Data updated Oct 8, 2026
Best fit: Digital Nomad (score: 81)
Panama City sits on the Pacific coast of Panama at an elevation of just 2 meters above sea level. The city has a tropical monsoon climate, meaning it is consistently hot with a long rainy season from May to December. Popular expat neighborhoods include Casco Viejo, Punta Pacifica, and Costa del Este, where a large and active expat community has settled.
Living costs in Panama City are moderate, with a cost of living index of 50 out of 100 compared to New York City. A single adult can live on a budget of $935 per month including rent, while a mid-range lifestyle costs $1,446 per month and a comfortable lifestyle costs $1,967 per month. The average monthly net salary locally is $920, which is lower than the comfortable tier total. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center rents for $1,263 per month, while outside the center it is $874. A three-bedroom in the city center costs $2,179 per month, and outside the center it is $1,556. Monthly utilities run $131, internet is $49, a mobile phone plan is $28, a public transport pass is $21, and a gym membership is $46. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs $12 per person, a mid-range three-course meal for two is $48, and a cappuccino is $4.
The city has a safety index of 75 out of 100 and a crime index of 28 out of 100, where lower is safer. Healthcare quality is rated as good. English is widely spoken, making daily life easier for international residents.
Panama offers two main visa programs for foreigners: the Panama Pensionado Visa, which requires a minimum monthly income of $1,000, and the Panama Digital Nomad Visa, which requires a minimum monthly income of $4,000. The nearest airport is PAC, located 3 kilometers from the city. With an overall expat score of 81 out of 100, a digital nomad score of 83, a retiree score of 66, and a FIRE score of 74, Panama City suits a range of lifestyles from budget-conscious retirees to remote workers seeking a tropical base.
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Panama City on a budget budget comes to about $1,327 a month for one adult, with $874 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $137 on groceries, $46.00 on dining out, $41.00 on entertainment and lifestyle, $208 on utilities and connectivity and $21.00 on transport.
Rent
$874/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$137/mo
75% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$46.00/mo
4 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$41.00/mo
1 cinema trip, 8 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$208/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$21.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Panama City on a mid-range budget comes to about $1,514 a month for one adult, with $874 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $183 on groceries, $115 on dining out, $113 on entertainment and lifestyle, $208 on utilities and connectivity and $21.00 on transport.
Rent
$874/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$183/mo
Staples basket scaled to a full month
Dining out
$115/mo
10 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$113/mo
gym, 2 cinema trips, 12 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$208/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$21.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Panama City on a comfortable budget comes to about $2,123 a month for one adult, with $1,263 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $256 on groceries, $212 on dining out, $163 on entertainment and lifestyle, $208 on utilities and connectivity and $21.00 on transport.
Rent
$1,263/mo
1BR in the centre
Groceries
$256/mo
140% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$212/mo
6 inexpensive meals + 6 mid-range meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$163/mo
gym, 4 cinema trips, 20 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$208/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$21.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Estimates for one adult, built from this city's average prices and the usage shown for each tier. Your spending will differ with how often you eat out and where you live.
A 1BR in the center runs about $1262.5/mo. If your income is in another currency, bank FX fees add up. A multi-currency account can cut that cost.
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See how Panama City's cost of living compares with Medellín
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(Lower is safer)
Panama City feels safer than its reputation suggests, especially in expat-friendly neighborhoods like Casco Viejo, Punta Pacifica, and Clayton. Daytime walkability is good in these areas; nighttime requires caution but isn't prohibitively risky if you stay aware. The city's modern infrastructure and police presence in commercial zones create a relatively secure day-to-day environment for expats who avoid certain districts.
Petty theft and pickpocketing are the primary concerns—watch bags on public transit and in crowded markets. Violent crime exists but rarely targets expats directly; it's concentrated in peripheral neighborhoods like El Chorrillo and Curundu. Solo female travelers should exercise standard precautions: avoid displaying valuables, use registered taxis or Uber, and skip unfamiliar areas after dark. Scams targeting foreigners are uncommon but occur.
Panama's government is relatively stable with low political risk for expats. Police are generally reliable in tourist and business districts, though corruption exists at lower levels. The country's strategic importance and dollarized economy create incentives for maintaining order. For Americans considering relocation, Panama City is genuinely safer than many assume—it's a legitimate expat hub with manageable risks if you choose your neighborhood carefully and exercise normal urban awareness.
See how Panama City's healthcare compares with Medellín
Tropical monsoon climate; consistently hot with a long rainy season from May to December.
Panama City is a modern hub for digital nomads with growing coworking spaces and a thriving expat community.
| Name | Notes |
|---|---|
| Workings | Located in the heart of the financial district, Workings offers a professional environment with modern amenities. It's a good option for those seeking a more corporate vibe and easy access to restaurants and services in Bella Vista. |
| Selina Casco Viejo | Part of the Selina chain, this location in the historic Casco Viejo district provides a vibrant, social atmosphere. It's ideal for digital nomads who want to be in a lively area with plenty of cultural attractions and nightlife. |
| Regus Panama, Ocean Business Plaza | A reliable option in the Costa del Este area, Regus offers a professional and well-equipped workspace. The location is convenient for those who prefer a more modern and upscale neighborhood with easy access to the airport. |
| WeWork PH Yoo | Located in Avenida Balboa, this WeWork offers stunning ocean views and a premium coworking experience. It's a great choice for those seeking a high-end workspace with a strong community and networking opportunities. |
Names, locations and hours can change. Check each space's website before you visit. Places from © OpenStreetMap contributors and Foursquare Open Source Places (Apache 2.0).
Planning to live in Panama City long-term? Panama Digital Nomad Visa lets remote workers live legally.
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See how Panama City's digital nomad life compares with Medellín
A major regional hub for finance and logistics. It offers a very high quality of life for those in the high-end enclaves.
Areas of Panama City that expats often consider.
Conditions can change from one block to the next, and these descriptions are general guides, not safety assessments. Before choosing where to stay or live, check current travel advisories, talk to people who live there, and visit in person if you can.
Historic charm, vibrant nightlife
The historic district, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is filled with beautifully restored colonial buildings, rooftop bars, and restaurants. It's popular with tourists and expats, but can be noisy at night. Walkable, but prices are higher than other areas.
Central, convenient, established expat hub
A centrally located neighborhood with a mix of apartments, restaurants, and shops. It's a popular choice for expats due to its walkability, access to amenities, and proximity to the metro. Expect some street noise.
Residential, family-friendly, convenient location
A more residential area with a mix of houses and apartments. It's popular with families and offers a quieter atmosphere than El Cangrejo or Casco Viejo. Good access to shopping and restaurants, and relatively walkable.
Upscale, modern, convenient amenities
Known for its modern high-rise buildings, upscale restaurants, and shopping centers. It's a more expensive area, but offers excellent amenities and convenient access to other parts of the city. Good public transportation options.
With a 1-bedroom in the center at $1263/mo, your FIRE number here might be much lower than you think.
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