David, Panama
David, Panama: Retiring, Cost of Living and Lifestyle
The Cost Of Living In David, Panama
Panama uses the U.S. dollar.
Apartment Or House Ownership Budget (For A Couple)
| Expense | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mortgage | US$0 | Most homes in the area are affordable and can be paid for at closing. |
| HOA Fees | US$0 | Planned communities aren’t common in the area but there are some start-ups. |
| Property Taxes | – | Highly variable.
Property tax rate is only 0.5% for property values from US$120,001 to US$250,000, while properties with values of US$250,001 and above pay a rate of 0.7%. |
| Transportation | US$60 | Monthly gas for a private car. |
| Gas | US$6 | A tank of cooking gas will generally last longer than 1 month. |
| Electricity | US$100 | Using A/C at night. |
| Water | US$4.50 | If you’re over 65 your bill is reduced. |
| Cell Phone | US$5 and up | You can purchase calling cards, there’s no need for a set plan. |
| Internet | US$74 | 1,000 Mbps, 2 Cable boxes. |
| Cable TV | – | Bundled with internet. English channels included. |
| Household Help | US$120 | US$15 a day twice a week. |
| Entertainment | US$472 | Eating out twice a week at a mid-range, local restaurant: US$100. Local drinks twice a week at a nearby watering hole: US$15. Movie theater trip twice a month: US$12 (US$3 per ticket for retirees). |
| Groceries | US$400 | Depends on how many imported goods you buy. |
| Gym Membership | US$50 | |
| Medical Appointment | US$10 | For a private consult at a local clinic. |
| TOTAL | US$1,301 |
Apartment Or House Rental Budget (For A Couple)
| Expense | Monthly Costs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | US$1,000 | There’s a wide range of rental properties in the area. |
| Transportation | US$60 | Monthly gas for a private car. |
| Gas | US$6 | A tank of cooking gas will generally last longer than 1 month. |
| Electricity | US$100 | Using A/C at night. |
| Water | US$4.50 | If you’re over 65 your bill is reduced. |
| Cell Phone | US$5 and up | You can purchase calling cards, there’s no need for a set plan. |
| Internet | US$74 | 1,000 Mbps, 2 Cable boxes. |
| Cable TV | – | Bundled with internet. English channels included. |
| Household Help | US$120 | US$15 a day twice a week. |
| Entertainment | US$472 | Eating out twice a week at a mid-range, local restaurant: US$1000. Local drinks twice a week at a nearby watering hole: US$15. Movie theatre trip twice a month: US$12 (US$3 per ticket for retirees). |
| Groceries | US$400 | Depends on how many imported goods you buy. |
| Gym Membership | US$50 | |
| Medical Appointment | US$10 | For a private consult at a local clinic. |
| TOTAL | US$2,301 |
Penny-Pincher’s Budget (Bare Minimum Costs, For A Couple)
| Expense | Monthly Costs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | US$500 | Cheaper options are available but require on-the-ground research and negotiations. |
| Transportation | US$20 | Most of the city is walkable, but you’d want to get a taxi for further trips or large purchases. |
| Gas | US$6 | A tank of cooking gas will generally last longer than 1 month. |
| Electricity | US$20 | Only using fans. A/C will increase bill significantly. |
| Water | US$4.50 | If you’re over 65 your bill is reduced. |
| Cell Phone | US$5 | You can purchase calling cards, there’s no need for a set plan. |
| Internet | US$22 | Basic plan. |
| Cable TV | US$20 | Basic plan. |
| Entertainment | US$60 | Eating out twice a week at a local fonda: US$15 (US$7.50 per meal for two people). |
| Groceries | US$200 | All local-brand items only, shopping at markets and grocery stores. |
| TOTAL | US$857 |
