FREE REPORT
BEST PLACES TO RETIRE
*No spam: We will NEVER give your email address to anyone else.

Santa Fe

Get Your Free Panama Report Today!


Learn more about PANAMA and other countries in our free, daily Overseas Opportunity Letter. Simply enter your email address below and we’ll send you our FREE REPORT - Panama 101: 101 Things You'll Wish Someone Had Told You About Panama

The Quaint Mountain Community Of Santa Fe

The Cost Of Living In Santa Fe, Panama

Panama uses the U.S. dollar.

Apartment Or House Ownership Budget (For A Couple)

ExpenseMonthly CostsNotes
MortgageNot included here as too variable.
HOA FeesNo condos or housing developments here.
Property Taxes
TransportationUS$100Fuel. Daily trips around town, and two trips to Santiago per month.
GasUS$525 lbs. (lasts two months or more).
ElectricityUS$50Air conditioner in bedrooms and TV.
WaterUS$2Unlimited (IDAAN in town).
Cell PhoneUS$40Unlimited minutes, unlimited data.
InternetUS$32.95Wi-Fi only.
Cable TVUS$80With all the bells and whistles.
Household HelpUS$120US$10 to US$20 daily wage, about three times a week.
EntertainmentUS$100This includes the couples’ cost for eating out twice a week at a mid-range, local restaurant (US$8.50 per plate); local drinks twice a week at a nearby watering hole (US$1 national beer/US$3.50 glass of wine); movie theatre trip twice a month (US$4.75 per ticket).
GroceriesUS$250Basic items for a couple.
Gym MembershipHiking is free here.
Medical AppointmentUS$5Without insurance at a private clinic in Santiago.
TOTALUS$784.95Doesn’t include mortgage fee.

Apartment Or House Rental Budget (For A Couple)

ExpenseMonthly CostsNotes
RentUS$400In a desirable area, furnished, two-bedroom, comfortable apartment.
TransportationUS$100Fuel. Daily trips around town, and two trips to Santiago per month.
GasUS$525 lbs. (lasts two months or more).
ElectricityUS$50Air conditioner in bedrooms and TV.
WaterUS$2Unlimited (IDAAN in town).
Cell PhoneUS$40Unlimited minutes, unlimited data.
InternetUS$32.95Wi-Fi only.
Cable TVUS$80With all the bells and whistles.
Household HelpUS$120US$10 to US$20 daily wage, about three times a week.
EntertainmentUS$100This includes the couples’ cost for eating out twice a week at a mid-range, local restaurant (US$8.50 per plate); local drinks twice a week at a nearby watering hole (US$1 national beer/US$3.50 glass of wine); movie theatre trip twice a month (US$4.75 per ticket).
GroceriesUS$250Basic items for a couple.
Gym MembershipHiking here is free.
Medical AppointmentUS$5Without insurance at a private clinic in Santiago.
TOTALUS$1,184.95

Penny-Pincher’s Budget (Bare Minimum Costs, For A Couple)

ExpenseMonthly CostsNotes
RentUS$150Cheapest part of town (still desirable), most basic one-bedroom rental.
TransportationUS$20US$5 roundtrip by bus to Santiago, twice monthly.
GasUS$525 lbs. (lasts 2 months or more).
ElectricityUS$20TV, fridge, and fans. No air conditioner.
WaterUS$2Unlimited (IDAAN in town).
Cell PhoneUS$14Local minutes. No data.
InternetUS$15Pre-paid phone card. One month or 2G. Home Wi-Fi costs about US$32.95.
Cable TVUS$26Basic (4 or 5 English channels).
EntertainmentUS$50Two lunches and two dinners at cheap local places.
GroceriesUS$200All local-brand items only. Shopping markets and local vendors along with grocery stores.
TOTALUS$502

Eating out:

Average cost of drink and a sandwich/burger:

A beer: In a local bar 50 cents. In a local restaurant US$1. High end restaurant US$2.50.

Rum & Coke (or other local drink): US$4.

A coffee: US$1.

A sandwich (or equivalent): Burger at Café Dorado is US$5.

Average cost of a meal out per person:

Lunch: US$3.50 typical plate.

Dinner: US$8.

Car/Motor Bike Ownership

If you are able to give costs of car/motor bike ownership please add here:

  • Vehicle insurance (car): Full coverage, US$60 per month.
  • Fuel: US$100.
  • Upkeep: Oil changes and cumulative for tires US$500 per year.
  • Monthly payments US$250.
  • Parking: 0.

Get Your Free Panama Report Today!


Learn more about PANAMA and other countries in our free, daily Overseas Opportunity Letter. Simply enter your email address below and we’ll send you our FREE REPORT - Panama 101: 101 Things You'll Wish Someone Had Told You About Panama

Download your FREE report on

The Best Places To Retire In 2023

New Year, New You, New Life Overseas