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Cost of Living in Panama City

Panama City, Panamá, Panama · Population 2,100,189 · National capital

▲ +25% vs Panama average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$787
Couple, monthly$1,414
Family of four, monthly$1,847

Estimated Prices in Panama City

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$7.80per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$31.20per meal
Cappuccino$2.34each
Monthly groceries (single person)$177per month
Monthly public transport pass$28.60per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$75.40per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$21.84per month
Fitness club membership$21.84per month
Cinema ticket$5.72each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$383per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$267per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$800per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Panama City is $1,170 per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $787 with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $1,022 per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($267) represents about 34% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Panama City

Panama City vs San MiguelitoPanama City vs ColónPanama City vs DavidPanama City vs La ChorreraPanama City vs Balboa HeightsPanama City vs Pacora

Nearby Cities

Ancón

2 km away · Panamá

Balboa Heights

3 km away · Panamá

San Miguelito

8 km away · Panamá

Arraiján

13 km away · Panamá Oeste

Alcalde Díaz

17 km away · Panamá

Tocumen

21 km away · Panamá

Nuevo Arraiján

21 km away · Panamá Oeste

Chilibre

22 km away · Panamá

Other Major Cities in Panama

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 Panama City

Panama City is the capital and one of the key cities in Panama. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $787, placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $267 per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $1,847 per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $1,414 monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Panama City is $1,170. To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $1,022 per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Panama City expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $787 per month in Panama City including rent outside the city centre. That is 25% more than the national average for Panama.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Panama City?
A net salary of around $1,022 per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Panama City with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Panama City is $1,170.
How much is rent in Panama City?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $383 per month in the city centre and $267 outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $800.
Is Panama City cheaper than Panama on average?
No — Panama City is estimated to be about 25% more expensive than the Panama average, mainly due to housing demand as the national capital.
What is the cost of groceries in Panama City?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $177 in Panama City. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $8 and a cappuccino runs around $2.
How do transport costs in Panama City compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Panama City is estimated at $29. Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Panama City are estimates based on Panama national averages adjusted for city size (population 2,100,189) and capital-city premium. Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.