David, Panama

David sits in the western lowlands of Panama, just 32 m above sea level and a short 13 km from Enrique Malado Airport (DAV), the regional gateway that makes the city easy to reach without the crowds of the capital. The climate is tropical and warm all year, with a pronounced rainy season from May to November and a drier season from December to April that offers the most comfortable conditions for long stays and outdoor routines. Expats tend to settle in El Terronal and San Carlos, two neighborhoods that have become the default landing spots for newcomers who want a balance of local life and a medium-sized expat community. With a population of 83 thousand, David keeps the feel of a working city rather than a resort, and the timezone, America/Panama, means no clock changes to disrupt calls back home.

The cost of living here is the headline. A 1-bedroom apartment rents for $350/mo whether you are in the city center or outside it, while a 3-bedroom runs $1,050/mo in the center and $750/mo outside. Utilities come to $183/mo, internet to $49/mo, and a mobile phone plan to $28/mo, with average internet speeds around 70 Mbps. A gym membership costs $31/mo, an inexpensive restaurant meal is $6 per person, a mid-range meal for two with three courses is $38, and a cappuccino is $3. Excluding rent, a single person spends about $650/mo and a family of four about $2,200/mo. Budget tiers land at $1,200/mo for a single adult with rent included, $1,800/mo for mid-range, and $2,600/mo for comfortable. Against a cost of living index of 48/100 where New York City equals 100, the local average net salary of $600/mo shows just how wide the gap is between expat budgets and local wages.

Safety is moderate and workable. The safety index sits at 60/100 and the crime index at 42/100, where lower is safer, so everyday life in the established neighborhoods is calm while standard city precautions still apply. Air quality is decent at an index of 45, where lower is better, and healthcare quality is rated Good, which matters for retirees and long-stay residents who want reliable care without flying elsewhere. English proficiency is common in tourist areas, so daily errands and services are manageable even before Spanish improves.

For visas, the Panama Pensionado Visa requires a minimum monthly income of $1,000/mo, and the Panama Digital Nomad Visa requires $4,000/mo. Both programs give legal footing to different kinds of newcomers, and the overall expat score of 73/100 reflects a city that works well for many of them. The FIRE score of 75/100 and the digital nomad score of 69/100 point to strong value for early retirees and remote workers, while the retiree score of 62/100 suggests a quieter, more practical retirement than a polished resort town. David suits budget-conscious singles, families watching every line item, and remote workers who want low rent, fast-enough internet, and a real Panamanian city at their doorstep.