Central America Updated
Average Cost of Living in Panama-City-Panama
The average cost of living in Panama-City-Panama, Panama is $1,349 per month for a single person, and $2,967 per month for a family of four. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around $1,265 per month. The local average net salary is $965 per month.
Very affordable
Updated today
Index 30.7 · NYC = 100
Estimated monthly cost
- Single person
- $1,349 / month
- Family of 4
- $2,967 / mo
- Student
- $776 / mo
Includes rent, food, utilities, transport, and dining out. Excludes healthcare, taxes, and discretionary travel.
Salary that covers life in Panama-City-Panama
Adjust the household and see the gap or surplus vs. typical local pay.
Interactive
You need at least
$0 / month
Annual gross (25% tax)
$0
vs. local average net salary
$964.76 / month
On this page 11 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary calculator for Panama-City-Panama | Find out the monthly salary needed for a single, family, or student lifestyle. |
| Rent & Property Prices in Panama-City-Panama | Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter. |
| Grocery Prices in Panama-City-Panama | Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat. |
| Public Transport & Car Costs in Panama-City-Panama | Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices. |
| Utility & Internet Costs in Panama-City-Panama | Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills. |
| Childcare & Preschool in Panama-City-Panama | Preschool fees and international school tuition. |
| Clothing Prices in Panama-City-Panama | Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores. |
| Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Panama-City-Panama | Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets. |
| Restaurant Prices in Panama-City-Panama | Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks. |
| Salaries & Mortgages in Panama-City-Panama | Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates. |
| Panama-City-Panama FAQs | Common questions about rent, salaries, food, and transport in Panama-City-Panama. |
Rent & Property Prices in Panama-City-Panama
Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $1,265 | $900 – $1,870 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $960 | $800 – $1,600 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $2,151 | $1,400 – $3,320 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $1,509 | $1,010 – $2,500 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $3,128 | $2,990 – $3,276 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $1,730 | $1,526 – $2,000 |
- 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $1,265$900 – $1,870
- 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $960$800 – $1,600
- 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $2,151$1,400 – $3,320
- 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $1,509$1,010 – $2,500
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre $3,128$2,990 – $3,276
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre $1,730$1,526 – $2,000
Grocery Prices in Panama-City-Panama
Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | $1.87 | $1.60 – $2.00 |
| Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) | $2.51 | $1.25 – $4.00 |
| White Rice (1 kg) | $2.45 | $1.80 – $4.96 |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | $2.80 | $1.80 – $3.60 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | $11 | $4.00 – $18 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | $6.24 | $4.00 – $8.00 |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) | $10 | $6.00 – $16 |
| Apples (1 kg) | $3.88 | $2.00 – $6.00 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | $1.55 | $1.00 – $3.00 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | $3.68 | $1.25 – $6.00 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $3.31 | $1.75 – $4.41 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | $2.47 | $1.63 – $5.00 |
| Onions (1 kg) | $4.10 | $2.80 – $5.00 |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | $2.27 | $1.20 – $3.00 |
| Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) | $1.83 | $1.00 – $2.50 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $11 | $8.00 – $15 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) | $1.32 | $0.90 – $2.00 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $2.53 | $1.00 – $5.00 |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | $6.00 | $5.85 – $6.50 |
- Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) $1.87$1.60 – $2.00
- Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) $2.51$1.25 – $4.00
- White Rice (1 kg) $2.45$1.80 – $4.96
- Eggs (12, Large Size) $2.80$1.80 – $3.60
- Local Cheese (1 kg) $11$4.00 – $18
- Chicken Fillets (1 kg) $6.24$4.00 – $8.00
- Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) $10$6.00 – $16
- Apples (1 kg) $3.88$2.00 – $6.00
- Bananas (1 kg) $1.55$1.00 – $3.00
- Oranges (1 kg) $3.68$1.25 – $6.00
- Tomatoes (1 kg) $3.31$1.75 – $4.41
- Potatoes (1 kg) $2.47$1.63 – $5.00
- Onions (1 kg) $4.10$2.80 – $5.00
- Lettuce (1 Head) $2.27$1.20 – $3.00
- Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) $1.83$1.00 – $2.50
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) $11$8.00 – $15
- Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) $1.32$0.90 – $2.00
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $2.53$1.00 – $5.00
- Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) $6.00$5.85 – $6.50
Public Transport & Car Costs in Panama-City-Panama
Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | $0.35 | $0.35 – $0.50 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | $21 | $21 – $21 |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | $2.50 | $2.50 – $2.50 |
| Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) | $1.84 | $1.81 – $4.00 |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | $22 | $22 – $22 |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | $0.99 | $0.85 – $1.23 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | $21,262 | $21,262 – $21,262 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | $20,528 | $19,667 – $23,000 |
