What’s It Like to Live in Panama City?

Living in Panama City, Panama: A Comprehensive Guide to Healthcare, Rental Prices, Amenities, and Weather

Panama City, Panama, is a bustling metropolis at the crossroads of the Americas. With its cosmopolitan appeal, excellent healthcare, diverse neighborhoods, and year-round tropical climate, it’s no wonder why Panama City is attracting a growing number of expats and retirees. Here’s what you need to know about life in Panama City, covering essential aspects like healthcare, rental prices, amenities, and weather.

Healthcare in Panama City

Panama City boasts some of the best healthcare facilities in Latin America. The city is home to top-rated hospitals like Hospital Pacifica Salud, affiliated with Johns Hopkins, and Hospital Nacional, serving a range of international patients. Healthcare standards in Panama City are high, with skilled doctors trained in the U.S., Europe, or other leading medical destinations.

Panama City also provides a range of affordable healthcare options. Expats commonly use private health insurance, as it allows access to private hospitals and clinics with minimal wait times. Medical costs in Panama City are significantly lower than in the U.S., and many expats can afford high-quality healthcare without breaking the bank.

Medicare Advantage is accepted at some hospitals in Panama with direct billing, meaning you do not have to prepay.

Many hospitals accept Tricare and FMP (Foreign Medical Program) for Veterans.

Watch this video of Tommy and Becky sharing their experiences living in Panama City. They talk about WHY Panama City, the costs of a medical emergency and 5 days in ICU, buying real estate, making friends, getting their pets to Panama, and much more.

Rental Prices in Panama City

Rental prices in Panama City vary significantly depending on the neighborhood, size, and amenities of the apartment. Some popular neighborhoods among expats include:

• Casco Viejo: Known for its historical charm and cultural richness, Casco Viejo is a UNESCO World Heritage site with renovated colonial buildings. A one-bedroom apartment can range from $1,200 to $2,500 per month, depending on the unit’s view and amenities.
• San Francisco: A modern, centrally located neighborhood with easy access to amenities, malls, and parks. Monthly rents here start at around $800 for a one-bedroom apartment and can go up to $2,000 for a larger unit with modern amenities.
• El Cangrejo: Known for its lively atmosphere and pedestrian-friendly streets, El Cangrejo offers one-bedroom apartments for about $700 to $1,500 per month.
• Costa del Este: A more upscale and family-oriented area, Costa del Este features newer high-rise apartments with ocean views. Rents in Costa del Este tend to start at $1,500 and can go as high as $3,500 for luxury units.

Generally, most expats find rental prices to be more affordable than in major U.S. cities. Utilities and other expenses like internet and cable TV are also reasonably priced, contributing to a comfortable lifestyle without the high costs.

Amenities and Lifestyle in Panama City

Panama City offers a wide range of amenities that cater to diverse lifestyles. There are modern shopping malls like Multiplaza and Albrook Mall, where you’ll find everything from high-end brands to popular retailers, restaurants, and entertainment options. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, the city has several parks, including the expansive Metropolitan Natural Park, which offers a retreat into nature right within the city limits.

The city also has a vibrant food scene, featuring international cuisines and local Panamanian favorites. In addition to traditional restaurants, you’ll find food trucks, cafés, and fine dining options. Casco Viejo, in particular, is a hot spot for dining and nightlife, with rooftop bars, lounges, and a thriving arts scene.

Panama City has a well-developed public transportation system, including the Panama Metro, which is affordable and easy to use. Uber and taxis are readily available, making it easy to navigate the city. For those with children, there are international schools and bilingual education options catering to expat families.

Weather in Panama City

Panama City has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures and high humidity year-round. The city’s average temperatures range from the low 70s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit. Panama has two primary seasons: the dry season (known as verano) and the rainy season (invierno).

• Dry Season: Lasting from mid-December to April, this season is characterized by less humidity, clear skies, and pleasant breezes. This is the best time to explore outdoor areas, beaches, and nature trails.
• Rainy Season: Spanning from May to mid-December, the rainy season involves regular, often heavy afternoon showers. However, the rain is generally short-lived, and mornings tend to remain clear. The rainy season also brings a lush green landscape, which many find to be a beautiful aspect of living in Panama.

The tropical climate may require some adjustment, especially for those unused to high humidity. However, air conditioning is common in homes, businesses, and public spaces, providing a comfortable indoor environment throughout the year.

Is Panama City Right for You?

With a high standard of living, affordable healthcare, and a thriving expat community, Panama City offers a unique blend of cosmopolitan and tropical living. Whether you’re a retiree looking for a lower-cost lifestyle or a digital nomad seeking a city with good infrastructure, Panama City has something for everyone. From the beautiful beaches on its outskirts to the rich cultural history in neighborhoods like Casco Viejo, Panama City provides a fulfilling and diverse experience for those looking to live abroad.

In summary, Panama City offers a dynamic lifestyle that combines the advantages of urban amenities with the tranquility of a tropical paradise.

Come see how you can LIVE BETTER for LESS in Panama!

Join us for an all-inclusive 6-day, 7-night Panama Relocation Tour to see Panama up close and personal.

Learn more HERE about Panama Relocation Tours.

During the tour, you’ll see many different areas in Panama City, tour a hospital, visit rentals, see a popular shopping area, meet an immigration lawyer, and meet expats in Panama City.

The all-inclusive 6-day tour also visits the San Carlos/Coronado area, Penonome, Azuero Peninsula, Boquete, David, and Volcan. In each area, you will see rentals and meet expats who live there.

Since 2010, Panama Relocation Tours has helped many thousands of people move to Panama the right way! As of October 2024, we have completed 259 relocation tours.

We have the experience you can trust!

See these reviews posted on TripAdvisor:

Fabulous Tour of Panama
Oct 2024 • Family
We just came back from our 6 day tour of Panama with Panama Relocation Tours (PRT), led by our wonderful guides, John and Chuck.
Every aspect of the trip was excellent, especially the organization and management of all the activities, coordinated by John, Chuck and Jackie. The hotels, restaurants, towns, and units for rental were all well chosen. The coverage of critical topics for folks exploring relocation were thorough and informative. These included health care, transportation of all goods (including cars and pets), banking and finances, immigration etc.
By being there physically, much of the mystique was removed, such as the level of sophistication offered by local hospitals.

We would not hesitate to recommend PRT to anybody. We also acknowledge the skills and expertise of Jackie Lange, company founder, who will readily assist potential immigrants with any questions they may have.

Don’t just think about it – GO!!!
Oct 2024 • Couples
We just finished a tour with PRT – and it was worth every penny! Our guides John and Chuck were knowledgeable, personable, and answered hundreds of questions with patience and good humor. They relayed their experiences and never “sugar-coated” anything.

We had great lodging and amazing meals the entire time, and Jorge was a GREAT driver who kept us all safe and comfortable. We met with attorneys, realtors, and even got to see available rentals or “landing spots” in each area. We saw grocery stores and other retail areas to compare pricing, and got tons of information on things we wouldn’t even think of.

If you are even considering a move here I cannot encourage you enough to take this tour, and if you are lucky you will get John and Chuck and make a bus-full of new friends. We are so very glad we did!