The Pros and Cons of Living in Boquete, Panama – Plus a Realistic Look at the Cost of Living

Nestled in the lush highlands of western Panama, Boquete has become one of the most popular expat destinations in the country. Its spring-like weather, mountain scenery, and vibrant international community attract retirees, digital nomads, and families from all over the world. But before you pack your bags, it’s important to look at both the advantages and challenges of living in Boquete—and to take a realistic look at what it actually costs to live there.

Pros of Living in Boquete

1. Great Weather and Stunning Scenery

At 3,500-4,500 feet above sea level, Boquete enjoys a mild, spring-like climate year-round. Temperatures typically range between the low 60s and high 70s, which means you’ll rarely need heating or air conditioning. Surrounded by coffee plantations, rainforests, rivers, and the towering Volcán Barú, the natural beauty is breathtaking.

2. Thriving Expat Community

Boquete has one of the largest expat populations in Panama. This means it’s easy to find English-speaking neighbors, community groups, volunteer opportunities, and social events. From book clubs to hiking groups, there’s no shortage of ways to meet people and get involved.

3. Lots of Restaurants and Entertainment

Despite being a small town, Boquete has an impressive variety of restaurants, cafés, and bars. You’ll find everything from farm-to-table Panamanian cuisine to Italian, Mexican, and American classics. Farmers’ markets and festivals add to the lively cultural scene. There are live music events at multiple locations every weekend.

4. Golf Courses in Boquete

For golf enthusiasts, Boquete offers a beautiful setting to enjoy the sport surrounded by mountain views and cool breezes. The main golf course in the area is Lucero Golf & Country Club, an 18-hole championship course located just outside town. Perched high above the valley, Lucero is known for its challenging layout, lush greens, and stunning panoramic vistas of Volcán Barú and the Pacific Ocean on clear days. The course also features a clubhouse, restaurant, and residential community with villas and condominiums. While Boquete doesn’t have multiple golf courses, Lucero provides an exceptional experience for both casual and serious golfers—and it’s one of the most scenic courses in all of Panama.

5. Local Doctors are Excellent

Several doctors have private clinics in Boquete. They are excellent, thorough, and speak English. For routine medical care, the cost is approximately $20 without insurance.

Cons of Living in Boquete

1. More Expensive Than Other Areas of Panama

While Panama is generally affordable, Boquete is one of the pricier regions due to high demand from expats. Housing, restaurants, and even groceries can cost more here compared to other towns like David, Volcan, or Dolega.

2. No Private Hospital in Town

Boquete has clinics for basic care, but for emergencies or major procedures you’ll need to go to David, about 45 minutes away, where private hospitals like Hospital Mae Lewis and Hospital Chiriquí are located.

3. A Lot of Expats

Depending on your perspective, the large number of expats can be both a pro and a con. While it makes integration easier, some people feel that Boquete has lost a bit of its local charm. You can’t go anywhere in Boquete without seeing foreigners, and sadly, they tend to hang out together rather than trying to integrate with the community.

4. Minimal Parking Poor Infrastructure

As Boquete has grown in popularity, so has traffic and parking congestion. The town was not designed for its current population, and parking near restaurants, banks, and markets can be a challenge.

One of the biggest frustrations for residents and visitors in Boquete is the poor infrastructure. While the town has grown rapidly in popularity, its roads, drainage systems, and sidewalks haven’t kept up. Many sidewalks are uneven, narrow, or damaged, making it difficult for individuals with mobility issues to navigate safely.

5. Lots of Rain

During the rainy season (April – December), there could be a significant amount of rain. Boquete typically receives over 200 inches of rain per year. It does not rain every day or all day. If it rains, it usually rains in the late afternoon.

Heavy rains can cause flooding and potholes, and street lighting is limited in some areas. The local government is making gradual improvements, but infrastructure continues to lag behind the town’s booming growth, which can be surprising for newcomers expecting a more polished mountain community.

The rains could cause a power outage or disruption in water service.

Cost of Living in Boquete: A Real Couple’s Budget

To give you a clearer picture, here’s the real monthly budget of one married couple living in Boquete. They’ve been renting a furnished three-bedroom, two-bath house for two years, and they negotiated a lower price than what was listed online.

