Nestled within the majestic confines of an extinct volcanic crater and overlooked by the Sleeping Indian mountain range and cloud-capped mountains, about 90 minutes from Panama City lies the bustling market town of El Valle de Anton. As you climb the hill from the Pan-American Highway, you pass through a number of landscape changes where the subtle hues and colors of nature transform as you pass through small, neat settlements and villages with sellers of artisan flower pots, garden furniture, or flourishing plant nurseries.
The community has grown over thousands of years from a small gathering of local villages centered on the local market. Many of Panama’s oldest families own second homes in the cool and healthy mountain air of the valley, weekending regularly to disengage and relax within easy reach of the city.
Cost Of Living In El Valle
The cost of living in El Valle is considerably less compared to Panama City. A couple can enjoy the hillside lifestyle for less than US$1,529 per month.
Monthly Budget For A Couple Living In El Valle, Panama
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mortgage | - | Not included here as too variable. |
| HOA Fees | $150 | Average |
| Property Taxes: | 0.06% | On properties over $120,000. |
| Transportation | $10 | Community bus and occasional taxi |
| Gas (cooking/heating) | $8 | Per tank. |
| Electricity | $55 | Average without air conditioning. |
| Water | $15 | |
| Cell phone | $35 | Using Movistar prepaid minutes. |
| Internet | $36 | Depending on the location, if could be more. |
| Household help | $45 | Cleaning once every two weeks. |
| Entertainment | $186 | Eating out twice a week at a mid-range, local restaurant ($128); drinks twice a week at a nearby watering hole ($48); movie theater trip twice a month ($10). |
| Groceries | $300 | Basic items for a couple. This includes wine, beer, and some imported organic foods. |
| Gym membership | - | |
| Medical appointment | $15 | Basic checkup in a public hospital. |
| TOTAL | $891 |
Apartment or House Rental Budget
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | $900 | In a desirable part of town (city center, if applicable), FURNISHED, two-bedroom, comfortable apartment. |
| Transportation | $10 | Community bus and occasional taxi. |
| Gas (cooking/heating) | $8 | Per tank. |
| Electricity | $55 | Average without air conditioning. |
| Water | - | Included in rent. |
| Cell phone | $35 | Using Movistar prepaid minutes. |
| Internet | $36 | Depending on the location, it could be more. |
| Cable TV | $36 | |
| Household help | $45 | Cleaning once every two weeks. |
| Entertainment | $186 | Eating out twice a week at a mid-range, local restaurant ($128); drinks twice a week at a nearby watering hole ($48); movie theater trip twice a month ($10). |
| Groceries | $300 | Basic items for a couple. This includes wine, beer, and some imported organic foods. |
| Gym membership | - | |
| Medical appointment | $15 | Basic checkup in a public hospital. |
| TOTAL | $1,626 |
Penny-Pincher’s Budget (for a couple, bare minimum costs for all)
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent: | $400 | Cheapest part of town (still desirable), most basic one-bedroom rental. |
| Transportation | $5 | Cheapest forms of public transport; assuming a bit less movement. |
| Gas | $8 | Per tank. |
| Electricity | $40 | Without air conditioning. |
| Water | $15 | |
| Cell phone | $20 | Cheapest option available. |
| Internet | $20 | Basic internet. |
| Cable TV | $14 | Most basic cable. |
| Entertainment | $40 | Eating out once a week at a local restaurant. |
| Groceries | $200 | All local-brand items only, shopping markets and local vendors along with grocery stores. |
| TOTAL | $762 |
Eating Out:
- A beer: $2 to $5
- Rum & Coke (or other local drink): $5 to $7
- A coffee: $2
- A sandwich (or equivalent): $5
- Average cost of a meal out per person: $10
Cost of car/motor bike ownership:
- Vehicle insurance: $316 per year.
- Fuel: Depends on your car usage. It can be anywhere from $10 a month in town to $100 for greater distances.
- Upkeep: $200 to $300 per year, depending on condition of vehicle.
- Monthly payments: N/A
- Parking: N/A
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Infrastructure In El Valle
A growing number of shops and services have been built, including a new commercial center and El Rey supermarket; however, the real focus of El Valle’s community is on its market. The market is a focal point in the town for its unbeatable quality produce—much of it organic—at unheard of prices.
Every day, local farmers arrive before sunrise with their chosen fruits and vegetables, creating the unusual situation in Panama of a traditional farmers market available to residents every day.
El Valle town and surrounding area consists of a thriving community of around 6,000 people, located around 75 miles from Panama City. The town lies about 15 miles up the mountainside from the Pan-American Highway, a picturesque drive through small villages and changing countryside.
Climate In El Valle
El Valle is known for its flora, for its climate (which, thanks to the slight elevation, is noticeably more comfortable than that back down at sea level in Panama City), and for its hot springs.
El Valle has spring-like temperatures year-round. The year-round average high is 68 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average nighttime minimum is 61. There is little variation between summer and winter temperatures, the major difference being the amount of wind and rain from season to season. The dry season runs from mid-December to mid-April and the wet season from May to early December.