Housing snapshot
- One bedroom
- 800-1,900 USD/month
- Three bedrooms
- 1,400-3,300 USD/month
- Purchase, city center
- 2,600-3,300 USD/m²
City research
Retire in Panama City
A closer look at Panama City, including Biomuseo and Casco Viejo.
880,000Population estimate
800-1,900 USD/monthAverage rent
At a glance
The local signals that matter most for a first visit or a first budget.
Population estimate880,000Published city/urban-area estimate; scope varies
Safety60Safety index
Healthcare8/10Quality rating
Average rent800-1,900 USD/monthMonthly cost
Why Panama City
The character of the city matters as much as the national averages.
- Biomuseo
- Casco Viejo
- Panama Canal
- Skyline
Costs and daily life
Use these figures to build a realistic monthly budget.
Monthly essentials
- Groceries
- 500-700 USD
- Utilities
- 80-200 USD
- Transport
- 21 USD (Metro pass)
- Health insurance
- Approx. 100-250 USD/month
Healthcare
- Hospital quality
- 4/5
- Doctor visit
- 30-60 USD
- Emergency response
- 10-20 minutes
- Specialist wait time
- 1-3 weeks
Getting around
- Walkability
- 55/100
- Public transport
- 8/10
- Airport
- Tocumen International Airport
- Airport distance
- 24km from city center
Healthcare essentials for Panama City
Digital Blood Pressure Monitor
FDA-approved upper arm monitor — track your health anywhere
Travel First Aid Kit (200+ pcs)
Comprehensive emergency kit — compact & TSA-approved
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Climate and community
The details that determine how a place feels through the year.
Climate
- Average temperature
- 28°C
- Summer high
- 31°C
- Winter low
- 23°C
- Rainfall
- 150 days/year
- Sunshine
- 2,700 hours/year
Expat community
- Expat population
- 120,000
- Population share
- 12%
- Main nationalities
- American, Canadian, Colombian
- Integration support
- Spanish language schools, Expat forums
Climate planning gear for Panama City
SPF 50+ Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Broad-spectrum UV protection for tropical climates
Mosquito Repellent Bands
DEET-free insect protection — ideal for warm, humid regions
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Neighborhoods to compare
A useful shortlist for a first visit, rental search, or longer stay.
Casco Viejo
Why it works: Historic, charming
Watch for: Tourist-heavy, expensive
Punta Pacifica
Why it works: Upscale, modern
Watch for: Expensive
Obarrio
Why it works: Business district, shopping
Watch for: Busy
Costa del Este
Why it works: Residential, family-friendly
Watch for: Further out
Lifestyle and recreation
A quick read on the parts of city life that do not appear in a rent index.
Dining4/5Local rating
Culture3.5/5Local rating
Nightlife3.5/5Local rating
Shopping4/5Local rating
Green space3.5/5Local rating
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about retiring in Panama City
What is the cost of living in Panama City?
The published one-bedroom rent for Panama City is 800-1,900 USD/month. Total monthly expenses depend on the local currency, housing choice, healthcare, taxes, and lifestyle.
Is Panama City safe for retirees and expats?
The directory safety index for Panama City is 60/100. A comparable citywide crime rate is not published here; conditions vary by district. The walkability score is 55/100 and public-transport coverage is 8/10.
What are the best neighborhoods to live in Panama City for retirees?
The listed retirement neighborhoods in Panama City include Casco Viejo, Punta Pacifica, Obarrio. Compare healthcare access, services, transport, noise, and housing costs at neighborhood level before choosing.
How is the healthcare system in Panama City?
Panama City hospital facilities are rated 4/5. Doctor visits are listed at approximately 30-60 USD; insurance acceptance and newcomer eligibility vary by provider and status.
What transportation options are available in Panama City?
Panama City has a public-transport efficiency score of 8/10 and coverage score of 8/10. The walkability score is 55/100, and the nearest international airport is 24km from city center.
What is the climate like in Panama City?
Panama City has an average temperature of 28°C with 150 days/year rainfall days listed per year; no snow days are listed. Seasonal comfort depends on personal needs and the specific neighborhood.
Are there other expats and retirees in Panama City?
Panama City has a listed international-resident share of 12% and the recorded nationalities are American and Canadian. Integration services are Spanish language schools, Expat forums, Visa assistance; availability should be confirmed locally.
What visa or residence route applies to retirees in Panama?
Panama lists Pensionado permit. The published annual income figure is USD 12,000 per year; requirements, processing and eligibility are route-specific and should be confirmed with the responsible authority before applying.
What tax points should retirees check before moving to Panama?
The country-level tax notes list income tax: 25% Max. CGT: 10%. Inherit: 0% (Territorial).; property tax: Progressive property tax applies; exemptions and thresholds vary; VAT or sales tax: 7% ITBMS. Tax residence, pension source, treaty status, property and local rules can change the result, so obtain current advice for the individual case.
Can foreigners buy property near Panama City?
Property ownership rules are country- and property-specific and are not a city-level guarantee in this profile. Check title, restricted-zone, tax, registration and residency rules with the relevant authority and a qualified local adviser before signing.