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Panama City cityscape

Panama City🇵🇦

Panama · Cost of living & nomad guide 2026

Photo by Luis Aleman on Unsplash

Who this suits

Clean air seeker
Population
408,168
Timezone
America/Panama
Nomad community
Medium

What it's actually like here

Panama City offers a vibrant and surprisingly affordable base for digital nomads, especially if you're looking for a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank. You'll find good value in accommodation compared to many Western cities. It's a great fit for those who appreciate a bustling urban environment with modern amenities and a tropical twist. The internet here is generally fast and reliable, making remote work smooth, and there's a good-sized nomad community to connect with. English is widely spoken, easing the transition for newcomers. However, be prepared for some areas to feel less safe at night, so exercising caution and common sense is advisable. Overall, it’s a city that blends metropolitan convenience with Latin American charm, perfect for an adventurous, budget-conscious nomad.

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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 (US=100, World Bank ICP)
Cheap mealUS$8.00
Mid-range meal for 2US$18.00
Monthly groceries~US$330

Infrastructure

Internet speed80 Mbps
Connectivity score83/100
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, US=100), Ookla (internet), OpenAQ (air quality) · Updated Quarterly

📍 Panama City on the map

A quick look at where in the world this city sits.

Find accommodation in Panama City

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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 (US=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.

Community data for this city
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