CityCost App
Cost of living in 8000+ cities on the go.

Cost of Living in Panama - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $779 (excluding rent), and $1,577 including rent.
Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,905 (excluding rent), and $3,310 including rent.
Currency
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$10.02 PAB 10.02
$5.01 PAB 5.01
$16.04 PAB 16.04
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$50.1 PAB 50.1
$35.05 PAB 35.05
$100 PAB 100
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$7.44 PAB 7.44
$6.95 PAB 6.95
$8.59 PAB 8.59
Cappuccino
$3.63 PAB 3.63
$1.99 PAB 1.99
$5.10 PAB 5.10
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.52 PAB 1.52
$1.02 PAB 1.02
$2.55 PAB 2.55
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.29 PAB 1.29
$1.02 PAB 1.02
$2.04 PAB 2.04
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)
$3.83 PAB 3.83
$2.45 PAB 2.45
$5.10 PAB 5.10
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.86 PAB 1.86
$1.49 PAB 1.49
$2.16 PAB 2.16
White Bread (500g)
$2.44 PAB 2.44
$1.26 PAB 1.26
$3.99 PAB 3.99
Rice (white) (1kg)
$2.25 PAB 2.25
$1.08 PAB 1.08
$3.93 PAB 3.93
Eggs
$2.62 PAB 2.62
$1.18 PAB 1.18
$3.38 PAB 3.38
Local Cheese (1kg)
$11.36 PAB 11.36
$4.01 PAB 4.01
$25.08 PAB 25.08
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$7.07 PAB 7.07
$3.20 PAB 3.20
$10.86 PAB 10.86
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$9.32 PAB 9.32
$4.02 PAB 4.02
$15.50 PAB 15.50
Apples (1kg)
$3.91 PAB 3.91
$1.48 PAB 1.48
$6.42 PAB 6.42
Banana (1kg)
$1.32 PAB 1.32
$0.88 PAB 0.88
$2.94 PAB 2.94
Oranges (1kg)
$2.89 PAB 2.89
$0.99 PAB 0.99
$4.37 PAB 4.37
Tomato (1kg)
$2.93 PAB 2.93
$0.98 PAB 0.98
$4.31 PAB 4.31
Potato (1kg)
$2.10 PAB 2.10
$0.98 PAB 0.98
$2.94 PAB 2.94
Onion (1kg)
$2.35 PAB 2.35
$0.97 PAB 0.97
$4.29 PAB 4.29
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
$1.02 PAB 1.02
$2.54 PAB 2.54
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$5.84 PAB 5.84
$4.93 PAB 4.93
$6.41 PAB 6.41
Wine (Bottle)
$10.16 PAB 10.16
$7.11 PAB 7.11
$15.24 PAB 15.24
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.20 PAB 1.20
$0.61 PAB 0.61
$2.22 PAB 2.22
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.28 PAB 2.28
$1.22 PAB 1.22
$4.10 PAB 4.10
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.49 PAB 0.49
$0.34 PAB 0.34
$1.71 PAB 1.71
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$24.95 PAB 24.95
$19.96 PAB 19.96
$29.94 PAB 29.94
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.98 PAB 1.98
$1.49 PAB 1.49
$3.47 PAB 3.47
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.95 PAB 1.95
$1.46 PAB 1.46
$4.86 PAB 4.86
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$20.58 PAB 20.58
$13.72 PAB 13.72
$24.50 PAB 24.50
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.94 PAB 0.94
$0.89 PAB 0.89
$1.19 PAB 1.19
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)
$21.4K PAB 21.4K
$20.0K PAB 20.0K
$25.4K PAB 25.4K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$108 PAB 108
$73.6 PAB 73.6
$200 PAB 200
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$29.67 PAB 29.67
$20.36 PAB 20.36
$35.63 PAB 35.63
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$48.63 PAB 48.63
$35.45 PAB 35.45
$66.9 PAB 66.9
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$51.0 PAB 51.0
$29.43 PAB 29.43
$101 PAB 101
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$33.22 PAB 33.22
$19.69 PAB 19.69
$49.22 PAB 49.22
Cinema Ticket
$6.81 PAB 6.81
$4.86 PAB 4.86
$14.59 PAB 14.59
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$447 PAB 447
$300 PAB 300
$650 PAB 650
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$11.6K PAB 11.6K
$6,067 PAB 6,067
$20.2K PAB 20.2K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$47.07 PAB 47.07
$25.04 PAB 25.04
$70.1 PAB 70.1
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$40.58 PAB 40.58
$24.65 PAB 24.65
$78.9 PAB 78.9
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$83.1 PAB 83.1
$58.8 PAB 58.8
$98.1 PAB 98.1
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$118 PAB 118
$49.89 PAB 49.89
$200 PAB 200
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$946 PAB 946
$605 PAB 605
$1,513 PAB 1,513
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$702 PAB 702
$451 PAB 451
$1,178 PAB 1,178
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,722 PAB 1,722
$1,185 PAB 1,185
$2,962 PAB 2,962
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,343 PAB 1,343
$939 PAB 939
$1,976 PAB 1,976
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$3,034 PAB 3,034
$2,107 PAB 2,107
$3,286 PAB 3,286
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$1,686 PAB 1,686
$1,529 PAB 1,529
$2,003 PAB 2,003
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$806 PAB 806
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.3
4
7

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

Last update: January 19, 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
-
44 $738 $898 $1,711 $1,933
39.38
237.2
2
159228
$449 $1,448 $1,473 $2,577
57.4
148.03
3
-
$609 $1,153 $1,273 $1,514
-
-
4
7000
69 $712 $1,386 $1,785 $2,827
25.88
281.19
5
25000
34 $431 $665 $973 $1,398
96.37
302.9
6
-
67 $600 $1,363 $1,636 $2,965
154.42
253.71
7
82907
$484 $991 $1,141 $1,315
79.49
316.36
8
-
42 $794 $833 $1,809 $1,873
24.61
182.13
9
258221
$33.83 $172 $68.0 $417
99.4
283.46
10
-
140.24
267.97
11
-
$164 $837 $496 $643
91.95
236.37
12
1086990
90 $771 $1,806 $1,945 $3,597
129.49
271.93
13
20455
$209 $512 $342 $877
68.11
312.28
14
375409
44 $875 $881 $1,752 $2,000
1.52
242.26
15
31065
70 $565 $1,364 $1,486 $2,646
30.39
277.69
16
18589
153.17
265.77
17
-
52.95
29.94
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
Cost of Living in Panama - Frequently Asked Questions
How would you describe the overall affordability and value of living in Panama for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
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.
What does a typical day look like for someone renting, eating, commuting, and working in Panama, and how should you navigate housing, food, transport, and coworking spaces?
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.
How can you optimize quality of life, budgeting, and neighborhood fit in Panama across seasons?
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.

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