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Panama City

Panama

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The Story

Overview

Panama City, the capital and largest city of Panama, is a vibrant urban hub with a rich history and modern conveniences. As a key financial center in Central America, it is home to numerous international banks and companies, making it an attractive destination for expats, especially those in banking, commerce, and tourism. The city blends colonial charm with a modern skyline, featuring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Casco Viejo and the famous Panama Canal. Expats are drawn to Panama City for its tropical climate, affordable living, and diverse cultural scene. The city's infrastructure is well-developed, and residents benefit from access to high-quality healthcare, international schools, and numerous leisure activities. However, like any major city, some areas require caution due to crime, and traffic congestion can be an issue.

Location & Geography

At a Glance

Quick Facts

Climate

Tropical Savanna

Monthly Cost of Living

$1700 USD

Healthcare

Extensive public and private network, with 45% of the country's physicians based in Panama City.

Expat Community

Panama City has a large and growing expat community, known for its diversity and integration.

English Prevalence

English is commonly spoken, especially in business and tourist areas.

Infrastructure

Developed with modern public transportation, reliable utilities, and extensive healthcare facilities.

Lifestyle

Panama City offers a rich cultural experience with historic landmarks, vibrant nightlife, and access to outdoor recreation.

Crime Rate

Moderate; some areas are prone to crime, but the city is generally safe with proper precautions.

Quality of Life in Panama

Below you'll find key quality of life metrics comparing Panama to the United States. All metrics are normalized to a 0-100 scale for easy comparison. Green arrows (↑) indicate better performance than the US, while red arrows (↓) indicate worse performance.

Understanding the Metrics

Quality of Life Index: Overall score combining all factors. Higher scores indicate better living conditions.

Purchasing Power: How much you can buy with your money. Higher scores mean better purchasing power.

Safety Index: Level of safety and security. Higher scores indicate safer conditions.

Healthcare Index: Quality and accessibility of healthcare. Higher scores mean better healthcare systems.

Cost of Living Index: Cost of goods and services. Lower scores indicate more affordable living costs.

Property Price to Income Ratio: Housing affordability ratio. Lower scores mean more affordable housing relative to income.

Traffic Commute Time Index: Average commute times. Lower scores indicate better traffic conditions.

Pollution Index: Environmental pollution levels. Lower scores mean cleaner environment.

Climate Index: Climate comfort rating. Higher scores indicate more favorable weather conditions.

Quality of Life

44.2

Purchasing Power

18.2

Safety Index

53.9

Healthcare Index

40.5

Cost of Living Index

33.5

Property Price To Income Ratio

25.4

Traffic Commute Time Index

32.9

Pollution Index

56.4

Climate Index

59.8

Financial Overview

Cost of Living

Budget-Friendly

Local Prices

Affordable Housing

Low Daily Expenses

Tax Haven

Pension Exempt

Foreign Income Exempt

Monthly Estimate

USD 1,700

Rent

USD 983

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Utilities

USD 120.71

Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water

Internet

USD 51.09

High-speed internet connection

Dining Out

USD 65

Mid-range dinner for two

Want more detailed insights?

Explore our comprehensive cost of living breakdown, including detailed price comparisons for groceries, entertainment, healthcare, and more.

Safety & Security

Safety Overview

Family Friendly

Low Crime Rate

Tourist Safe

Political Stability

Generally safe in central and upscale areas

Crime Overview

Common Incidents

Robberies and assaults in certain neighborhoods

Safe Areas

Bella Vista and Punta Pacifica are considered safe

Safety Precautions

Avoid certain neighborhoods like El Chorrillo and Curundú after dark

Emergency Numbers

Police

911

Ambulance

911

Fire

911

Medical Care

Healthcare

Private Healthcare

Modern Hospitals

Medical Tourism

Int'l Insurance Accepted

English-Speaking Doctors

Affordable Care

Healthcare System

System Type

Extensive public and private healthcare network

Quality Level

Modern facilities with well-equipped hospitals

Medical Facilities

Available Facilities

Access

Both public and private options readily available

Weather & Seasons

Climate

Tropical

Beach Life

Outdoor Sports

Water Sports

Panama City experiences a tropical savanna climate with a distinct wet and dry season. The wet season lasts from May to December, and the dry season runs from January to April. Temperatures are consistently warm throughout the year, averaging 27°C (81°F). With nearly 1,900 mm of annual rainfall, it is a lush, green city, though clouds are common even during the dry season.

Best Time to Visit

Contact us for detailed seasonal information

Unlock premium insights including weather trends and monthly averages

Communication

Language

English Proficiency

English widely spoken in business and tourism sectors

English is commonly spoken, especially in business and tourist areas.

Global Rank: #44 of 112 countries

What Does This Mean?

Languages

Spanish

Learning Difficulty

Level 1

Closely related to English

Expected learning time: 24 weeks (600 hours)

Based on FSI (Foreign Service Institute) language difficulty ratings

Make Friends in Spanish

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Embracing Your New Home

Getting Comfortable in a New Culture

Food Scene

Local Festivals

Panama City, the capital and largest city of Panama, is a vibrant urban hub with a rich history and modern conveniences. As a key financial center in Central America, it is home to numerous international banks and companies, making it an attractive destination for expats, especially those in banking, commerce, and tourism. The city blends colonial charm with a modern skyline, featuring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Casco Viejo and the famous Panama Canal. Expats are drawn to Panama City for its tropical climate, affordable living, and diverse cultural scene. The city's infrastructure is well-developed, and residents benefit from access to high-quality healthcare, international schools, and numerous leisure activities. However, like any major city, some areas require caution due to crime, and traffic congestion can be an issue.

Making the Transition Easier

Common Challenges

Slower pace of life and bureaucracy

Helpful Tips

Learning basic Spanish recommended

Understanding Local Life

Vibrant mix of cultures makes adaptation easier

Community

Expat Life

Large Expat Population

Retiree Community

Western Amenities

Expat Organizations

Demographics

Main Nationalities

Large and diverse community including retirees and professionals

Community Life

Popular Activities

Various clubs
events
and online communities providing social networks

Your American Community in Panama

Join local meetups and Facebook groups in your area

Immigration Guide

Living in Panama

Understand the visa and residency options available for living in Panama City, Panama. Friendly Nations Visa available for select countries with business or professional investment

Retirement

Digital Nomad

Investment

Easy Residency

Permanent

Citizenship

Working

Student

Family

Lifestyle & Retirement

Options for those seeking a change in lifestyle, whether retiring or working remotely.

Retirement

Perfect for retirees looking to spend their golden years abroad. This visa is designed for those who can demonstrate retirement income or pension.