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Panama City🇵🇦

Panama · Cost of living & nomad guide 2026

Timezone
America/Panama
Nomad community
Medium

City metrics

Financial

Rent 1BR (centre)$900/mo
Rent 1BR (outside)$650/mo
Rent 3BR (centre)$1,900/mo
Cost of living (national avg)51 (USA=100, World Bank ICP)
Cheap meal$8.00
Mid-range meal for 2$18.00
Monthly groceries~$330

Infrastructure

Internet speed80 Mbps
Internet reliability8/100
Healthcare index70/100
Coworking spaces~15

Lifestyle

Safety index55/100
Air quality45 AQI — Good
Walkability60/100
Climate score72/100
English proficiencyhigh
Source: OpenAQ · Global Peace Index · regional statistical agencies · Updated Live + annual

Nomad

Nomad communityMedium
Visa easeeasy
Budget score7/100
Lifestyle score7/100
Overall nomad score
7/100
Source: NoodlePants composite (World Bank ICP, Ookla, OpenAQ) · Updated Quarterly

What it's actually like here

Want a vibrant city with a tropical twist without breaking the bank? This Central American hub could be your next base. A one-bedroom in the city center runs about $900, or $650 if you venture a bit outside. Factor in around $330 for groceries and $8 for a cheap meal out, and you'll find your budget goes a decent way here, earning it a solid 7/10 for affordability. It's a great spot for digital nomads and expats seeking a lively atmosphere with good infrastructure. You'll get reliable internet at around 80 Mbps, making remote work smooth. Healthcare is decent, and there’s a medium-sized, active nomad community with 15 coworking spaces to connect. English proficiency is high, and visas are generally easy to sort. The climate is tropical (score 72!), with moderate air quality. While generally safe (score 55), like any big city, awareness is key. An honest caveat? Walkability is only moderate, so expect to use ride-shares or public transport often.

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Who this suits

Clean air seeker

Featured neighbourhoods

Neighbourhood guides coming soon for Panama City.

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Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to live in Panama City as a digital nomad?+

As of 2026, a 1-bedroom apartment in the centre of Panama City averages around $900 per month. The national cost-of-living index for Panama sits at 51 (USA=100) — sourced from World Bank ICP. City-level detail is coming as we gather it; for now this is a national figure. Nomads typically budget extra for coworking, eating out, and travel.

Is Panama City safe for digital nomads?+

Panama City scores 55/100 on our composite safety index, which blends the Global Peace Index, crime stats and traveller-advisory data. Most central neighbourhoods are fine with normal big-city awareness.

How fast is the internet in Panama City?+

Headline average internet speed in Panama City is around 80 Mbps based on Ookla Speedtest data. That's enough for video calls, large file uploads and most remote-work needs in central neighbourhoods — coworking spaces and serviced apartments usually run faster than that.

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