If you've ever considered moving to Panama, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Panama?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in Panama and whether the reported $1897 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $713.04.
Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
7.0 $ |
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
47.5 $ |
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
7.0 $ |
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
2.0 $ |
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
3.5 $ |
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
3.05 $ |
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
1.5 $ |
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
1.17 $ |
|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
1.57 $ |
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
2.05 $ |
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
1.9 $ |
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
2.08 $ |
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
8.81 $ |
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
6.48 $ |
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
7.66 $ |
|
Apples (1 lb) |
2.79 $ |
|
Banana (1 lb) |
1.26 $ |
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
2.41 $ |
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
2.76 $ |
|
Potato (1 lb) |
1.89 $ |
|
Onion (1 lb) |
1.92 $ |
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
1.62 $ |
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
1.48 $ |
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
9.0 $ |
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
1.1 $ |
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
1.79 $ |
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
5.75 $ |
|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
0.35 $ |
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
30.0 $ |
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
2.0 $ |
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
2.0 $ |
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
15.0 $ |
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.03 $ |
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
24000.0 $ |
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
19163.33 $ |
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
84.12 $ |
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
0.17 $ |
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
43.73 $ |
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
36.03 $ |
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
29.55 $ |
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
5.5 $ |
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
332.27 $ |
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
9555.56 $ |
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
45.72 $ |
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
40.0 $ |
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
69.65 $ |
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
82.5 $ |
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
738.09 $ |
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
428.33 $ |
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
1291.94 $ |
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
825.79 $ |
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
1865.81 $ |
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
1212.81 $ |
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
713.04 $ |
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
5.81 % |
|
Panama is generally safe, but you should take precaution on the streets of major cities, and after dark. Be wary of pickpockets and bear in mind that mugging and violent crime are also part of this country's street life.
Public transport is generally safe in Panama, but do be careful on buses and bus stops since that's where pickpockets and petty thieves operate. Bear in mind that bus stations tend to be high crime areas, and whenever possible opt for calling a taxi instead of hailing one on the street.
Pickpockets are a common occurrence on the streets of Panama and tourists are recommended to remain vigilant at all times when on the street. Make sure you don't flash your valuables on the street, be careful when withdrawing money from ATMs and of course, keep all your valuables in a safe place in your accommodation or safely by your side.
Ocean currents, hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods are only some of the natural disasters that sometimes hit Panama.
Violent crime exists in Panama and mugging and kidnapping isn't uncommon on the streets of Panama. In such a situation, hand over all your possessions immediately and do not resist. Avoid poorly lit and deserted areas.
Although there haven't been any terrorist attacks in Panama's recent history, they shouldn't be ruled out so remain vigilant at all times.
Scams are very common in Panama, so double check your change, never pay anything upfront and negotiate everything in advance. Watch out for people sending you free drinks and never leave your drink unattended.
Traveling to Panama is generally safe for solo women, but bear in mind that you should generally hike and explore in a company, never alone. Stay away from poorly lit and deserted streets and areas and from people that are visibly intoxicated or under the influence
Many countries need a visa in order to enter Panama, while some, like the U.S and Australian nationals, do not need a visa for stays of up to 180 days. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond the date of arrival. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.
There are two official currencies in Panama: United States Dollar and Panamanian balboa. ATMs are mostly available throughout the country, except in some isolated areas, while credit cards are accepted in some establishments such as restaurants and upscale hotels, but may not be accepted everywhere.
The climate in Panama is tropical maritime climate, which is characterized by a hot and humid season with plenty of precipitation (which lasts from May to December) and a short dry season (lasting from January to May).
Tocumen International Airport is the busiest international airport of Panama City, the capital of the country of Panama. It is, also, at the same time the busiest airport in Central America at the moment.
Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Panama, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.