Living Expenses in Panama

We moved out of the United States because of our love to explore a different culture. Lately though it became obvious the cost of living in the United States was too expensive. We still have a house in the U.S. and are renting it. Since living in Boquete, Panama we have met other expats who have moved here for the same reason or some say are just fed up with the States or then those who want to explore and start a new beginning. We wanted to live in a town with a lifestyle that would suit our needs and could enjoy, it had to have good weather, efficient but not costly medical care and where our dollar would go a long way and be able to live in comfort. In the U.S., expenses are continually rising and when living on a budget it can be a gruesome living experience. We opted not to live that way. Therefore, we moved to Panama with our two cats, some of our cherishable belongings, had them shipped by sea. It took a year of planning to set-up our move.

Our first trip to Panama in July, (time flies when you’re having fun) we stayed in Panama City for four days and in Boquete four days. It was definitely hot and humid, in PC but I loved it nonetheless. After resting in our hotel room, we asked the receptionist where we could go for dinner close by. I insisted on a typical Panamanian restaurant. She pointed to one at the end the block from the hotel, named Manolo. We were very pleased with the authentic Panamanian food. I had Corvina (Sea Bass) cooked to perfection and very fresh, Lane had the Langostinos which were huge prawn a plate full delicious as well. We split a half pitcher of good tasting Sangria and dessert all for about $30.00, breakfast at Manolo was $6.00 for two. I liked the fact that everything is fresh. Liquid eggs are not served for breakfast here, REAL eggs are served. I have always enjoyed scrambled eggs for breakfast but in the states, it is impossible to order fresh scrambled eggs the majority of restaurants serve only the liquid eggs.

In Boquete, our favorite breakfast place is Central Park. Ha, ha!! I know. It has aproximately three tables inside this tiny restaurant and about four to five tables outside.

Some restaurants offer a Especial del Dia "Special of the Day" for $2.75 or $3.75 for that price you get your choice of beef stew, pork chop, chicken or fish, a vegetable or salad, rice, potato, or patacones and your beverage. Such a deal!
For dinner in Boquete you can spend anywhere from $6.00 to $50.00 for two. At our favorite French restaurant we spend $25.00 $30.00 for dinner, which sometimes may include a $12.00 3-course meal, beverage is extra.

This pizza was enough for the two of us the cost was $6.00. Made by an Italian chef owner who cooks the pizza in a wood fire oven in David, Panama.

We rent a large 2-bedroom condominium; it has 2.5 bathrooms, living room, and kitchen. Our two gas tanks are large and cost around $60.00 every month and a half to two months we need to purchase one. Electricity has been $60.00 a month when we run the dehumidifier, but prior to that, it was around $42.00 a month. I totaled up our utility bills including internet and phone service just now it comes out to about $178.68. Our Cable, landline phone service and internet back in the U.S. cost as much or more. By the way, an air conditioner is not a necessity in Boquete.

Our high-speed internet service and landline and cell phone service is $67.00. We paid $38.00 for two cell phones at $19.00 each and pay an additional $2.00 cell charges monthly. You do not need internet if you have a laptop. There are internet cafes, coffee shops, and restaurants that have Wi-Fi.

Our medical preventive care plan from Hospital Chiriquí is a monthly $86.00 for the two of us. We paid for six months up front. A visit to our doctor is about $10.00. If one has, an emergency and we have had a few, the local clinic in town, which by the way is a very clean clinic charging $7.00 to $20.00, a visit. The doctors have provided very good care, are very attentive and they speak English as well. As for the pharmacies, we have purchased from Hospital Chiriquí they charge much less then other pharmacies when we show our “jubilado” or pencionado card. Our Pensionado is in process. More on the Pensionado program later. Medical health care is much less here than in the U.S.

One can rent a nicely furnished two bedroom, one bathroom house starting at $400.00; the property owner pays for the water.

Panama is known for its heavy use of pesticides. We opted to purchase organic produce from Boquete Organics. We place our order with Chris weekly, he then goes to the organic fincas (farms) collecting and filling all the orders. At Whole Foods in the states, the expense was ridicules’ and mind you, we would not purchase a whole lot. The price we pay here is half cost in the U.S. Groceries are less if you buy Panamanian food products or slightly higher for European and more expensive for U.S. food products. This a picture of the organic produce we purchase from Boquete Organics.

A fish Monger comes to town once or twice a week selling the freshest fish from Sea Bass to other fish, shrimp etc. He sells fish from on the back of his truck. The fish always look fresh so the other day I bought three Corvinas (White Sea Bass) for $5.00, three avocados for $1.25 from the Mercado Central. I cooked up the three fish that evening, prepared guacamole, baked up some tortilla chips, drank a good bottle of wine that a friend brought. All I can say what a splendid and delicious dinner it turned out to be!

If you have, any further questions regarding the cost living in Boquete fill free to comment.