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Cost of Living in La Palma

La Palma, Darién, Panama · Population 4,205

▼ -16% vs Panama average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$528
Couple, monthly$945
Family of four, monthly$1,230

Estimated Prices in La Palma

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$5.40per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$21.60per meal
Cappuccino$1.62each
Monthly groceries (single person)$122per month
Monthly public transport pass$19.80per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$52.20per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$15.12per month
Fitness club membership$15.12per month
Cinema ticket$3.96each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$242per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$168per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$505per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in La Palma is $810 per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $528 with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $687 per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($168) represents about 32% of the total single-person budget.

Compare La Palma

La Palma vs Panama CityLa Palma vs San MiguelitoLa Palma vs ColónLa Palma vs DavidLa Palma vs La ChorreraLa Palma vs Balboa Heights

Nearby Cities

Unión Chocó

75 km away · Emberá-Wounaan

Jaqué

99 km away · Darién

Chepo

134 km away · Panamá

Pacora

145 km away · Panamá

Tocumen

154 km away · Panamá

Gaigirgordub

155 km away · Guna Yala

San Miguelito

164 km away · Panamá

Panama City

164 km away · Panamá

Other Major Cities in Panama

Panama City

Panamá · pop. 2,100,189

$787 / mo

San Miguelito

Panamá · pop. 315,019

$631 / mo

Colón

Colón · pop. 241,817

$592 / mo

David

Chiriquí · pop. 82,907

$592 / mo

La Chorrera

Panamá Oeste · pop. 68,896

$592 / mo

Balboa Heights

Panamá · pop. 62,882

$592 / mo

Pacora

Panamá · pop. 52,494

$592 / mo

Living in La Palma

La Palma is one of the key cities in Panama. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $528, placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $168 per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $1,230 per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $945 monthly.

The average estimated net salary in La Palma is $810. To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $687 per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is La Palma expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $528 per month in La Palma including rent outside the city centre. That is 16% less than the national average for Panama.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in La Palma?
A net salary of around $687 per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in La Palma with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in La Palma is $810.
How much is rent in La Palma?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $242 per month in the city centre and $168 outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $505.
Is La Palma cheaper than Panama on average?
Yes — La Palma is estimated to be about 16% cheaper than the Panama average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in La Palma?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $122 in La Palma. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $5 and a cappuccino runs around $2.
How do transport costs in La Palma compare?
A monthly public transport pass in La Palma is estimated at $20. Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for La Palma are estimates based on Panama national averages adjusted for city size (population 4,205). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.