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Diane Shares Her Real Cost of Living in Coronado, Panama
Plus: A Complete Look at Local Amenities — Shopping, Dining & Healthcare
If you’re thinking about living in Panama, one of the most common questions is: “What does it really cost to live there — and what’s life like day-to-day?”
To answer that, we’re sharing a real cost-of-living breakdown from Diane, who lives part-time in Coronado with her spouse and is planning to make Panama their full-time home. Diane generously shared her monthly expenses, plus her thoughts on living in one of Panama’s most popular beach communities, Coronado.
Diane lives in Coronado with her husband; they are 64 and 68.
For the last couple of years, they have split their time between Texas and Panama (about 6 months in each) with plans to relocate full-time to Panama soon.
Real Monthly Cost of Living (Based on Diane’s Numbers)
🏡 Housing
Rent: $1,200 per month
Unit: Furnished 1 bedroom, 2 baths + flex space
Included: Internet, water, building amenities
Excluded: Electricity
This type of condo is modern, comfortable, and centrally located — a typical choice for expats who want convenience without a large footprint. Furnished condos come with everything you need: furniture, TV, pots, dishes, glasses, sheets, towels, and a coffee maker, Etc.
⚡ Utilities
Electricity: ~$50/month (no A/C usage)
Internet: Included with rent
Phone: AT&T Premium Plan (U.S. plan)
Utilities total: ~$50/month
🚗 Transportation
Car: None
Monthly cost: ~$75 (max)
Living in Coronado, they can walk to local stores. They sometimes use Taxis, Uber or a shuttle. Sometimes friends offer to give them a ride.
When going to Panama City, they use the bus service.
Diane notes that living in a walkable part of Coronado keeps transportation costs low — a major perk for retirees.
🛒 Daily Living Expenses
Groceries: $400/month
Eating out: $90/month
Other expenses (clothing, personal care): $100/month
Entertainment & travel: $400/month
❤️ Health & Insurance
Insurance: Medicare Advantage
Monthly cost: $205 (through Texas Teacher Retirement System)
Out-of-pocket medical: $0 (healthy and no regular medical visits)
Diane’s plan covers emergency medical overseas, which is important for expats who split time between the U.S. and Panama.
Approximate Monthly Total:
👉 ~$2,520 – $2,600 per month for two people
What It’s Like to Live in Coronado
🌴 A Town With Amenities — Not Isolation
Unlike many beach towns along the Pacific coast, Coronado has grown into a full-service expat hub with lots of conveniences. Here’s what you’ll find:
Coronado offers excellent access to shopping and everyday services, making daily life convenient and stress-free. The town is home to Supermercado Rey Coronado, a large, well-stocked grocery store with a wide selection of local and imported products, along with several smaller markets and mini-marts located throughout the area. Fresh produce, local goods, and specialty items are easy to find. In addition to groceries, Coronado has shops for household items and kitchenware, hardware stores, banks and ATMs, and pharmacies for medications and daily essentials. Local markets and on-street vendors also play an important role in daily life, offering fresh fruits, vegetables, and prepared foods, which not only support local vendors but also add variety and freshness to your meals.
🍽️ Restaurants & Cafés
Coronado has a surprisingly broad and diverse restaurant scene for a town of its size, making it easy to enjoy dining out without traveling far. You’ll find everything from local Panamanian diners, often called “sodas,” to casual beachfront cafés and restaurants with ocean views. There are also pizza places, grills, international menus, and a handful of small bars and social gathering spots that have become favorites among the expat community. Dining options commonly include grilled seafood, fresh ceviche stands, wood-fired pizza, and cozy cafés serving coffee and pastries that are perfect for morning meetups with friends. For those looking for even more variety, including fine dining or a wider range of global cuisines, Panama City is an easy trip and offers countless additional options.
🏥 Medical Facilities & Healthcare
Coronado has several local clinics and medical offices that provide convenient access to general practitioner services, dental care, routine checkups, and basic urgent care with laboratory services. These facilities handle most everyday medical needs, while nearby towns like Penonome or Panama City offer additional clinics and access to specialist doctors when needed, giving residents confidence that quality healthcare is readily available without having to travel far.
