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Beach destinations and highland towns are popular places to retire in Panama. But if you’re looking for an affordable and comfortable life where you can experience the real Panama, check out the less famous areas.
Foreigners and Panamanians can have a good quality of life in Penonome. And it’s not too far from the beach or the mountains:
Penonome (Coclé Province)
Penonome is about 30-45 minutes from the Pacific coast and about a 2-hour and 30-minute drive from Panama City. There’s also an international airport (in Rio Hato) just 45 minutes away though it currently only serves non-stop flights to/from Canada.
It is not a touristy town. So, you can have an affordable lifestyle here compared to many Panamanian cities and towns. As the Coclé province’s capital, Penonome has good amenities, including shopping, restaurants, and a public hospital.
If you love the outdoors, there’s plenty to do in the nearby hill country or the beach area. And you can embrace the real Panamanian culture here.
Let’s learn more:
Population of Penonome
The population in the metro area of Penonome is 88,000. Most residents are Panamanians. But you’ll find that more foreigners are calling Penonome home because of its affordable lifestyle and many modern amenities.
More expats are discovering this hidden gem despite being a less famous destination. The nearby town of Anton is also becoming popular, and it is equally affordable.
Watch this video to learn more about Penonome.
Climate in Penonome
The province has a dry climate that’s great for outdoor activities.
The year-round temperatures usually range from 73-91F, with average temperatures around 78-82F.
Like the rest of Panama, the dry season is from December until April. The rainy season starts in April. But there is not much rain until October and November.
Cost of Living in Penonome
Penonome is one of the most affordable places to live in Panama.
Let’s dive into some numbers:
(Source: Info from our clients)
Rent furnished house
1-bedroom, 1-bath – $220 per month
2-bedroom, 1-bath – $300 per month.
3-bedroom, 2-bath (sometimes with a pool) – $650 per month.
You might find rentals for even less.
I did an online search and found these furnished rentals currently available.
Utilities
Average costs per month (for a couple):
• Electricity – around $50-$100 for a 2-bedroom house.
• Water – $10 (usually included in rent)
• Gas – $5 (propane tank for cooking and hot water)
• Internet – $50 (may be included in rent)
The price of electricity will be determined by how often you use an air conditioner. In Panama, each room usually has a “split unit” air conditioner. You can keep your costs low if you only use an air conditioner as needed in the room you are in. Often, ceiling fans will be sufficient to keep the house comfortable.
Eating Out
There’re many restaurants in Penonome, including some international food options. On average, you can have a meal at a mid-range restaurant for about $6-$10 per person.
If you love Panamanian food or want to try some, check out Restaurante Gallo Pinto. If you feel like some ramen, go to Oh-Toro.
Groceries
If you are a couple, you might pay about $400 for your monthly groceries. The exact amount will depend on what you buy and where you shop.
Penonome has great shopping options, including several supermarkets and mercardos. Street vendors selling fresh fruit and veggies will be seen often..
You’ll get better prices for fruits and veggies at the local markets or roadside stands.
Getting around
A car is convenient, especially if you want to explore the country freely. Penonome and the surrounding areas also have public transport options and taxis.
• Local bus in the city: around 50 cents to $1 per ride
• Local bus to Panama City: around $6
• Taxi to Panama City: around $60 or less
Traveling between Penonome and Panama City is easy because of the Pan-American highway.
Total Cost of Living:
A couple can live in Penonome with a budget of about $1,500 a month, including rent, groceries, health insurance, and transportation. Again, this can change (up or down) depending on your lifestyle.
Healthcare in Penonome
Penonome has excellent healthcare facilities, including medical clinics and a public hospital. You can see doctors and get treated at affordable rates here, like elsewhere in Panama. At the public hospital, it’s about $2 to see a doctor or $5 for specialists. There is no monthly fee to use the public healthcare system.
A large new, state-of-the-art public hospital will be open by January 2024.
Check out this video interview of expat Alicia’s experience staying in the Penonome hospital for over two weeks and paying less than $1,300.
If you need higher-quality treatment and facilities, go to Panama City.
Lifestyle and culture in Penonome
Penonome has a relaxed way of life, like most places in Panama. It is also family-friendly, with good private schools.
As discussed, this is the real Panama (you can also find the real Panamanian hats here).
So, learning Spanish can go a long way in enjoying your new life here. Until then, you can manage with Google translate. The good news is that Panamanian people are friendly and will help you in your Spanish-learning journey.
If you love mountains and wildlife, drive (or take a bus) a few miles north of Penonome to discover breathtaking waterfalls, hiking trails, amazing scenery, and cooler weather too.
You can get to know other expats in Penonome. And, some expats also live in the nearby town of Anton or La Pintada, less than 30 minutes away.
A famous event in February is the carnival when Penonome goes into party mode, like several other parts of Panama. You can enjoy great music, food, and parades, and join the celebrations. The area can get crowded during the carnival season.
If you’re a beachgoer, the nearby beaches are about 30-45 minutes away.
If you like to learn more about Penonome’s history, visit the Penonomena History and Tradition Museum.
Safety
Penonome is considered one of the safest cities in Panama.
Crime is rare in Panama thanks to the police headquarters being in Penonome.
Plan your move to Panama
There are many great cities and towns to retire to in Panama or start a new life. And sometimes, it’s hard to pick one.
The best way is to get a glimpse into different areas’ lifestyles and see if they’re right for you before moving to Panama.
If you like to join a Panama relocation tour, check out our:
• Group Panama Relocation Tours.
These are 6-day/7-night all-inclusive relocation tours. You’ll visit many areas across the country and get an idea of the pros and cons, facilities, and meet other expats. We share heaps of information about living in Panama, including the negatives. And you don’t have to stress about trip planning because we organize everything for you.
• Private Relocation Tours.
These are 100% customized tours to your area of choice. For instance, you can visit Penonome and the nearby areas over a 2-3-day period. Your expert relocation guide can show you all the important places and facilities and share the pros and cons of living in Penonome.
If you want to make your own scouting trip,
• See our Online Complete Panama Relocation Guide self-guided tour section. In addition to planning a scouting trip, you can use it like a guidebook to move to Panama and settle into your new life. We cover everything step by step with up-to-date info.