Monthly Expenses

Rent: $1,600 (furnished 3-bedroom, 2-bath, negotiated down from $2,200–$2,400)
Health Insurance (2 policies): $230
Car Insurance (2 policies): $113
Electricity: $70
Charity: $100
Restaurants + Entertainment: $200
Gasoline: $100
Groceries: $400
Drinking Water: $10
Maid Service (twice per month): $60
Miscellaneous: $130
Car Repairs Budget: $50
WiFi: Included in rent
Fitness Classes: $80
Doctor Visits (2 at $15 each): $30

👉 Total: $3,173 per month

This budget does not include cell phones, Medicare Advantage, or medications, which adds another $500-$600 to the budget.

There are more affordable and more expensive options in Boquete, too!

Takeaways

Boquete can be affordable or expensive depending on your lifestyle. If you’re willing to live in a smaller home, cook most meals, and adapt to local shopping habits, you can live comfortably for less than $2,000 a month. On the other hand, many expats who enjoy frequent dining out, imported foods, and larger homes spend between $3,000 and $4,000 per month or more.

Healthcare access requires some planning. Day-to-day needs can be handled locally, but for hospital care, you’ll need to travel to David.

Boquete is ideal for those who value natural beauty and a sense of community. Its scenery, weather, and thriving expat network make it one of Panama’s most attractive destinations.

Boquete is often called the “jewel of Panama’s highlands,” and for good reason. It offers a combination of stunning scenery, a welcoming international community, and a vibrant social life. However, it’s not the cheapest place in Panama, and its popularity means you’ll need to weigh the higher costs and infrastructure challenges against the lifestyle benefits.

If you’re considering Boquete, it’s best to visit first—ideally for several weeks—to experience daily life and make an informed decision before committing to a long-term move. For many, Boquete strikes the perfect balance of comfort, adventure, and community.

Ready to See What Living in Panama Is Really Like?

Reading about Boquete is one thing—experiencing it in person is completely different! Join us for an all-inclusive Panama Relocation Tour to explore Boquete and other popular expat areas across the country. You’ll see neighborhoods, meet expats who’ve already made the move, visit grocery stores, and learn everything you need to know to relocate with confidence.

If you prefer a more personalized experience, you can also book a two to three-day Private Tour focused just on Boquete or other areas you’re considering. Our local experts will show you what everyday life is really like—beyond the tourist view.

Or, learn about the self-guided tour option in the Online Panama Relocation Guide.

👉 Reserve your spot today and discover whether Boquete (or another beautiful town in Panama) is the perfect fit for your new life abroad.

Experience You Can Trust!

Panama Relocation Tours has been the trusted leader in relocation services for over 15 years, helping thousands make a smooth and stress-free transition to life in Panama. With over 306 all-inclusive relocation tours completed, our experienced team has guided more than 7,000 people from 68 different countries through every step of the process — from exploring the best places to live, to finding reliable immigration lawyers, real estate agents, and health insurance options. After 15 years, we have perfected our systems and know exactly what it takes to make your move easy, affordable, and successful.

What truly sets us apart is our ongoing support — before, during, and long after your move. From your first questions about visas and healthcare to finding your dream home or settling into a new community, we’re here every step of the way. Our proven experience and extensive network of trusted contacts make Panama Relocation Tours the most experienced and reliable relocation company in Panama. We have the experience you can trust.

See this review that Nolan posted on TripAdvisor:

Trip of a lifetime

My name is NPL and my tour was #304. I was in Panamá, Boquete. This trip was one of my dream vacations. I planed this trip three years ago when I first heard about PRT. I went with an open mind, wonder, anticipation and excitement. I just returned home from my tour on Friday 9/29/25. Your tore went all over Boquete which is a beautiful country. We had amazing accommodation throughout our travels. I met wonderful people from all over the US and Canada. I would like to thank Jackie for opening this lifetime opportunity for all to experience. Our tour guides John, Victoria and Becky.

Thank you for your vast knowledge of your beautiful country. I would like to thank John for his kindness when he came to my aid when I discovered that Distilled Water for my CAPA machine is not a staple in the grocery store or in all pharmacy’s he shared some of his with me at my panic moment. He and Victoria went a step further they assumed me they would find me what I needed the next day and to my surprise they did. Thanks to John and Victoria for your kindness. And last but not least I would like to give a special thanks to Jorge for your amazing driving skills.

See 660 more TripAdvisor Reviews HERE.