Cost of Living in Panama City - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $791 (excluding rent), and $1,792 including rent.
Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,947 (excluding rent), and $3,666 including rent.
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$10.13 PAB 10.13
$5.57 PAB 5.57
$20.26 PAB 20.26
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$50.2 PAB 50.2
$40.15 PAB 40.15
$100 PAB 100
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$8.19 PAB 8.19
$7.17 PAB 7.17
$9.21 PAB 9.21
Cappuccino
$3.63 PAB 3.63
$2.01 PAB 2.01
$5.03 PAB 5.03
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.68 PAB 1.68
$0.99 PAB 0.99
$2.48 PAB 2.48
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.39 PAB 1.39
$1.02 PAB 1.02
$2.03 PAB 2.03
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.99 PAB 2.99
$1.74 PAB 1.74
$3.98 PAB 3.98
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.89 PAB 3.89
$2.91 PAB 2.91
$5.83 PAB 5.83
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.82 PAB 1.82
$1.47 PAB 1.47
$1.97 PAB 1.97
White Bread (500g)
$2.47 PAB 2.47
$1.08 PAB 1.08
$3.93 PAB 3.93
Rice (white) (1kg)
$2.40 PAB 2.40
$1.40 PAB 1.40
$4.31 PAB 4.31
Eggs
$2.82 PAB 2.82
$1.18 PAB 1.18
$3.53 PAB 3.53
Local Cheese (1kg)
$11.46 PAB 11.46
$3.91 PAB 3.91
$17.68 PAB 17.68
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$7.36 PAB 7.36
$3.59 PAB 3.59
$11.30 PAB 11.30
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$9.81 PAB 9.81
$4.94 PAB 4.94
$15.80 PAB 15.80
Apples (1kg)
$3.38 PAB 3.38
$1.51 PAB 1.51
$5.03 PAB 5.03
Banana (1kg)
$1.47 PAB 1.47
$0.87 PAB 0.87
$2.91 PAB 2.91
Oranges (1kg)
$2.83 PAB 2.83
$1.01 PAB 1.01
$6.54 PAB 6.54
Tomato (1kg)
$3.09 PAB 3.09
$1.95 PAB 1.95
$4.31 PAB 4.31
Potato (1kg)
$2.24 PAB 2.24
$0.99 PAB 0.99
$2.97 PAB 2.97
Onion (1kg)
$2.77 PAB 2.77
$0.97 PAB 0.97
$4.87 PAB 4.87
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.13 PAB 2.13
$1.21 PAB 1.21
$3.11 PAB 3.11
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.54 PAB 1.54
$0.79 PAB 0.79
$2.48 PAB 2.48
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$6.03 PAB 6.03
$5.53 PAB 5.53
$6.54 PAB 6.54
Wine (Bottle)
$10.98 PAB 10.98
$7.99 PAB 7.99
$19.97 PAB 19.97
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.28 PAB 1.28
$0.86 PAB 0.86
$2.29 PAB 2.29
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.40 PAB 2.40
$1.26 PAB 1.26
$4.02 PAB 4.02
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.41 PAB 0.41
$0.34 PAB 0.34
$0.48 PAB 0.48
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$22.68 PAB 22.68
$20.16 PAB 20.16
$40.33 PAB 40.33
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.55 PAB 2.55
$2.04 PAB 2.04
$3.57 PAB 3.57
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.83 PAB 1.83
$1.01 PAB 1.01
$4.05 PAB 4.05
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$21.82 PAB 21.82
$13.89 PAB 13.89
$24.80 PAB 24.80
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.87 PAB 0.87
$0.83 PAB 0.83
$1.01 PAB 1.01
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$19.7K PAB 19.7K
$18.9K PAB 18.9K
$23.4K PAB 23.4K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$20.8K PAB 20.8K
$20.0K PAB 20.0K
$23.4K PAB 23.4K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$121 PAB 121
$88.2 PAB 88.2
$196 PAB 196
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$30.37 PAB 30.37
$21.36 PAB 21.36
$40.69 PAB 40.69
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$48.88 PAB 48.88
$39.71 PAB 39.71
$69.5 PAB 69.5
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$45.39 PAB 45.39
$29.89 PAB 29.89
$79.7 PAB 79.7
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$32.72 PAB 32.72
$20.14 PAB 20.14
$50.3 PAB 50.3
Cinema Ticket
$8.08 PAB 8.08
$6.56 PAB 6.56
$15.14 PAB 15.14
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$470 PAB 470
$326 PAB 326
$988 PAB 988
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$15.8K PAB 15.8K
$12.0K PAB 12.0K
$20.1K PAB 20.1K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$51.7 PAB 51.7
$25.09 PAB 25.09
$70.3 PAB 70.3
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$46.93 PAB 46.93
$15.27 PAB 15.27
$102 PAB 102
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$89.0 PAB 89.0
$69.8 PAB 69.8
$99.7 PAB 99.7
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$123 PAB 123
$50.9 PAB 50.9
$204 PAB 204
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,149 PAB 1,149
$756 PAB 756
$1,712 PAB 1,712
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$883 PAB 883
$649 PAB 649
$1,498 PAB 1,498
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$2,063 PAB 2,063
$1,524 PAB 1,524
$3,048 PAB 3,048
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,595 PAB 1,595
$1,012 PAB 1,012
$2,530 PAB 2,530
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$3,067 PAB 3,067
$2,932 PAB 2,932
$3,212 PAB 3,212
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$1,712 PAB 1,712
$1,510 PAB 1,510
$1,979 PAB 1,979
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$947 PAB 947
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.23
6
7

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

Last update: April 13, 2026

Panama City Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
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 Panama City - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Panama City, Panama compare in affordability for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
Panama City, Panama offers a compelling mix of value and access for travelers, expats, and digital nomads. Cost of Living in Panama City, Panama tends to be more affordable than many North American or European cities, with flexible housing options and plentiful street-food and market choices. You’ll find diverse neighborhoods, from waterfront to hillside zones, each with its own vibe and price range. Compare rents, utilities, and internet bundles to identify real value, and plan around the local rainy season when some services run differently. Tip: build a monthly budget that leaves room for occasional splurges in a vibrant, walkable area.
What does daily life look like in Panama City, Panama in terms of housing search, food options, transport, and coworking?
Daily life in Panama City, Panama centers on flexibility and choices. A quick check of the Panama City, Panama living cost helps you target neighborhoods where rent, groceries, and transit align with your budget. Use a mix of online listings and short-term rentals to test Casco Viejo, El Cangrejo, and San Francisco before committing to a longer lease. For food, you’ll enjoy a spectrum from casual eateries to farmers' markets with fresh produce. Transit is affordable and convenient via rideshare, buses, and a growing metro line, so you can live further from the center and still stay connected. Co-working spaces and cafés make remote work easy, with everything from quiet pockets to community events. Tip: scout a few co-working spots to find one that fits your routine.
What are practical tips to balance quality of life and budgeting in Panama City, Panama, considering seasonality and neighborhood fit?
Quality of life in Panama City, Panama leans on pace, safety, and access to nature and culture. Build a budgeting framework around housing, utilities, and discretionary time – split expenses by essential vs. flexible categories and adjust with seasonality, such as wetter months when outdoor activities shift. Neighborhood fit matters: Casco Viejo is historic and lively, El Cangrejo offers central convenience, and modern high-rises cluster near the waterfront. Save by cooking at home from markets, using public transit, and sharing co-working spaces. Tip: reserve a buffer for occasional trips to nearby coastlines or mountain escapes to refresh your routine.

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