The 2026 Budget Bible

Cost of Living
In Panama

How much do you REALLY need to live like a Rockstar in Panama? We break down the panama relocation tours cost and monthly lifestyle budgets.

Utility
Maintenance

In Panama, especially in beach areas like Coronado, your biggest maintenance expense is Air Conditioning (A/C). Due to the salt air and humidity, regular servicing is not optional—it's survival for your equipment.

Expect to pay $40 - $60 per unit for a professional cleaning every 4-6 months. Neglecting this can double your monthly panama electric bill and lead to costly evaporator coil failures.

A/C Service

$50/visit

Handyman

$15 - $25/hr

The Reality Check

The cost of living in panama is often romanticized, but in 2026, the truth is nuanced. While you can still live on $1,500 if you stay in local Chiriquí towns, most modern expats seek the $3,000+ lifestyle that includes international standards of comfort.

From panama real estate prices to the cost of electricity (the 'boogie-man' of the beach regions), your budget depends entirely on your geography. Boquete panama cost of living is generally 20-30% lower than Coronado panama simply because you save on air conditioning.

Groceries

$400 - $800

Utilities

$50 - $250

Rent (Expat)

$1k - $2.5k

Misc Fees

$200+

Choose Your Budget Tier

Matching your lifestyle to your wallet.

The Rockstar Minimalist

$1,500 - $2,000 / mo

Focuses on local markets, small mountain towns (like Volcan), and efficient utility usage. No full-time maid.

Local Produce Markets
Public Transport / Cheap SUV
Regional Clinics
Modest Rental

Analyze My Budget

The Platinum Standard

$3,500 - $5,000 / mo

The 'Coronado Beach Club' lifestyle. High-rise condos, private schools, full-time help, and imported grocery items.

Gated Community Living
Private International Schools
Full-time Domestic Help
Luxury Dining

Analyze My Budget

Casual

$10 - $15

The Local Fonda

A full plate of rice, beans, and protein (Menu del Dia) will cost you just $5 - $7 in 2026.

Fine Dining

High-end sushi or steakhouse in Panama City will average $60 - $100 per person with drinks.

Luxury

$80+

Dining
Economics

One of the biggest variables in the living in panama cost is your social life. Panama City boasts a world-class culinary scene (UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy), while Boquete and Coronado offer a more relaxed, expat-centric restaurant environment.

Eating "Local" vs. "Imported" is where budgets are made or broken. Your grocery bill will double if you insist on US brands at Riba Smith. Mastering the local panama farmers markets is the ultimate Rockstar relocation hack.