Cost of Living in Panama - Updated Prices & Insights

Name: Panama
Address: PA

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $770 (excluding rent), and $1,586 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,905 (excluding rent), and $3,370 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$10.1 PAB 10.1

$5.05 PAB 5.05

$16.16 PAB 16.16

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$50.7 PAB 50.7

$35.49 PAB 35.49

$101 PAB 101

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$7.43 PAB 7.43

$6.94 PAB 6.94

$8.58 PAB 8.58

Cappuccino

$3.65 PAB 3.65

$2 PAB 2

$5.12 PAB 5.12

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

$1.52 PAB 1.52

$1.02 PAB 1.02

$2.56 PAB 2.56

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.3 PAB 1.3

$1.02 PAB 1.02

$2.05 PAB 2.05

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.22 PAB 2.22

$1.48 PAB 1.48

$3.25 PAB 3.25

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.83 PAB 3.83

$2.45 PAB 2.45

$5.1 PAB 5.1

Milk (1 liter)

$1.78 PAB 1.78

$1.43 PAB 1.43

$2.07 PAB 2.07

White Bread (500g)

$2.37 PAB 2.37

$1.22 PAB 1.22

$3.87 PAB 3.87

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.25 PAB 2.25

$1.08 PAB 1.08

$3.93 PAB 3.93

Eggs

$2.59 PAB 2.59

$1.17 PAB 1.17

$3.36 PAB 3.36

Local Cheese (1kg)

$11.35 PAB 11.35

$4.01 PAB 4.01

$25.06 PAB 25.06

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$7.31 PAB 7.31

$3.31 PAB 3.31

$11.22 PAB 11.22

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$9.29 PAB 9.29

$4.01 PAB 4.01

$15.45 PAB 15.45

Apples (1kg)

$3.93 PAB 3.93

$1.49 PAB 1.49

$6.45 PAB 6.45

Banana (1kg)

$1.39 PAB 1.39

$0.93 PAB 0.93

$3.09 PAB 3.09

Oranges (1kg)

$2.86 PAB 2.86

$0.98 PAB 0.98

$4.33 PAB 4.33

Tomato (1kg)

$3.06 PAB 3.06

$1.02 PAB 1.02

$4.5 PAB 4.5

Potato (1kg)

$2.2 PAB 2.2

$1.03 PAB 1.03

$3.08 PAB 3.08

Onion (1kg)

$2.35 PAB 2.35

$0.98 PAB 0.98

$4.3 PAB 4.3

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.13 PAB 2.13

$1.01 PAB 1.01

$3.03 PAB 3.03

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.55 PAB 1.55

$0.98 PAB 0.98

$2.44 PAB 2.44

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$5.82 PAB 5.82

$4.92 PAB 4.92

$6.4 PAB 6.4

Wine (Bottle)

$9.99 PAB 9.99

$6.99 PAB 6.99

$14.98 PAB 14.98

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.21 PAB 1.21

$0.61 PAB 0.61

$2.24 PAB 2.24

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.25 PAB 2.25

$1.2 PAB 1.2

$4.04 PAB 4.04

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.49 PAB 0.49

$0.34 PAB 0.34

$1.71 PAB 1.71

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$24.57 PAB 24.57

$19.66 PAB 19.66

$29.49 PAB 29.49

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.99 PAB 1.99

$1.49 PAB 1.49

$3.48 PAB 3.48

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.05 PAB 2.05

$1.54 PAB 1.54

$5.13 PAB 5.13

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$21.17 PAB 21.17

$14.11 PAB 14.11

$25.2 PAB 25.2

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.91 PAB 0.91

$0.86 PAB 0.86

$1.15 PAB 1.15

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

$21.6K PAB 21.6K

$19.4K PAB 19.4K

$24.8K PAB 24.8K

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

$20.9K PAB 20.9K

$19.5K PAB 19.5K

$24.8K PAB 24.8K

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

$108 PAB 108

$73.9 PAB 73.9

$201 PAB 201

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

$28.7 PAB 28.7

$19.7 PAB 19.7

$34.47 PAB 34.47

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$47.47 PAB 47.47

$34.6 PAB 34.6

$65.3 PAB 65.3

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$51.2 PAB 51.2

$29.58 PAB 29.58

$102 PAB 102

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$33.58 PAB 33.58

$19.9 PAB 19.9

$49.75 PAB 49.75

Cinema Ticket

$7.11 PAB 7.11

$5.08 PAB 5.08

$15.25 PAB 15.25

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$445 PAB 445

$299 PAB 299

$647 PAB 647

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$11.3K PAB 11.3K

$5,915 PAB 5,915

$19.7K PAB 19.7K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$47.5 PAB 47.5

$25.27 PAB 25.27

$70.7 PAB 70.7

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$41.75 PAB 41.75

$25.37 PAB 25.37

$81.2 PAB 81.2

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$83.9 PAB 83.9

$59.4 PAB 59.4

$99 PAB 99

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$117 PAB 117

$49.4 PAB 49.4

$198 PAB 198

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$939 PAB 939

$601 PAB 601

$1,502 PAB 1,502

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$711 PAB 711

$457 PAB 457

$1,193 PAB 1,193

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,739 PAB 1,739

$1,196 PAB 1,196

$2,991 PAB 2,991

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,334 PAB 1,334

$933 PAB 933

$1,964 PAB 1,964

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,885 PAB 2,885

$1,816 PAB 1,816

$3,484 PAB 3,484

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,611 PAB 1,611

$1,162 PAB 1,162

$2,200 PAB 2,200

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$817 PAB 817

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.3

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

Last update: November 30, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

Cost of Living in Panama - Frequently Asked Questions

Panama tends to offer a favorable balance between affordability and modern conveniences, attracting travelers, expats, and digital nomads who want steady amenities without the price tag of major Western cities. Cost of Living in Panama varies by location, with urban cores like Panama City tending to feel pricier than rural towns or coastal communities. Outside the capital, you can find practical value in housing, groceries, and services, while maintaining easy access to beaches and nature. Seasonal tourist spikes can shift prices locally, but essential needs – healthcare, internet, and everyday services – remain accessible with thoughtful planning. Tip: start with a short-term stay to test neighborhoods before committing.

Panama living cost varies by region, but you generally have flexible options for housing, from modern apartments in city centers to calmer homes outside town. Start your search with agents and trusted listings, and aim for a place near transit, groceries, and a coworking hub. In cities, you’ll find a mix of casual eateries, markets, and international cafes; in more rural areas, groceries lean local and fresh. Transport ranges from buses and rideshares to taxis; many remote workers prefer coworking spaces with reliable internet. Tip: pilot a weekly routine to test noise, security, and access to amenities before signing.

Quality of life in Panama hinges on balancing climate, pace, and safety with your budget. Build a simple framework: fixed essentials (rent, utilities, internet), flexible extras (eating out, activities), and an emergency buffer. In the dry season you might lean into outdoor plans, while the rainy season can affect transport and outdoor routines; plan for occasional rain gear and indoor work spots. Neighborhood fit matters: choose a walkable center if you need frequent errands, or a quieter highland town if you want cooler air and slower rhythms. Tip: test a few locales for a season before committing long-term.