Hospital Options
For more advanced care, you can travel to Panama City (about 1–1.25 hours away), which has full-service hospitals and major medical centers with specialist doctors.
Key point: Coronado gives you local access to affordable healthcare while still being close enough to larger medical facilities if needed.
🏖️ Recreation & Lifestyle
Coronado offers an active, outdoor-oriented lifestyle that appeals to many expats and retirees. Residents enjoy long stretches of Pacific coastline that are perfect for daily walks, jogging, and relaxing beach time. The area also lends itself to casual water activities and frequent seafood gatherings, where friends come together to enjoy fresh, local fare. Beyond the beach, Coronado has a strong sense of community, supported by a well-established expat population and welcoming Panamanian neighbors. Social clubs, informal meetups, fitness groups, and hobby circles make it easy to build friendships and stay engaged, helping newcomers feel connected and at home rather than isolated.
This mix sets Coronado apart from smaller towns — you never feel isolated but still enjoy a relaxed, coastal pace.
📍 Distance from Panama City
One of Coronado’s biggest advantages is its close proximity to Panama City, making it an ideal location for those who want beach living without feeling cut off from urban conveniences. The drive to the capital typically takes about one to one and a quarter hours, depending on traffic, and there are multiple easy transportation options available, including private shuttles, buses, taxis, Uber, and personal drivers. Because of this accessibility, trips to Panama City for medical appointments, international airport travel, shopping, or city entertainment are very manageable as day trips, allowing residents to enjoy the best of both coastal and city life.
Pros of Living in Coronado
🏖️ 1. Coastal Living With Convenience
You get the beach lifestyle without giving up everyday needs.
🛍️ 2. Stores, Services & Restaurants Nearby
From groceries to cafés and eateries, you don’t have to travel far for essentials.
👥 3. Active Expat Community
For retirees especially, the social scene makes settling in easy.
🚍 4. Transportation Options Keep Costs Down
Walkability, buses, taxis, and Uber make car ownership optional.
💸 5. More Affordable Than Most of the U.S.
Even compared to lower-cost U.S. states, Panama’s overall lifestyle costs can be lower — especially if you choose a frugal or moderate lifestyle.
Cons of Living in Coronado
🌆 1. Smaller Town, Less Variety Than Panama City
Less cultural activity
Fewer high-end dining choices
Fewer specialty shops
For some, heading into the big city is part of life here.
📈 2. Popular — So Prices Can Be Higher Than Smaller Panamanian Towns
Because Coronado is well-known to expats, real estate and rentals can be pricier than in places that are less developed.
🔥 3. Warm Climate
The Pacific coast can feel hot if you’re used to cooler temperatures, but locals adapt with schedules and clothing rather than heavy AC use.
Diane’s Takeaway
“We love where we live in Panama. We’re in a safe community with a lot to do and have great friends — both expats and Panamanians. Things are less expensive here, and we could live even more frugally if we chose. After spending around six months in Panama each of the past two years, we’re ready to make it our main home.”
Final Thoughts
Diane’s real-world budget shows that comfortable coastal living in Panama — with access to shopping, medical care, recreation, and transportation — is entirely possible on a modest budget. Coronado offers a blend of beach town charm and everyday convenience that appeals to both part-time residents and full-time expats alike.
Whether you’re planning a trial stay or preparing to relocate, these real numbers and amenities give you a clear picture of life in one of Panama’s most welcoming communities.
Ready to See If Coronado Is Right for You?
Reading about life in Coronado is helpful—but seeing it in person is what makes everything click. On a Private Panama Relocation Tour, you’ll experience the area exactly as you would live it: neighborhoods, rentals, shopping, restaurants, medical facilities, and daily transportation options. You’ll get honest answers, realistic costs, and local insight so you can decide if Coronado truly fits your lifestyle and budget.
If you want to know how you could LIVE BETTER for LESS in Panama, a customized Private Tour lets you explore at your own pace, ask your specific questions, and avoid costly mistakes.
👉 Join us for a Private Panama Relocation Tour and see firsthand if this beach community is where your next chapter begins. (WARNING: You may not want to leave once you see Coronado)
