Cost of Living in Panama - Updated Prices & Insights

54.86

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $767 (excluding rent), and $1,618 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,908 (excluding rent), and $3,360 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$9.97 PAB 9.97

$4.98 PAB 4.98

$15.95 PAB 15.95

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$50.5 PAB 50.5

$35.37 PAB 35.37

$101 PAB 101

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$7.47 PAB 7.47

$6.98 PAB 6.98

$8.62 PAB 8.62

Cappuccino

$3.57 PAB 3.57

$1.96 PAB 1.96

$5.02 PAB 5.02

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

$1.53 PAB 1.53

$1.03 PAB 1.03

$2.57 PAB 2.57

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.25 PAB 1.25

$0.98 PAB 0.98

$1.96 PAB 1.96

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.29 PAB 2.29

$1.53 PAB 1.53

$3.36 PAB 3.36

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.73 PAB 3.73

$2.39 PAB 2.39

$4.98 PAB 4.98

Milk (1 liter)

$1.85 PAB 1.85

$1.48 PAB 1.48

$2.14 PAB 2.14

White Bread (500g)

$2.39 PAB 2.39

$1.23 PAB 1.23

$3.91 PAB 3.91

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.26 PAB 2.26

$1.08 PAB 1.08

$3.94 PAB 3.94

Eggs

$2.6 PAB 2.6

$1.17 PAB 1.17

$3.36 PAB 3.36

Local Cheese (1kg)

$11.14 PAB 11.14

$3.93 PAB 3.93

$24.59 PAB 24.59

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$7.16 PAB 7.16

$3.24 PAB 3.24

$10.98 PAB 10.98

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$9.42 PAB 9.42

$4.06 PAB 4.06

$15.66 PAB 15.66

Apples (1kg)

$3.85 PAB 3.85

$1.46 PAB 1.46

$6.32 PAB 6.32

Banana (1kg)

$1.34 PAB 1.34

$0.89 PAB 0.89

$2.97 PAB 2.97

Oranges (1kg)

$2.96 PAB 2.96

$1.02 PAB 1.02

$4.48 PAB 4.48

Tomato (1kg)

$2.96 PAB 2.96

$0.99 PAB 0.99

$4.36 PAB 4.36

Potato (1kg)

$2.08 PAB 2.08

$0.97 PAB 0.97

$2.91 PAB 2.91

Onion (1kg)

$2.46 PAB 2.46

$1.02 PAB 1.02

$4.5 PAB 4.5

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.14 PAB 2.14

$1.01 PAB 1.01

$3.04 PAB 3.04

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.55 PAB 1.55

$0.97 PAB 0.97

$2.43 PAB 2.43

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$6.08 PAB 6.08

$5.13 PAB 5.13

$6.67 PAB 6.67

Wine (Bottle)

$10.14 PAB 10.14

$7.1 PAB 7.1

$15.21 PAB 15.21

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)

$2.17 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

$1.79 PAB 1.79

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$24.73 PAB 24.73

$19.78 PAB 19.78

$29.67 PAB 29.67

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.04 PAB 2.04

$1.53 PAB 1.53

$3.58 PAB 3.58

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.95 PAB 1.95

$1.46 PAB 1.46

$4.88 PAB 4.88

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$21.31 PAB 21.31

$14.2 PAB 14.2

$25.37 PAB 25.37

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.95 PAB 0.95

$0.9 PAB 0.9

$1.21 PAB 1.21

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

$22.1K PAB 22.1K

$19.8K PAB 19.8K

$25.4K PAB 25.4K

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

$21K PAB 21K

$19.6K PAB 19.6K

$25K PAB 25K

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

$108 PAB 108

$74.1 PAB 74.1

$201 PAB 201

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

$28.98 PAB 28.98

$19.89 PAB 19.89

$34.8 PAB 34.8

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$48.61 PAB 48.61

$35.44 PAB 35.44

$66.8 PAB 66.8

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$49.58 PAB 49.58

$28.63 PAB 28.63

$98.7 PAB 98.7

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$33.79 PAB 33.79

$20.02 PAB 20.02

$50.1 PAB 50.1

Cinema Ticket

$7.05 PAB 7.05

$5.03 PAB 5.03

$15.1 PAB 15.1

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

$441 PAB 441

$296 PAB 296

$642 PAB 642

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$11.7K PAB 11.7K

$6,095 PAB 6,095

$20.3K PAB 20.3K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$47.49 PAB 47.49

$25.26 PAB 25.26

$70.7 PAB 70.7

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$41.63 PAB 41.63

$25.29 PAB 25.29

$80.9 PAB 80.9

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$86.2 PAB 86.2

$61.1 PAB 61.1

$102 PAB 102

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$117 PAB 117

$49.75 PAB 49.75

$199 PAB 199

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$940 PAB 940

$601 PAB 601

$1,503 PAB 1,503

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$710 PAB 710

$457 PAB 457

$1,191 PAB 1,191

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,751 PAB 1,751

$1,205 PAB 1,205

$3,012 PAB 3,012

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,356 PAB 1,356

$948 PAB 948

$1,996 PAB 1,996

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,114 PAB 2,114

$1,219 PAB 1,219

$3,252 PAB 3,252

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,526 PAB 1,526

$988 PAB 988

$2,173 PAB 2,173

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$839 PAB 839

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.3

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

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.