- One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) $0.35$0.35 – $0.50
- Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) $21$21 – $21
- Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) $2.50$2.50 – $2.50
- Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) $1.84$1.81 – $4.00
- Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) $22$22 – $22
- Gasoline (1 Liter) $0.99$0.85 – $1.23
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) $21,262$21,262 – $21,262
- Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) $20,528$19,667 – $23,000
Utility & Internet Costs in Panama-City-Panama
Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $131 | $74 – $213 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | $30 | $20 – $50 |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | $47 | $40 – $55 |
- Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) $131$74 – $213
- Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) $30$20 – $50
- Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) $47$40 – $55
Childcare & Preschool in Panama-City-Panama
Preschool fees and international school tuition.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | $500 | $500 – $650 |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | $10,693 | $6,850 – $20,000 |
- Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child $500$500 – $650
- International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child $10,693$6,850 – $20,000
Clothing Prices in Panama-City-Panama
Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | $57 | $25 – $80 |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | $44 | $25 – $100 |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | $88 | $70 – $100 |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | $110 | $50 – $200 |
- Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) $57$25 – $80
- Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) $44$25 – $100
- Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) $88$70 – $100
- Men's Leather Business Shoes $110$50 – $200
Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Panama-City-Panama
Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | $44 | $30 – $70 |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | $40 | $15 – $50 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | $8.00 | $7.00 – $17 |
- Monthly Fitness Club Membership $44$30 – $70
- Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) $40$15 – $50
- Cinema Ticket (International Release) $8.00$7.00 – $17
Restaurant Prices in Panama-City-Panama
Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $10 | $5.00 – $20 |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | $50 | $40 – $100 |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | $7.00 | $7.00 – $8.60 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) | $3.00 | $2.00 – $6.00 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $4.00 | $3.00 – $6.00 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | $3.88 | $2.00 – $5.00 |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) | $1.73 | $1.00 – $2.50 |
| Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) | $1.42 | $1.00 – $2.00 |
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant $10$5.00 – $20
- Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) $50$40 – $100
- Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) $7.00$7.00 – $8.60
- Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) $3.00$2.00 – $6.00
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $4.00$3.00 – $6.00
- Cappuccino (Regular Size) $3.88$2.00 – $5.00
- Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) $1.73$1.00 – $2.50
- Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) $1.42$1.00 – $2.00
Salaries & Mortgages in Panama-City-Panama
Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $965 | — |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 6.33% | — |
- Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) $965
- Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 6.33%
Compare Panama-City-Panama with…
Pick any city to see costs side by side.
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Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to live in Panama-City-Panama?
- An estimated $1,349 per month covers rent, food, utilities, and transport for one person in Panama-City-Panama. A family of four needs around $2,967 per month, while students living shared accommodation manage on roughly $776.
- How much money do I need to live in Panama-City-Panama?
- Plan for at least $1,349 per month as a single person, $2,967 per month for a family of four, or $776 per month as a student in shared accommodation. Add 15–25% on top for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending — that's the salary you should be targeting before relocating to Panama-City-Panama.
- What is the average rent in Panama-City-Panama?
- A one-bedroom apartment in Panama-City-Panama rents for around $1,265 per month, with three-bedroom apartments in the city centre around $2,151 per month. Prices vary depending on neighbourhood, building age, and furnishings.
- What is the average salary in Panama-City-Panama?
- The average monthly net salary in Panama-City-Panama is around $965. Whether that's enough to live comfortably depends on housing choice — rent typically claims 131% of a single-person paycheck.
- How much does food cost in Panama-City-Panama?
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Panama-City-Panama costs around $10. Cooking at home, a single person spends roughly $69 per month on groceries. Staples like milk ($1.87/L) and bread ($2.51/500g) are typical.
- What is public transport like in Panama-City-Panama?
- A monthly public transport pass in Panama-City-Panama costs around $21. Cities with extensive metro and bus networks generally let residents skip car ownership entirely, particularly when commuting from areas outside the city centre.
- Is the internet expensive in Panama-City-Panama?
- Unlimited broadband at 60 Mbps or higher in Panama-City-Panama costs around $47 per month — useful context for remote workers comparing locations.