast pace and nightlife, central districts in the capital can be energizing; if you prefer a calmer beach or provincial town, you’ll find slower rhythms and friendlier neighborhoods. Build a simple monthly budget that anchors rent, utilities, groceries, and occasional travel, then adapt as you learn your routines. Plan around seasons – the dry period makes outdoor life easier, while the wetter months invite different activities. Tip: start with a pilot stay in a couple of neighborhoods to gauge fit.