Puerto Armuelles, a charming coastal town in Panama, offers a unique lifestyle with its tropical climate and serene beaches. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocation or extended stay.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, from dining and groceries to housing and utilities, helping you plan your budget effectively.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $3.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $6.5.
  • Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) - Domestic beer is priced at $1 per 0.5 liter.
  • Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) - Imported beer costs $2 per 0.33 liter bottle.
  • Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) - A bottle of Coke or Pepsi costs $1.
  • Water (0.33 liter bottle) - A 0.33 liter bottle of water is priced between $0.75 and $1, averaging $0.88.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $1.74 and $1.85 per liter, averaging $1.79.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs $2.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs average $2.34.
  • Water (1.5 liter bottle) - A 1.5 liter bottle of water costs $1.
  • Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) - A mid-range bottle of wine is priced at $7.
  • Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) - A 0.5 liter bottle of domestic beer costs $0.38.
  • Rice (1kg) - Rice is priced at $0.87 per kg.

Transportation

  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.89 and $0.97 per liter, averaging $0.93.
  • Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) - The starting fare for a taxi is $1.5.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $300.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $250.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $500.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $450.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $45 and $100, averaging $72.5.
  • Internet - Internet services range from $27 to $100, with an average cost of $63.5.
Worldwide
Panama

Cost of Living Rankings

The cost of living indices for Panama are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Panama, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.

Highest to LowestUpdated: Dec, 2024

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 3 user contributions, as of the most recent update in May, 2023.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$3.00
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$6.50
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.00
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.00
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.00
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.88
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.79
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$2.00
Eggs (regular) (12)
$2.34
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.00
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$7.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$0.38
Rice (white), (1kg)
$0.87
Transportation
Avg / Range
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.93
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.50
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$300.00
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$250.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$500.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$450.00
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$72.50
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$63.50
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$10.00
Buy Apartment Price
Avg / Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
$612.00
Puerto Armuelles Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Puerto Armuelles offers an affordable cost of living, especially in terms of dining and housing. Meals at local restaurants are very economical, and rental prices are significantly lower compared to urban centers.

Transportation costs are minimal, with affordable gasoline prices and taxi fares. Utilities and internet services are reasonably priced, making it a budget-friendly location for residents.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Puerto Armuelles provides a cost-effective living environment with its low dining and housing costs. The town's affordability makes it an attractive option for those seeking a relaxed lifestyle in a tropical setting.

Potential residents can enjoy the benefits of low living expenses while experiencing the natural beauty and tranquility of this Panamanian coastal town.