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Santiago

Panama

Featured Destination

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The Story

Overview

Santiago de Veraguas is a city that blends history with modernity, offering a tranquil yet dynamic environment for expats. Known for its colonial architecture, Santiago serves as a commercial hub within Panama's Veraguas province, providing easy access to both Panama City and the country's natural attractions. Its location along the Pan-American Highway makes it an essential stopover for travelers and a strategic point for commerce. While the city retains much of its colonial charm, its infrastructure has grown to include modern conveniences, including shopping centers, healthcare facilities, and schools. Santiago's economy is rooted in trade, agriculture, and light manufacturing, which supports a simple but comfortable lifestyle.

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Basilica de la Mare de Deu dels Desamparats in Santiago

Photo by Tiago Alvar from Pexels

Location & Geography

At a Glance

Quick Facts

Climate

Tropical

Monthly Cost of Living

$1217 USD

Healthcare

Public and private healthcare facilities available, with two main hospitals and smaller clinics.

Expat Community

Growing community, primarily engaged in local commerce and agriculture.

English Prevalence

Limited outside of tourist and business sectors.

Infrastructure

Well-developed transportation hub with road connections across Panama.

Lifestyle

Santiago offers a laid-back lifestyle, combining historical colonial roots with modern amenities.

Crime Rate

Moderate crime levels.

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

Low Income Tax

Pension Exempt

Foreign Income Exempt

Monthly Estimate

USD 1,217

Rent

USD 450

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Utilities

USD 119.64

Basic utilities for 915 sq ft apartment

Internet

USD 43.07

60 Mbps

Dining Out

USD 32.5

Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant

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

Very Safe

Family Friendly

Low Crime Rate

Tourist Safe

Political Stability

Moderate crime levels

Crime Overview

Common Incidents

Petty theft and occasional burglaries

Safe Areas

Residential areas generally safe

Safety Precautions

Caution advised at night

Emergency Numbers

Police

911

Ambulance

911

Fire

911

Medical Care

Healthcare

Universal Healthcare

Private Healthcare

Modern Hospitals

Medical Tourism

Int'l Insurance Accepted

English-Speaking Doctors

Affordable Care

24/7 Emergency Services

Healthcare System

System Type

Public and private options

Quality Level

Two main hospitals and various clinics

Medical Facilities

Available Facilities

Access

Hospital Dr. Luis 'Chicho' Fábrega and Dr. Horacio Díaz Gómez Polyclinic

Weather & Seasons

Climate

Tropical

Beach Life

Outdoor Sports

Water Sports

Hiking Trails

Average temperature ranges from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). Rainy season from May to November, with high humidity and occasional heavy rains.

Best Time to Visit

Contact us for detailed seasonal information

Unlock premium insights including weather trends and monthly averages

Communication

Language

English Proficiency

Limited English in tourist and business areas, Spanish knowledge recommended

Limited outside of tourist and business sectors.

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

Cultural Heritage

Food Scene

Local Festivals

Santiago de Veraguas is a city that blends history with modernity, offering a tranquil yet dynamic environment for expats. Known for its colonial architecture, Santiago serves as a commercial hub within Panama's Veraguas province, providing easy access to both Panama City and the country's natural attractions. Its location along the Pan-American Highway makes it an essential stopover for travelers and a strategic point for commerce. While the city retains much of its colonial charm, its infrastructure has grown to include modern conveniences, including shopping centers, healthcare facilities, and schools. Santiago's economy is rooted in trade, agriculture, and light manufacturing, which supports a simple but comfortable lifestyle.

Making the Transition Easier

Common Challenges

Language barrier outside tourist areas

Helpful Tips

Learning Spanish highly recommended

Understanding Local Life

Strong Panamanian culture with indigenous and colonial influences

Community

Expat Life

Large Expat Population

Retiree Community

Digital Nomad Hub

Expat Organizations

Local Integration

Western Amenities

Small but growing

Demographics

Main Nationalities

Mix of business ownersagricultural workersand retirees

Community Life

Popular Activities

Well-integrated into local life

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 Santiago, Panama. Retiree benefits include discounts on utilities, healthcare, and travel

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.