La Concepcion, Panama
Trading The City´s Hustle And Bustle For Moments Of Serenity
La Concepción’s expat community is limited but growing as the popularity of the location becomes better known. The expats who do live here are scattered throughout the area, though most communicate frequently and enjoy keeping company.
People commonly head to and from town to stop by a friend’s house for lunch and to catch up on the goings-on of the world. Many expats share information and recommendations on places to visit and people to employ for various jobs or projects. Word of mouth is important here.
Expat Community In La Concepción, Panama
La Concepción’s expat community is limited but growing as the popularity of the location becomes better known. The expats who do live here are scattered throughout the area, though most communicate often and enjoy keeping company.
People commonly head to and from town to stop by a friend’s house for lunch and to catch up on the goings-on of the world.
Expats share information and recommendations on places to visit and people to employ for various jobs or projects. Word of mouth is important in La Concepción.
The Cost Of Living In La Concepción, Panama
Apartment Or House Ownership Budget (For A Couple)
| Expenses | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mortgage | – | Not included here as too variable. |
| HOA Fees | – | |
| Property Taxes | 0.5% to 0.7% | On properties over US$120,000 Corporations are exempt. (Many gringos have corporations as part of their residency). |
| Transportation | US$60 | Depending on how much you use your car and how much fuel it takes. Locals prefer biking or walking when in town. |
| Gas | US$5 | Per tank for cooking. |
| Electricity | US$70 | Per month average with air conditioning. |
| Water | US$10 | Depending on usage. |
| Cell Phone | US$70 | US$5 per recharge cards. |
| Internet, Cable TV, Landline | US$52 | Más Móvil 1,000 Megas Wi-Fi |
| Household Help | US$80 | One day-long visit per week, US$20 per visit. |
| Entertainment | US$200 | Eating out twice a week at a nice, local restaurant and drinks twice a week at a nearby watering hole. |
| Groceries | US$400 | Basic items for a couple. |
| Gym Membership | – | |
| Medical Appointment | US$50 | For a checkup with a specialized doctor or a private clinic visit; basic checkup in a public hospital will range from US$10 to US$25. |
| TOTAL | US$997 | Doesn’t include mortgage or property tax fees. |
Apartment Or House Rental Budget (For A Couple)
| Expense | Monthly Costs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | US$400 | In a desirable area, furnished, two-bedroom, comfortable apartment. |
| Transportation | US$60 | Depending on how much you use your car and how much fuel it takes. Locals prefer biking or walking when in town. |
| Gas | US$5 | Per tank for cooking. |
| Electricity | US$70 | Per month average with air conditioning. |
| Water | US$10 | Depending on usage. |
| Cell Phone | US$70 | US$5 per recharge cards. |
| Internet, Cable TV, Landline | US$52 | Más Móvil 1,000 Megas Wi-Fi |
| Household Help | US$80 | One day-long visit per week, US$20 per visit. |
| Entertainment | US$200 | Eating out twice a week at a nice, local restaurant and drinks twice a week at a nearby watering hole. |
| Groceries | US$400 | Basic items for a couple. |
| Gym Membership | – | |
| Medical Appointment | US$50 | For a checkup with a specialized doctor or a private clinic visit; basic checkup in a public hospital will range from US$10 to US$25. |
| TOTAL | US$1,402 |
Penny-Pincher’s Budget (Bare Minimum Costs, For A Couple)
| Expense | Monthly Costs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | US$200 | Cheapest part of town, most basic kind of rental. |
| Transportation | US$40 | US$1.50 minimum for a taxi in town. Price goes up as distance increases. |
| Gas | US$5 | Per tank for cooking. |
| Electricity | US$30 | Without air conditioning. |
| Water | US$7 | Depending on usage. |
| Cell Phone | US$70 | US$5 per recharge cards. |
| Internet, Cable TV, Landline | US$48 | Más Móvil 150 Megas Wi-Fi |
| Entertainment | US$56 | Eating out once a week at a local restaurant. |
| Groceries | US$200 | Basic items for a couple at shopping at local vendors. |
| TOTAL | US$656 |
Costs of car/motor bike ownership:
- Vehicle insurance: $150 per year for older vehicle which most people have here. Closer to $600 for new cars. (You do not have to carry full insurance which would drop your yearly cost to about $300… but if you are financing a car you must have full coverage.)
- Fuel: depends on your car usage. It can be anywhere from $15 a month in town to $100 for greater distances.
- Maintenance: Drastically cheaper in Panama. For example, a new timing belt can be $100, fixing a window $15, and a new windshield $140.
- Monthly payments: Most people buy a car outright.
- Parking: N/A.
