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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)US$900/mo
Rent 1BR (outside)US$650/mo
Rent 3BR (centre)US$1,900/mo
Cost of living (national avg)6 (USA=100, World Bank ICP)
Cheap mealUS$8.00
Mid-range meal for 2US$18.00
Monthly groceries~US$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: World Bank ICP (cost of living, USA=100), Ookla (internet), OpenAQ (air quality) · Updated Quarterly

What it's actually like here

Living in Panama City offers a vibrant, urban experience for digital nomads. Rent is generally quite reasonable, especially compared to North American cities, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious nomads. You'll find a decent, growing nomad community here, so networking and making friends is definitely possible. The internet is typically fast and reliable, which is crucial for remote work. This city truly suits those who enjoy a lively, metropolitan atmosphere with convenient access to a major international airport. English is widely spoken in business and tourist areas, which eases the transition. However, be prepared for fairly warm and humid weather year-round, and while generally safe during the day, it's wise to be mindful of your surroundings in certain areas after dark, as with any big city.

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Who this suits

Clean air seeker

Featured neighbourhoods

Neighbourhood guides coming soon for Panama City.

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 6 (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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