Cost of Living in Panama - Updated Prices & Insights

Name: Panama
Address: PA

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $795 per month with rent on average in Panama.

A couple spends around $1,195 per month with rent on average in Panama.

A family of three spends around $1,595 per month with rent on average in Panama.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$7.80 PAB 7.80

$4.87 PAB 4.87

$19.49 PAB 19.49

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$44.46 PAB 44.46

$29.64 PAB 29.64

$74.1 PAB 74.1

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$8.20 PAB 8.20

$7.17 PAB 7.17

$10.25 PAB 10.25

Cappuccino

$3.96 PAB 3.96

$2.04 PAB 2.04

$5.29 PAB 5.29

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

$1.56 PAB 1.56

$0.99 PAB 0.99

$2.22 PAB 2.22

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.34 PAB 1.34

$1.01 PAB 1.01

$2.02 PAB 2.02

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.52 PAB 2.52

$1.01 PAB 1.01

$4.03 PAB 4.03

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.03 PAB 4.03

$2.52 PAB 2.52

$6.05 PAB 6.05

Milk (1 liter)

$1.85 PAB 1.85

$1.51 PAB 1.51

$2.13 PAB 2.13

White Bread (500g)

$2.30 PAB 2.30

$1.45 PAB 1.45

$3.94 PAB 3.94

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.74 PAB 2.74

$1.51 PAB 1.51

$5.84 PAB 5.84

Eggs

$2.48 PAB 2.48

$1.75 PAB 1.75

$3.51 PAB 3.51

Local Cheese (1kg)

$12.06 PAB 12.06

$3.93 PAB 3.93

$17.11 PAB 17.11

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$6.89 PAB 6.89

$2.99 PAB 2.99

$8.78 PAB 8.78

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$10.17 PAB 10.17

$6.17 PAB 6.17

$16.34 PAB 16.34

Apples (1kg)

$4.30 PAB 4.30

$2.22 PAB 2.22

$8.67 PAB 8.67

Banana (1kg)

$1.45 PAB 1.45

$0.99 PAB 0.99

$2.92 PAB 2.92

Oranges (1kg)

$3.28 PAB 3.28

$0.98 PAB 0.98

$5.94 PAB 5.94

Tomato (1kg)

$3.73 PAB 3.73

$1.79 PAB 1.79

$5.61 PAB 5.61

Potato (1kg)

$2.48 PAB 2.48

$1.49 PAB 1.49

$4.86 PAB 4.86

Onion (1kg)

$3.15 PAB 3.15

$1.39 PAB 1.39

$4.98 PAB 4.98

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.21 PAB 2.21

$1.21 PAB 1.21

$3.02 PAB 3.02

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.60 PAB 1.60

$0.99 PAB 0.99

$2.38 PAB 2.38

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$6.05 PAB 6.05

$5.04 PAB 5.04

$6.55 PAB 6.55

Wine (Bottle)