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Things To Do In La Concepción
La Concepción offers a variety of activities.
Feria Internacional De David (David International Fair)
David is close enough to La Concepción that expats who live here take the time to visit events like the Feria Internacional de David.
This event is held every March for about two weeks and is one of the largest of its kind in Panama. It features vendors from throughout Central America who come to sell arts and crafts, exhibition halls, amusement rides, and more.
The Feria Internacional de David was first held in 1958 and has been a constant since then. However, it was originally focused on showcasing local agricultural products. Today, it has expanded to include manufacturing, technology, tourism, and more. It’s now considered to be one of the most important business events in the country.
Visit The Highlands Of Chiriquí
Many residents of La Concepción enjoy taking a day trip or even spending the night in the quiet environs ofVolcán or Boquete.
Volcán is a town that sits at about 1,378 meters above sea level. The weather here is cool and the soil is incredibly fertile. This, along with Cerro Punta about 15 minutes from Volcán, are the main vegetable and fruit producing areas in the country.
When heading up to Cerro Punta, make sure to taste either fresas con crema (strawberries with whipped cream) or a duro de fresa (strawberry popsicle). People from all over the country come here just to have a taste of fresh strawberries.
The town of Volcán is surrounded by mountains, rivers, and a lake known as Las Lagunas de Volcán. If you’re a nature lover, this is a great place to visit.
Boquete is about one hour away from Volcán and about 40 minutes away from David. It sits at about 1,131 meters above sea level and it’s one of Panama’s top expat havens. This is one of the few places in Panama where you can get by with little to no Spanish.
Boquete is a great change from La Concepción if you want a change of scenery. This is an outdoor enthusiast’s playground with hiking trails to choose from: Pipeline Trail, Cerro La Artilleria, La Piedra de Lino, and La Piedra del Musgo.
Las Lajas Hot Springs
The Las Lajas Hot Springs in La Concepción is one of the most popular hot springs here. They are known for their therapeutic properties and breathtaking natural surroundings. And, if you’re looking to decompress and relax from the everyday stresses, make sure to take some time to visit.
Living here, you could even make it a weekly self-care routine.
Explore The Waterfalls In La Concepción
La Concepción has waterfalls for visitors to explore. If you love the water and enjoy swimming in natural swimming pools, make sure to take time to visit El Chorrito and Chorro Las Yayas.
La Concepción offers a variety of activities. David is close enough to Panama City that many expats who reside in the capital take the time to visit such events as the Feria Internacional de David.
This popular event, held every March, features vendors from throughout Central America who come to sell arts and crafts. There is also the newly renovated Estadio Kenny Serracín, the home stadium for the Chiriquí baseball team.
Many residents of La Concepción also enjoy taking a day trip or even spending the night in the quiet environs of Volcán, just 40 minutes toward Cerro Punta.
Map Of La Concepción, Panama
Safety In La Concepción, Panama
La Concepción, Panama, is generally safe. However, just like anywhere else in the world, you should practice caution.
Above all, keep your belongings close to you at all times and avoid wearing any expensive jewelry or carrying anything that may attract unwanted attention from pickpockets.
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Climate In La Concepción, Panama
La Concepción has a mild subtropical highland climate. The rainy season here runs from May to November. The dry season runs from December to April.
It’s generally pleasant throughout the year with temperatures averaging from 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F). Sunny days and cooler nights are typical here.
Health Care In La Concepción, Panama
La Concepción has a hospital called Hospital Don Pablo Bolo Espinoza, a clinic called Clinica Salud y Vida, and a medical center called Centro Medico La Concepción. You’ll likely find the care you need in any of these places.
In case you don’t, though, David is 36 minutes away from La Concepción. A
nyone choosing to live in this area can find hospitals and clinics, both public and private, nearby such as Hospital Chiriquí, Regional Hospital Rafael Hernandez, and Centro Medico Mae Lewis.
La Concepción, Panama - FAQs
Is La Concepción, Panama, A Good Place To Retire?
La Concepción, Panama, is worth considering as a place to retire, especially if you’re looking to trade in a fast pace of life for a more relaxed one surrounded by nature and with mild climate. Also, the lower cost of living here is a plus if you’re looking to bring your monthly budget down.
What’s The Weather Like In La Concepción?
La Concepción has a tropical warm weather year-round. It’s normally sunny and warmer during the day and the temperature drops a bit during the evenings. Most importantly, the temperature will rarely go over 86°F (30°C) or lower 68°F (20°C).
What Is La Concepción, Panama, Known For?
La Concepción, Panama, is known for its agriculture. This is an area known for the growth of mainly vegetables and some coffee.
