Cost of Living in Panama - Updated Prices & Insights

Name: Panama
Address: PA

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $783 (excluding rent), and $1,565 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,865 (excluding rent), and $3,361 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$9.93 PAB 9.93

$4.97 PAB 4.97

$15.89 PAB 15.89

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$50.9 PAB 50.9

$35.59 PAB 35.59

$102 PAB 102

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$7.54 PAB 7.54

$7.05 PAB 7.05

$8.71 PAB 8.71

Cappuccino

$3.53 PAB 3.53

$1.94 PAB 1.94

$4.96 PAB 4.96

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

$1.51 PAB 1.51

$1.01 PAB 1.01

$2.54 PAB 2.54

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.29 PAB 1.29

$1.01 PAB 1.01

$2.03 PAB 2.03

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.30 PAB 2.30

$1.53 PAB 1.53

$3.37 PAB 3.37

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.69 PAB 3.69

$2.36 PAB 2.36

$4.92 PAB 4.92

Milk (1 liter)

$1.77 PAB 1.77

$1.42 PAB 1.42

$2.05 PAB 2.05

White Bread (500g)

$2.41 PAB 2.41

$1.24 PAB 1.24

$3.94 PAB 3.94

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.26 PAB 2.26

$1.09 PAB 1.09

$3.95 PAB 3.95

Eggs

$2.61 PAB 2.61

$1.18 PAB 1.18

$3.38 PAB 3.38

Local Cheese (1kg)

$11.25 PAB 11.25

$3.97 PAB 3.97

$24.84 PAB 24.84

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$7.05 PAB 7.05

$3.19 PAB 3.19

$10.82 PAB 10.82

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$9.06 PAB 9.06

$3.91 PAB 3.91

$15.07 PAB 15.07

Apples (1kg)

$4.05 PAB 4.05

$1.53 PAB 1.53

$6.65 PAB 6.65

Banana (1kg)

$1.38 PAB 1.38

$0.92 PAB 0.92

$3.06 PAB 3.06

Oranges (1kg)

$2.94 PAB 2.94

$1.01 PAB 1.01

$4.45 PAB 4.45

Tomato (1kg)

$3.05 PAB 3.05

$1.02 PAB 1.02

$4.49 PAB 4.49

Potato (1kg)

$2.09 PAB 2.09

$0.98 PAB 0.98

$2.93 PAB 2.93

Onion (1kg)

$2.45 PAB 2.45

$1.02 PAB 1.02

$4.49 PAB 4.49

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.07 PAB 2.07

$0.98 PAB 0.98

$2.94 PAB 2.94

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.61 PAB 1.61

$1.01 PAB 1.01

$2.54 PAB 2.54

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$5.88 PAB 5.88

$4.97 PAB 4.97

$6.46 PAB 6.46

Wine (Bottle)

$10.17 PAB 10.17

$7.12 PAB 7.12

$15.25 PAB 15.25

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.24 PAB 1.24

$0.63 PAB 0.63

$2.29 PAB 2.29

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.17 PAB 2.17

$1.16 PAB 1.16

$3.89 PAB 3.89

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.51 PAB 0.51

$0.36 PAB 0.36

$1.80 PAB 1.80

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$25.03 PAB 25.03

$20.02 PAB 20.02

$30.03 PAB 30.03

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.99 PAB 1.99

$1.49 PAB 1.49

$3.48 PAB 3.48

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.01 PAB 2.01

$1.51 PAB 1.51

$5.03 PAB 5.03

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$21.24 PAB 21.24

$14.16 PAB 14.16

$25.29 PAB 25.29

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)

$21.7K PAB 21.7K

$19.4K PAB 19.4K

$24.9K PAB 24.9K

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

$21.3K PAB 21.3K

$19.9K PAB 19.9K

$25.3K PAB 25.3K

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)

$29.34 PAB 29.34

$20.13 PAB 20.13

$35.24 PAB 35.24

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$48.08 PAB 48.08

$35.05 PAB 35.05

$66.1 PAB 66.1

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$50.6 PAB 50.6

$29.21 PAB 29.21

$101 PAB 101

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$33.55 PAB 33.55

$19.88 PAB 19.88

$49.71 PAB 49.71

Cinema Ticket

$6.80 PAB 6.80

$4.85 PAB 4.85

$14.56 PAB 14.56

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

$449 PAB 449

$302 PAB 302

$654 PAB 654

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$11.6K PAB 11.6K

$6,034 PAB 6,034

$20.1K PAB 20.1K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$46.32 PAB 46.32

$24.64 PAB 24.64

$69.0 PAB 69.0

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$40.74 PAB 40.74

$24.75 PAB 24.75

$79.2 PAB 79.2

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$86.1 PAB 86.1

$61.0 PAB 61.0

$102 PAB 102

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$116 PAB 116

$49.06 PAB 49.06

$196 PAB 196

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$939 PAB 939

$601 PAB 601

$1,503 PAB 1,503

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$719 PAB 719

$462 PAB 462

$1,205 PAB 1,205

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,734 PAB 1,734

$1,193 PAB 1,193

$2,983 PAB 2,983

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,352 PAB 1,352

$945 PAB 945

$1,989 PAB 1,989

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,996 PAB 2,996

$2,069 PAB 2,069

$3,227 PAB 3,227

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,711 PAB 1,711

$1,537 PAB 1,537

$2,014 PAB 2,014

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$831 PAB 831

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.3

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

Last update: March 3, 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	-	45	$720	$880	$1,857	$1,972	39.38	237.2
2	Bocas del Toro	159228		$559	$1,446	$1,412	$2,563	57.4	148.03
3	Bocastown, Isla Colon	-		$521	$1,144	$1,215	$1,475	-	-
4	Boquete	7000	69	$777	$1,358	$1,663	$2,795	25.88	281.19
5	Bugaba	25000	34	$392	$678	$939	$1,413	96.37	302.9
6	Coronado	-	67	$604	$1,326	$1,469	$3,025	154.42	253.71
7	David	82907		$497	$1,000	$1,010	$1,306	79.49	316.36
8	El Valle de Anton	-	42	$738	$854	$1,925	$1,874	24.61	182.13
9	La Chorrera	258221		$33.92	$171	$58.2	$423	99.4	283.46
10	Las Cumbres	-						140.24	267.97
11	Las Tablas	-		$179	$821	$484	$644	91.95	236.37
12	Panama City	1086990	90	$787	$1,808	$1,923	$3,695	129.49	271.93
13	Puerto Armuelles	20455		$207	$526	$310	$863	68.11	312.28
14	San Miguelito	375409	44	$765	$884	$1,716	$1,955	1.52	242.26
15	Santiago	31065	70	$656	$1,398	$1,315	$2,683	30.39	277.69
16	Veracruz	18589						153.17	265.77
17	Vista Alegre	-						52.95	29.94

Panama Median Internet Speeds (Updated January 2026)

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

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.