$10.17 PAB 10.17

$5.70 PAB 5.70

$15.26 PAB 15.26

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.34 PAB 1.34

$0.73 PAB 0.73

$1.95 PAB 1.95

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.32 PAB 2.32

$0.98 PAB 0.98

$3.91 PAB 3.91

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.48 PAB 0.48

$0.33 PAB 0.33

$0.95 PAB 0.95

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$21.31 PAB 21.31

$15.22 PAB 15.22

$25.37 PAB 25.37

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.56 PAB 2.56

$1.54 PAB 1.54

$2.56 PAB 2.56

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.83 PAB 1.83

$1.79 PAB 1.79

$2.98 PAB 2.98

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$22.22 PAB 22.22

$21.21 PAB 21.21

$25.25 PAB 25.25

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.13 PAB 1.13

$0.90 PAB 0.90

$1.27 PAB 1.27

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

$21.4K PAB 21.4K

$25.7K PAB 25.7K

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

$22.6K PAB 22.6K

$21.1K PAB 21.1K

$24.2K PAB 24.2K

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

$115 PAB 115

$60.9 PAB 60.9

$200 PAB 200

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

$27.31 PAB 27.31

$17.15 PAB 17.15

$32.28 PAB 32.28

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$46.77 PAB 46.77

$34.65 PAB 34.65

$59.4 PAB 59.4

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$49.94 PAB 49.94

$28.80 PAB 28.80

$99.3 PAB 99.3

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$28.82 PAB 28.82

$9.92 PAB 9.92

$49.59 PAB 49.59

Cinema Ticket

$8.21 PAB 8.21

$6.67 PAB 6.67

$16.42 PAB 16.42

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

$548 PAB 548

$504 PAB 504

$756 PAB 756

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$7,915 PAB 7,915

$6,090 PAB 6,090

$19.2K PAB 19.2K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$50.3 PAB 50.3

$24.88 PAB 24.88

$79.6 PAB 79.6

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$38.73 PAB 38.73

$24.97 PAB 24.97

$59.9 PAB 59.9

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$87.4 PAB 87.4

$64.1 PAB 64.1

$98.7 PAB 98.7

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$119 PAB 119

$65.4 PAB 65.4

$201 PAB 201

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$950 PAB 950

$580 PAB 580

$1,513 PAB 1,513

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$741 PAB 741

$459 PAB 459

$1,071 PAB 1,071

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,682 PAB 1,682

$1,014 PAB 1,014

$3,368 PAB 3,368

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,246 PAB 1,246

$886 PAB 886

$2,024 PAB 2,024

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,931 PAB 2,931

$2,065 PAB 2,065

$3,221 PAB 3,221

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,668 PAB 1,668

$1,403 PAB 1,403

$1,894 PAB 1,894

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$833 PAB 833

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.35

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

Last update: September 5, 2026

Cost Breakdown

The average net salary in Panama is $719 – below average monthly costs of $795. Many locals rely on dual incomes or shared housing. Remote workers earning abroad find strong purchasing power here.

Groceries average around $174 per month nationally. A mid-range dinner for two costs about $27.00.

Cost Highlights

Overall living costs ($795) is 42% below the global median of $1,379.

Average rent ($340) is 49% below the global median of $664.

Dining out ($27.00) is 45% below the global median of $49.00.

Public transport ($3.00) is 91% below the global median of $34.00.

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	-	43	$801	$917	$1,922	$2,068	35.29	264.33
2	Bocas del Toro	159228		$580	$1,475	$1,479	$2,654	62.64	154.53
3	Bocastown, Isla Colon	-		$503	$1,200	$1,424	$2,963	-	-
4	Boquete	7000	67	$653	$1,469	$1,818	$2,997	25.92	292.49
5	Bugaba	25000	34					20.75	279.79
6	Coronado	-	66	$756	$1,414	$1,870	$3,224	36.04	234.36
7	David	82907		$384	$887	$797	$1,008	300.27	299.06
8	El Valle de Anton	-	62	$763	$1,331	$1,845	$2,794	28.86	219.26
9	La Chorrera	258221		$30.05	$171	$65.2	$67.8	141.92	290.42
10	Las Cumbres	-						65.34	293.65
11	Las Tablas	-		$310	$465	$773	$903	51.15	263.52
12	Panama City	1086990	86	$810	$1,862	$2,012	$3,591	22.07	273.59
13	Puerto Armuelles	20455						142.99	304.52
14	San Miguelito	375409	43	$812	$927	$1,923	$2,015	188.57	267.47
15	Santiago	31065	66	$652	$1,404	$1,583	$2,825	198.43	292.36
16	Veracruz	18589						106.23	270.99
17	Vista Alegre	-						55.74	123.39

Panama Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 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.

Panama is affordable by global standards, though costs vary a lot by region. Smaller cities and rural areas are genuinely cheap, while capitals and tourist spots are pricier – but still below international averages for similar quality.

Rent in Panama varies a lot – Panama City has the highest prices, and the gap between capital and provincial rents can be 50% or more. Choosing which city to live in is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make.

Absolutely – in smaller cities across Panama, $800 covers rent and daily expenses with room to spare for eating out, entertainment, and saving. Even mid-sized cities work at this budget level.