What is the healthcare system like in Panama?

Panama has a healthcare quality index of 82/100. A doctor visit is listed as 30-60 USD, and private health insurance is listed as Approx. 100-250 USD/month. A comparable national English-speaker percentage is not available.

What is the climate like in Panama?

Panama has an average temperature of 25.4. The comparable climate indicator records 123 wet days of at least 10 mm per year. Sunshine hours and preferred travel months are not included in this dataset.

Country research

Retire in Panama

Panama combines a U.S.-dollar-based economy, tropical lowlands, cooler highland areas, and a pensionado residence route with published income criteria. Healthcare, housing, and climate differ sharply by province and city.

At a glance Costs and planning

73.4Overall research score

74.5Safety index

At a glance

The first numbers to check before you compare destinations.

Cost of living27.9/100Relative PPP score; lower is cheaper

Safety74.5/100Safety index

Healthcare82/100Quality index

Average temperature25.4°CYearly average

Why Panama

A practical starting point for deciding whether the country fits your plans.

Panama may suit retirees seeking a documented pensionado route, regional lifestyle choices, and reduced currency-conversion friction. Verify current migration, banking, and healthcare requirements before moving.

What stands out

Pensionado benefits (Discounts)
Low taxes
Low COL.

Costs and planning

Monthly essentials, taxes, and residency details in one view.

Housing

One bedroom, city center: 1,050-1,900 USD
One bedroom, suburbs: 800-1,600 USD
Three bedrooms, city center: 1,400-3,300 USD

Monthly essentials

Groceries: 500-700 USD
Restaurant meal: Varies by city and provider
Utilities: 80-200 USD
Health insurance: Approx. 100-250 USD/month

Residency and taxes

Visa or permit: Pensionado permit
Minimum annual income: USD 12,000
Processing time: Varies by National Migration Service
Income tax: 25% Max. CGT: 10%. Inherit: 0% (Territorial).

Safety, climate, and healthcare

The conditions that shape everyday life after the move.

Safety

Safety index: 74.5/100
Intentional homicide: 0.117 per 1,000 (latest comparable national rate)
Police response: Not published as a comparable national statistic; varies by city

Climate and healthcare

Sunshine: Not listed
Rainfall days ≥10 mm: 123 days per year
Doctor visit: 30-60 USD
English speakers: Not available as a comparable national statistic

Cities to consider in Panama

Start with the places that make the country feel real, not just the national averages.

Boquete

Mountain setting, Coffee plantations

Rent: 700-1,000 USD/month
Safety: 80

Read city guide

David

Mountain views, Lower cost of living

Rent: 350-600 USD/month
Safety: 70

Read city guide

Panama City

Biomuseo, Casco Viejo

Rent: 800-1,900 USD/month
Safety: 60

Read city guide

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about retiring in Panama

What is the cost of living in Panama?

The relative PPP price-level score for Panama is 27.9/100 (lower means lower relative prices). Monthly rent for a one bedroom apartment in the city center is listed as 1,050-1,900 USD, while health insurance is Approx. 100-250 USD/month.

Is Panama safe for expats and retirees?

Panama has a safety index of 74.5/100. The latest comparable national intentional-homicide rate is 0.117 per 1,000 people; city-level crime can differ substantially.

How is the healthcare system in Panama?

The healthcare system in Panama has a quality index of 82/100. A doctor visit costs 30-60 USD, and health insurance typically costs Approx. 100-250 USD/month per month.

What are the visa requirements for retiring in Panama?

Panama lists the route “Pensionado permit”. The published minimum-income field is USD 12,000 per year and processing is Varies by National Migration Service. Requirements can change, so confirm them with the relevant government office.

What is the tax situation for retirees in Panama?

Retirees in Panama face income tax rates of 25% Max. CGT: 10%. Inherit: 0% (Territorial).. Property tax is Progressive property tax applies; exemptions and thresholds vary and inheritance tax is No broad inheritance tax; estate and transfer rules may apply. Where applicable, tax treaties can affect double-taxation treatment.

How large is the expat community in Panama?

Panama has approximately 477,749 international migrants in the latest comparable estimate. A comparable national English-speaker percentage is not available. Major city profiles include Panama City, David, Boquete.