| Cost Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Apartment Rentals | One-bedroom apartments in the city center of San Carlos typically range from $400 to $600 per month. Outside the city center, the cost can drop to between $300 and $500 per month. |
| Apartment Purchases | The price to buy an apartment in San Carlos can vary greatly depending on the location and size of the property. On average, you can expect to pay between $1,500 and $2,000 per square meter in the city center, and between $1,000 and $1,500 per square meter outside the city center. |
| Transportation | Public transportation in San Carlos is relatively inexpensive, with a one-way ticket on local transport typically costing around $1.50. Taxis start at around $2 plus $1 per kilometer. If you plan to buy a car, the price of gasoline is approximately $0.80 per liter. |
| Groceries | The cost of groceries in San Carlos is generally lower than in many Western countries. For example, a liter of milk costs around $1.20, a loaf of bread is about $1.50, and a dozen eggs is approximately $2. A kilogram of local cheese is around $5, while a kilogram of chicken breast is about $4.50. |
| Restaurants | A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in San Carlos can cost around $5 to $7. A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant might cost between $30 and $50. A domestic beer is typically around $1.50, while a cappuccino is about $2. |
| Utilities | Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, can cost around $100 per month. Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) is approximately $40 per month. |
| Private School Tuition | Private school tuition can vary greatly depending on the school. On average, you can expect to pay between $300 and $500 per month for preschool, and between $400 and $800 per month for elementary, middle, and high school. These costs often include registration fees, books, and other school supplies. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in San Carlos
“Living in San Carlos is generally considered affordable compared to many Western countries. The cost of housing is relatively low, with options ranging from modest apartments to more luxurious villas. Utilities such as electricity, water, and internet are also reasonably priced. Groceries are cheaper than in many Western countries, especially for local produce and products. Dining out is also affordable, with a wide range of options from street food to high-end restaurants. Healthcare in San Carlos is less expensive than in many Western countries, but the quality of care can vary. It’s recommended to have health insurance to cover any potential medical costs. Transportation costs are also low, with affordable public transportation options and reasonably priced gasoline for those who prefer to drive. However, imported goods, especially electronics and luxury items, can be more expensive than in other countries due to import taxes. Overall, the cost of living in San Carlos, Panama is affordable, but it can vary depending on lifestyle and personal preferences,” said one expat living in San Carlos.
Can I live in San Carlos on $1,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in San Carlos for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $1,500 a month is possible, but it does require some sacrifices. The cost of living here is relatively low compared to many places in the world, but it’s not the cheapest place in Central America. You’ll need to be mindful of your spending, especially when it comes to housing and dining out. For housing, I’d recommend looking at neighborhoods like El Espino or El Higo. They’re a bit more rural, but you can find a decent house or apartment for around $500-$600 a month. On the other hand, areas like Coronado or Punta Barco are more upscale and the rent can easily go over $1,000 a month, so I’d avoid those if you’re on a tight budget. Groceries are reasonably priced, especially if you stick to local produce and avoid imported goods. I spend around $200-$300 a month on groceries. Dining out can be affordable if you stick to local eateries, but international cuisine or high-end restaurants can quickly eat into your budget. Utilities like electricity and water are not too expensive, but again, it depends on your usage. I spend around $100 a month on utilities. Internet and mobile plans are quite affordable, around $30-$50 a month. Transportation is another area where you can save. Public transportation is cheap, but not always reliable. If you have a car, gas prices are reasonable, but maintenance and insurance can add up. Healthcare is affordable and good quality in Panama, especially compared to U.S. prices. However, if you need any specialized treatment or medication, it can get expensive. In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities like hiking, beach trips, or exploring local markets. But again, high-end entertainment like golfing, spa treatments, or guided tours can be pricey. In conclusion, living on $1,500 a month in San Carlos is doable, but it requires careful budgeting and some sacrifices, especially in terms of housing and dining out. But if you’re willing to live a bit more like a local and less like a tourist, it’s definitely possible,” commented an expat living in San Carlos.
Can I live in San Carlos on $3,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in San Carlos for a few years now and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but it does require some careful budgeting and lifestyle adjustments. The cost of living here is generally lower than in many parts of the U.S., but it’s not dirt cheap either. For housing, I’d recommend looking at neighborhoods like El Palmar and Rio Mar. They’re both close to the beach and have a good mix of locals and expats. You can find a decent 2-bedroom house or apartment in these areas for around $800 to $1,000 a month. On the other hand, areas like Coronado and Vista Mar are more upscale and expensive, so you might want to avoid them if you’re on a tight budget. Food is relatively cheap here, especially if you buy local produce and seafood. I spend about $300 a month on groceries. Eating out can add up though, so I try to limit that to once or twice a week. Utilities like electricity and water are also cheaper than in the U.S., but keep in mind that you’ll probably be using the air conditioning a lot, which can drive up your electricity bill. I pay around $150 a month for utilities. Healthcare is another area where you can save a lot. I have a local health insurance plan that costs me about $100 a month and it covers most of my medical needs. However, if you have any serious health issues, you might need to travel to Panama City for treatment, which can be expensive. As for transportation, I bought a used car when I moved here, which was a big upfront cost, but it’s been worth it for the convenience. Gas is about the same price as in the U.S., but maintenance and repairs are cheaper. If you don’t want to buy a car, you can use public transportation or taxis, which are very affordable. In terms of entertainment, there’s plenty to do here that doesn’t cost a lot. The beaches are free, there are lots of hiking trails, and there are local festivals and events throughout the year. If you’re into golf or other high-end activities, that can get pricey, but there are cheaper alternatives. So, to sum up, living in San Carlos on $3,000 a month is doable, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending. You might not be able to live a luxury lifestyle, but you can definitely live comfortably and enjoy all the beauty and culture that Panama has to offer,” said one expat living in San Carlos.
Can I live in San Carlos on $5,000 a month?
“I’ve been living in San Carlos for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is not only possible, but you can live quite comfortably. Of course, it all depends on your lifestyle and what you consider to be ‘modern amenities’. For instance, if you’re used to eating out at high-end restaurants every night, then you might find it a bit challenging. But if you’re okay with cooking at home most of the time and eating out occasionally, then you’ll be just fine. The cost of groceries here is quite reasonable, especially if you shop at the local markets. As for housing, there are plenty of affordable options in neighborhoods like El Valle and Coronado. These areas are not only cheaper but also offer a more authentic Panamanian experience. You can find a nice 2-bedroom house for around $1,000 a month. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Punta Barco and Vista Mar are more upscale and therefore more expensive. A similar house in these areas could cost you upwards of $2,000 a month. Utilities like electricity, water, and internet are also quite affordable. You can expect to pay around $100 a month for all three. As for transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to the high cost of gas. But public transportation is quite cheap and reliable. A bus ride, for instance, costs less than a dollar. Lastly, healthcare is also quite affordable. A visit to a local clinic can cost as little as $20. But if you prefer private healthcare, then you can get a comprehensive health insurance plan for around $100 a month. So, as you can see, living in San Carlos, Panama on $5,000 a month is quite doable. You just need to be mindful of your spending and live like a local,” commented an expat living in San Carlos.
