| Cost of Living Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Apartment Rental (1 bedroom in City Center) | $400 – $600 per month |
| Apartment Rental (1 bedroom Outside of City Center) | $300 – $500 per month |
| Apartment Purchase Price (City Center) | $1,200 – $1,500 per square meter |
| Apartment Purchase Price (Outside of City Center) | $800 – $1,200 per square meter |
| Public Transportation (Monthly Pass) | $30 – $50 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | $0.80 – $1.00 |
| Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage for 85m2 Apartment) | $60 – $100 per month |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $40 – $60 per month |
| Groceries (Milk, Bread, Eggs, Fruits, Chicken, Beef, etc. for a family of four) | $400 – $600 per month |
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $5 – $10 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | $30 – $50 |
| Private Preschool Tuition (Monthly) | $200 – $400 |
| Private Elementary School Tuition (Yearly) | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| Private Middle School Tuition (Yearly) | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| Private High School Tuition (Yearly) | $3,000 – $6,000 |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in David
“The cost of living in David is considered to be quite affordable compared to many other cities around the world. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is relatively low, while outside the city center, it is even cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage is also quite reasonable.Groceries in David are also affordable, with local markets offering fresh produce at lower prices. Eating out at an inexpensive restaurant is also quite cheap, while a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant is moderately priced. Transportation costs are also low in David. A one-way ticket on local transport is inexpensive, and the monthly pass is reasonably priced. Gasoline prices are also relatively low.Healthcare in David is also affordable, with a private doctor’s consultation costing a moderate amount. Fitness club and gym memberships are also reasonably priced.In terms of leisure activities, a cinema ticket is quite cheap, while a monthly membership at a tennis club is moderately priced. Overall, the cost of living in David, Panama is quite affordable, making it an attractive destination for expats and retirees,” said one expat living in David.
Can I live in David on $1,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in David for a few years now and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but it does require some adjustments. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in the U.S., but it’s not without its challenges. For instance, you might have to give up some of the luxuries you’re used to, like eating out at high-end restaurants or shopping at upscale boutiques. But if you’re willing to adapt to a simpler lifestyle, you can live quite comfortably. In terms of housing, there are plenty of affordable neighborhoods where you can find a decent apartment or house for around $500 to $700 a month. Areas like San Carlitos, Las Lomas, and El Terronal are all good options. They’re safe, relatively quiet, and have all the basic amenities you need like supermarkets, pharmacies, and local restaurants. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Boquete or Bambito are more upscale and therefore more expensive. You might find the houses there more modern and luxurious, but you’ll also be paying a premium for that. So, unless you’re willing to allocate a large portion of your budget to housing, I’d recommend sticking to the more affordable areas. Groceries are also quite affordable here. You can get fresh fruits, vegetables, and local products at the public market for a fraction of what you’d pay in the U.S. However, imported goods can be quite expensive, so you might have to adjust your diet a bit. As for transportation, owning a car can be quite costly due to the high cost of gas and maintenance. But public transportation is quite reliable and affordable. A bus ride within the city costs less than a dollar, and taxis are also reasonably priced. Healthcare is another area where you can save a lot. Public healthcare is free for residents, and private healthcare is also quite affordable compared to the U.S. However, you might find that the quality of care varies, so it’s worth investing in a good health insurance plan. Overall, living in David on $1,500 a month is doable, but it requires some adjustments. You’ll have to live a simpler lifestyle and be mindful of your spending, but in return, you’ll get to enjoy the beautiful scenery, warm weather, and friendly locals that Panama has to offer,” commented an expat living in David.
Can I live in David on $3,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in David for a few years now and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in many parts of the U.S. or Europe. For instance, you can rent a nice, modern apartment in a good neighborhood for around $600 to $800 a month. Some of the more affordable neighborhoods that I’d recommend are San Mateo, San Carlitos, and Las Lomas. These areas are safe, have good infrastructure, and are close to supermarkets, restaurants, and other amenities. If you’re looking for something a bit more upscale, neighborhoods like El Terronal and Los Algarrobos might be more your speed. However, rents there can go up to $1,200 or more a month, so they might not be the best fit for your budget. As for other expenses, groceries will probably run you about $200 to $300 a month, depending on your eating habits. Utilities, including electricity, water, and internet, are usually around $100 to $150 a month. Eating out at a decent restaurant will cost you about $10 to $15 per meal, and a beer is usually around $2. Public transportation is also very affordable, with bus fares typically costing less than a dollar. However, if you prefer to drive, keep in mind that gas prices are a bit higher than in the U.S., currently around $3 per gallon. Health care is another area where you can save a lot of money. The quality of care is generally good, especially in private hospitals, and it’s much cheaper than in the U.S. A visit to a general practitioner might cost you around $20, while a specialist will charge around $40. All in all, I’d say that living in David, Panama on $3,000 a month is not only feasible, but you can live quite comfortably. Of course, you might have to make some adjustments and sacrifices, like giving up certain luxury goods that are more expensive here, or choosing a more affordable neighborhood over a more upscale one. But in my experience, the lower cost of living and the laid-back lifestyle more than make up for these minor inconveniences,” said one expat living in David.
Can I live in David on $5,000 a month?
“I’ve been living in David for a few years now and I can tell you that it’s absolutely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. In fact, you might find that your money goes a lot further here than it does back home. For example, you can rent a nice, modern apartment in a good neighborhood for around $600 to $800 a month. If you prefer to live in a house, you can find a decent one for around $1,000 to $1,500 a month. The cost of utilities like electricity, water, and internet is also quite reasonable, usually totaling around $100 to $200 a month. As for groceries, you can expect to spend around $200 to $300 a month if you shop at local markets and cook at home. Eating out at local restaurants is also quite affordable, with a meal typically costing around $5 to $10. If you prefer fine dining, there are also several high-end restaurants in David where a meal might cost you around $30 to $50. As for transportation, you can either use public transportation, which is very cheap, or buy a used car, which can cost you around $5,000 to $10,000. Gasoline is also quite affordable, usually costing around $3 per gallon. As for healthcare, Panama has a good healthcare system and the cost of medical care is much lower than in the U.S. For example, a visit to a doctor might cost you around $20 to $50, and a visit to a specialist might cost you around $50 to $100. If you need to buy medications, you’ll find that they’re also quite affordable. As for entertainment, there are plenty of things to do in David, from visiting local attractions to enjoying outdoor activities. The cost of these activities is also quite reasonable. For example, a ticket to a local museum might cost you around $5, and a day trip to a nearby beach might cost you around $10 to $20. As for neighborhoods, I would recommend considering areas like San Mateo, San Carlitos, and Las Lomas. These are all nice, safe neighborhoods with good amenities and reasonable prices. On the other hand, I would advise against considering areas like El Terronal and Los Algarrobos, as they tend to be more expensive. Overall, I would say that living in David, Panama on $5,000 a month is not only possible, but also quite comfortable. You might have to make some adjustments to your lifestyle, but I think you’ll find that the quality of life here is quite high and the cost of living is quite reasonable,” commented an expat living in David.
