37 cities covered · Currency: PAB (B/.) · Capital: Panama City
| Expense | Estimated cost | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | $6.36 | per meal |
| Three-course meal for two, mid-range | $25.44 | per meal |
| Cappuccino | $1.91 | each |
| Monthly groceries (single person) | $144 | per month |
| Monthly public transport pass | $23.32 | per month |
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment | $61.48 | per month |
| Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited) | $17.81 | per month |
| Fitness club membership | $17.81 | per month |
| Cinema ticket | $4.66 | each |
| One-bedroom apartment in city centre | $297 | per month |
| One-bedroom apartment outside centre | $207 | per month |
| Three-bedroom apartment in city centre | $620 | per month |
Panamá · pop. 2,100,189
Panamá · pop. 315,019
Colón · pop. 241,817
Chiriquí · pop. 82,907
Panamá Oeste · pop. 68,896
Panamá · pop. 62,882
Panamá · pop. 52,494
Coclé · pop. 49,005
Veraguas · pop. 45,955
Panamá Oeste · pop. 41,041
Panamá · pop. 37,380
Colón · pop. 34,282
Ngäbe-Buglé · pop. 33,121
Bocas del Toro · pop. 31,223
Panamá · pop. 29,761
Panamá Oeste · pop. 26,298
Coclé · pop. 21,748
Chiriquí · pop. 19,763
Panamá Oeste · pop. 19,603
Colón · pop. 19,052
Chiriquí · pop. 19,000
Panamá Oeste · pop. 16,951
Panamá · pop. 16,786
Colón · pop. 16,517
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Panama
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Panama
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Panama
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Panama
Living costs in Panama vary significantly depending on city size. Large metropolitan areas with populations over one million typically see housing costs 15–30% above the national average, while smaller towns can be 10–20% below it. The national baseline of $631 per month represents a mid-sized city estimate.
Capital cities and major economic hubs command the highest rents and overall expenses. For budget-conscious residents, mid-sized cities offer a balance of amenities and affordability. Rural and small-town living remains the most economical option, though transport and service access may be limited.