Cost of Living in Panama - Updated Prices & Insights

Name: Panama
Address: PA

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $760 (excluding rent), and $1,574 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,892 (excluding rent), and $3,395 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$9.89 PAB 9.89

$4.94 PAB 4.94

$15.82 PAB 15.82

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$50.8 PAB 50.8

$35.55 PAB 35.55

$102 PAB 102

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$7.62 PAB 7.62

$7.12 PAB 7.12

$8.80 PAB 8.80

Cappuccino

$3.60 PAB 3.60

$1.97 PAB 1.97

$5.06 PAB 5.06

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

$1.47 PAB 1.47

$0.98 PAB 0.98

$2.46 PAB 2.46

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.29 PAB 1.29

$1.02 PAB 1.02

$2.03 PAB 2.03

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)

$3.73 PAB 3.73

$2.38 PAB 2.38

$4.97 PAB 4.97

Milk (1 liter)

$1.80 PAB 1.80

$1.44 PAB 1.44

$2.09 PAB 2.09

White Bread (500g)

$2.48 PAB 2.48

$1.28 PAB 1.28

$4.06 PAB 4.06

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.24 PAB 2.24

$1.08 PAB 1.08

$3.91 PAB 3.91

Eggs

$2.60 PAB 2.60

$1.18 PAB 1.18

$3.37 PAB 3.37

Local Cheese (1kg)

$11.37 PAB 11.37

$4.02 PAB 4.02

$25.11 PAB 25.11

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$7.20 PAB 7.20

$3.26 PAB 3.26

$11.05 PAB 11.05

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$9.52 PAB 9.52

$4.10 PAB 4.10

$15.82 PAB 15.82

Apples (1kg)

$4.02 PAB 4.02

$1.52 PAB 1.52

$6.61 PAB 6.61

Banana (1kg)

$1.33 PAB 1.33

$0.89 PAB 0.89

$2.96 PAB 2.96

Oranges (1kg)

$2.90 PAB 2.90

$1.00 PAB 1.00

$4.39 PAB 4.39

Tomato (1kg)

$3.04 PAB 3.04

$1.01 PAB 1.01

$4.47 PAB 4.47

Potato (1kg)

$2.17 PAB 2.17

$1.02 PAB 1.02

$3.05 PAB 3.05

Onion (1kg)

$2.37 PAB 2.37

$0.98 PAB 0.98

$4.34 PAB 4.34

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.14 PAB 2.14

$1.01 PAB 1.01

$3.04 PAB 3.04

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.63 PAB 1.63

$1.02 PAB 1.02

$2.56 PAB 2.56

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$6.04 PAB 6.04

$5.10 PAB 5.10

$6.63 PAB 6.63

Wine (Bottle)

$10.18 PAB 10.18

$7.13 PAB 7.13

$15.27 PAB 15.27

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.25 PAB 1.25

$0.63 PAB 0.63

$2.30 PAB 2.30

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.30 PAB 2.30

$1.23 PAB 1.23

$4.12 PAB 4.12

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.52 PAB 0.52

$0.36 PAB 0.36

$1.82 PAB 1.82

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$25.15 PAB 25.15

$20.12 PAB 20.12

$30.18 PAB 30.18

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.05 PAB 2.05

$1.54 PAB 1.54

$3.59 PAB 3.59

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.95 PAB 1.95

$1.46 PAB 1.46

$4.87 PAB 4.87

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$20.88 PAB 20.88

$13.92 PAB 13.92

$24.86 PAB 24.86

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.96 PAB 0.96

$0.91 PAB 0.91

$1.22 PAB 1.22

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)

$21.2K PAB 21.2K

$19.7K PAB 19.7K

$25.1K PAB 25.1K

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

$107 PAB 107

$73.2 PAB 73.2

$199 PAB 199

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

$28.96 PAB 28.96

$19.88 PAB 19.88

$34.78 PAB 34.78

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$47.54 PAB 47.54

$34.66 PAB 34.66

$65.4 PAB 65.4

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$50.3 PAB 50.3

$29.08 PAB 29.08

$100 PAB 100

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$34.39 PAB 34.39

$20.38 PAB 20.38

$51.0 PAB 51.0

Cinema Ticket

$6.90 PAB 6.90

$4.93 PAB 4.93

$14.78 PAB 14.78

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

$442 PAB 442

$297 PAB 297

$644 PAB 644

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$11.3K PAB 11.3K

$5,927 PAB 5,927

$19.8K PAB 19.8K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$46.73 PAB 46.73

$24.86 PAB 24.86

$69.6 PAB 69.6

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$41.09 PAB 41.09

$24.96 PAB 24.96

$79.9 PAB 79.9

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$83.8 PAB 83.8

$59.4 PAB 59.4

$98.9 PAB 98.9

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$117 PAB 117

$49.54 PAB 49.54

$198 PAB 198

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$948 PAB 948

$606 PAB 606

$1,516 PAB 1,516

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$705 PAB 705

$453 PAB 453

$1,183 PAB 1,183

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,721 PAB 1,721

$1,184 PAB 1,184

$2,961 PAB 2,961

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,363 PAB 1,363

$953 PAB 953

$2,006 PAB 2,006

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,980 PAB 2,980

$2,069 PAB 2,069

$3,228 PAB 3,228

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,704 PAB 1,704

$1,545 PAB 1,545

$2,025 PAB 2,025

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$799 PAB 799

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.3

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

Last update: January 13, 2026

By City in Panama

Lowest

Highest

Rank	City	Population	Living Index	Solo costs (no rent) / month	Solo costs (with rent) / month	Family of 3 costs (no rent) / month	Family of 3 costs (with rent) / month	Mobile download speed (Mbps)	Internet download speed (Mbps)
1	Aguadulce	-	44	$795	$879	$1,641	$1,959	39.38	237.2
2	Bocas del Toro	159228		$460	$1,449	$1,439	$2,553	57.4	148.03
3	Bocastown, Isla Colon	-		$633	$1,140	$1,603	$1,506	-	-
4	Boquete	7000	69	$589	$1,361	$1,784	$2,776	25.88	281.19
5	Bugaba	25000	34	$389	$680	$1,003	$1,367	96.37	302.9
6	Coronado	-	67	$602	$1,323	$1,352	$2,930	154.42	253.71
7	David	82907		$514	$995	$1,132	$1,308	79.49	316.36
8	El Valle de Anton	-	42	$703	$826	$1,535	$1,872	24.61	182.13
9	La Chorrera	258221		$26.86	$169	$72.4	$412	99.4	283.46
10	Las Cumbres	-						140.24	267.97
11	Las Tablas	-		$191	$840	$567	$644	91.95	236.37
12	Panama City	1086990	90	$792	$1,818	$1,931	$3,640	129.49	271.93
13	Puerto Armuelles	20455		$223	$518	$315	$874	68.11	312.28
14	San Miguelito	375409	44	$823	$897	$1,598	$1,945	1.52	242.26
15	Santiago	31065	70	$673	$1,411	$1,635	$2,725	30.39	277.69
16	Veracruz	18589						153.17	265.77
17	Vista Alegre	-						52.95	29.94

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.