Cost of Living in Panama City, Panama
Panama City is a city in Panama, where a single person can expect to spend about $1,834 per month including rent, food, and local transport. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1,289 per month, or $1,011 outside the centre. Internet is fast at around 197 Mbps median download speed, and Panama offers a digital nomad visa. On safety, Panama City scores 55/100 — moderately safe for residents and visitors. Expect summer highs near 87°F and winter highs around 86°F, with roughly 163 sunny days a year.
Panama City Cost of Living Breakdown
🍽️ Dining
🛒 Groceries
🚌 Transportation
⚡ Utilities & Tech
🎬 Lifestyle
👔 Clothing
🏠 Housing
📊 Summary
Lifestyle & Quality of Life in Panama City
How Panama City Ranks Among 340 Cities
Of the 340 cities Voyica tracks, Panama City ranks in the top 14% for air quality, but sits in the bottom 18% for food scene. It costs more than 58% of them.
| Metric | Panama City | World rank | Rank in Latin America & Caribbean |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $1,834 | #200 of 340 | #61 of 63 |
| Safety | 55/100 | #213 of 340 | #14 of 63 |
| Healthcare | 60/100 | #241 of 340 | #24 of 63 |
| Internet speed | 197 Mbps | #143 of 340 | #17 of 63 |
| Walkability | 48/100 | #218 of 340 | #36 of 63 |
| Public transit | 45/100 | #139 of 340 | #11 of 63 |
| Food scene | 62/100 | #283 of 340 | #50 of 63 |
| Air quality | 91/100 | #45 of 340 | #3 of 63 |
Rank 1 = most affordable, safest, and so on. Computed across every city in Voyica's dataset (June 2026 snapshot); ties share a rank.
Cheaper Alternatives to Panama City
Cities with a similar mix of safety, food, culture, walkability and climate that cost at least 15% less per month than Panama City.
- Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic — $1,060/mo, 42% cheaper, safety 52/100
- San Jose, Costa Rica — $1,449/mo, 21% cheaper, safety 58/100
- Tamarindo, Costa Rica — $1,100/mo, 40% cheaper, safety 58/100
- Roatán, Honduras — $1,200/mo, 35% cheaper, safety 55/100
Communities & Expat Groups
Panama Expats & Digital Nomads
Panama City FAQ
How much does it cost to live in Panama City?
A single person should budget around $1,834 per month in Panama City, covering rent, groceries, transport, and basic lifestyle costs. A family of four typically needs about $2,990 per month excluding rent.
How much is rent in Panama City?
A one-bedroom apartment in central Panama City averages $1,289 per month, dropping to about $1,011 outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $2,132.
Is Panama City safe?
Panama City scores 55/100 on safety, which is moderately safe. Tourist safety is rated 50/100.
How fast is the internet in Panama City?
Median download speeds in Panama City are around 197 Mbps — fast for remote work and video calls. There are roughly 20 coworking spaces in the city.
Does Panama offer a digital nomad visa?
Yes — Panama offers a digital nomad visa. US passport holders can typically stay 180 days visa-free before applying.
What is the weather like in Panama City?
Panama City sees summer highs around 87°F and winter highs near 86°F, with about 163 mostly sunny days a year and at least 1 mm of rain on about 163 days.
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Visa Requirements for Panama
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