Cost of Living in Panama - Updated Prices & Insights

Name: Panama
Address: PA

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$806 PAB 806

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.3

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	Aguadulce	-	44	$738	$898	$1,711	$1,933	39.38	237.2
2	Bocas del Toro	159228		$449	$1,448	$1,473	$2,577	57.4	148.03
3	Bocastown, Isla Colon	-		$609	$1,153	$1,273	$1,514	-	-
4	Boquete	7000	69	$712	$1,386	$1,785	$2,827	25.88	281.19
5	Bugaba	25000	34	$431	$665	$973	$1,398	96.37	302.9
6	Coronado	-	67	$600	$1,363	$1,636	$2,965	154.42	253.71
7	David	82907		$484	$991	$1,141	$1,315	79.49	316.36
8	El Valle de Anton	-	42	$794	$833	$1,809	$1,873	24.61	182.13
9	La Chorrera	258221		$33.83	$172	$68.0	$417	99.4	283.46
10	Las Cumbres	-						140.24	267.97
11	Las Tablas	-		$164	$837	$496	$643	91.95	236.37
12	Panama City	1086990	90	$771	$1,806	$1,945	$3,597	129.49	271.93
13	Puerto Armuelles	20455		$209	$512	$342	$877	68.11	312.28
14	San Miguelito	375409	44	$875	$881	$1,752	$2,000	1.52	242.26
15	Santiago	31065	70	$565	$1,364	$1,486	$2,646	30.39	277.69
16	Veracruz	18589						153.17	265.77
17	Vista Alegre	-						52.95	29.94

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.