Cost of Living in Panama City

Panama isn't some magical place as many may think.Its just another over blown tourist trap like Colombia is, nothing more.The 50% off for many things for retired people is just another falsehood the Panama government puts out there to draw people in nothing more.We've lived in Panama for almost 13 years now and never got discounts on anything and we're in our late 70'S.We'll leave Panama for greener pastures next month.

to all europeans, Panama is not worth unless you are paid a lot of money especially with kids.
consider this; 2 adults and two kids trip to europe once a year will cost you at least 3000$ just to go back to europe.
if you have 3000$ budget for a vacation in Europe, you can go to Greece, Croatia, Italy and find beautiful beaches, art, great food and you will spend almost nothing on transport with ryanair or easy jet.
but from Panama if you want to go to San Blas or Bocas del Toro prepare to spend more and eat "arroz con pollo" and no trash collections anywhere.
Panama is a great place but not suited for long term european family.
also food is more expensive than Europe and less choice due to lack of competition and economy of scale.
consider also social security you are not paying in panama so no pension for you....
private schools (public school are no good) are 600/1000 per kid and in Europe are free and very good almost everywhere.

so to be better in Panama you should make at list 4x what are you making in Europe if not forget it

#Diego Jaslovici I recommend a salary of at least $1800 per month to live comfortable with a family of that size. This is to live in a house outside of the city, buy your own car and have children in a good school. Good Luck.

#Sandy That is not accurate at all. You can expect to make a min of $2k per month as a new Civil Engineer. $3/hr is what you can expect to make at McDonalds. I am a Geological Engineer and started making $65k a year. It helps to be bilingual. Your cousin needs to find a new employer.

#D'angelo I have a 4 bedroom 2 bath house in a small city called Cermano. IT is about a 30 minute drive to the City, and about a 30 minute drive to a nice beach. IF you are interested in more information you can email me at how4salecermano@aol.com

My cousin is a civil engineer in Panama City with a Master's Degree. He says he only makes $3.00/hr. Is this accurate?

I am interested in moving to Panama. Are there any apartments for a single person for under $500 a month

Minimum salary wage: around $600. Most panamanians have a salary under $1,000.00

Living cost - city centre
Renting a full apartment 2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms: $1300 average
Utility (Electricity, water, etc): $150.00
Internet, TV cable and basic telephone services: $75.00
Market expenses for a family of 3: approx. $800.00 monthly.
Private school for kids: $190.00 monthly.
Cellphone plan of around 1000 minutes and 2GB data: $60.00
Movies: $8.00; VIP: $13.00
Car insurance in case you buy a car: approx. $70.00 monthly
Public transportation is still really cheap.

To live comfortably in city centre with a family of three, I recommend a minimum income of $2,500.00 and this means moving around the city using public transportation. Living outside the city is cheaper but the family may require to buy a car in order to avoid traffic.

This month, April 2016, I visited Panama City for the first time, and I found that Panama is an important city for working, business, and moving here. The city has a beach skyline that I considered looks like a little New York, with many tall buildings and even with some skyscrapers.The cost of meals like fast food or Chinese foods is rather cheaper that in Miami, FL. The transportation system was improved a lot with the service given by the Panama Metro or subway, so far it has one line and only 14 stations and this month is celebrating its 2nd anniversary, but a new 2nd line is underway. Nos there is a low supply of drinking water due to the large dry season (no rain), and another problem I found was the presence in the streets of many ilegal small bus taxis which have invaded the legal lines. My plan so far is to return to Panama and to try to settle down here. Cheers!.

Robert, Panama City is an international City with over 80 different banks. Panama City drawn 10 Billion dollars daily from the Canal alone. You can't compare Panama City to a Midwestern town in the US.

I live in the USA, in Phoenix, Arizona and you won't get anything but dump here at that price.!

Check out flexpay in Los pueblos or Gran Estacion if you need furniture electronics or appliances. They rent to own or temporarily. Makes finding an unfurnished apt easier if u need furniture etc. many apts don't have appliances. This is a great option