Panama Expat Forum

dirtbikerdr
Joined 2014
Posts: 130

9 years ago

is this even remotely true ?

9 years ago

A Retired Couple Living On the Beach: A 55 year old man and his 45 year old wife live in Ojo de Agua, which is near the Playa Venao on the Azuero Peninsula, Panama. They bought their house for $27,000 cash about six years ago and invested another $10,000 in cash to remodel the house while they both continued to work in the US, before they could retire. They bought a truck for $12,000 cash in 2009, and they both have been living here full time for the past two years. They pay $56 per month for vehicle insurance, full coverage. Utilities are $40 per month for electricity, $11 for water, $55 for Skye TV, $25 for Internet through a Cable & Wireless USB connection, $30 in cell phone cards, and $60 for life insurance. They spend about $160 per month for fuel, used to drive to Las Tablas, visit friends, or to go to the different beaches in the area. They spend $200 per month on groceries and household supplies, and another $300 per month on restaurants, dining out, and “my husband’s cerveza.” They budget about $2,000 per year for international travel to visit the United States. “Give or take an ice cream here and there our living expenses for Panama is $550 a month per person. It would be more affordable if my husband would give up the Atlas and if we stopped eating at the beach everytime we go! But it is for those things that we love it here!!” I see an initial cash investment of $49,000 for the house, remodeling, and car. Their monthly expenses are just over $1,100 total. So, the bottom line is – A retired couple lives on the beach in Panama for $550 per month, per person.

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Living in Panama Guide

Our Guide to Living in Panama is a perfect primer for readers interested in Panama. Covers healthcare, cost of living, best places to live, residency, visas, real estate, moving tips and the pros and cons of living in Panama.

Panama Forum
Join our Panama forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Panama.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Panama.

Best Places to Live in Panama

If you're dreaming about living in Panama, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Panama in 2023.

Healthcare in Panama

Expats have differing opinions about healthcare in Panama. Many advice against public hospitals and healthcare, but some recount good experiences. This article covers public vs private healthcare, cost of healthcare, obtaining prescription medications and much more.

Cost of Living in Panama

Expats in Panama enjoy a relatively low cost of living. However, it's important to do your research to make sure you'll actually enjoy those saving while creating a high quality of life as an expat in Panama.

Moving to Panama Guide

Do you have to buy a round trip ticket when moving to Panama? How difficult is it to bring my dog? Should I buy a home in Panama? Can I find health

Real Estate in Panama

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Panama.

Pros & Cons of Living in Panama

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Panama.

Retiring in Panama

Advice for people retiring in Panama.

Panama Visa & Residency Guide

This article covers the ins and outs of the most common tourist and residency visas that expats and global nomads obtain when moving to and living in Panama.

10 Tips for Living in Panama

If you've recently arrived in Panama, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Panama.

Additional Information:

Visit our Panama Index for a Full List

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Contribute
Help others in Panama by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Panama.