Cost of living in San Carlos
San Carlos, a picturesque town in Panama, offers a unique blend of coastal charm and modern amenities. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocation or planning an extended stay.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in San Carlos, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $12.75 on average, with a range between $5 and $20.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $60, with prices ranging from $40 to $86.87.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $8, with a range between $7 and $9.5.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.5 to $4, imported beer $3 to $6, cappuccino $2 to $5, and Coke/Pepsi $1 to $3.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.49 and $2 per liter, averaging $1.8.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.1 and $3.97, with an average price of $2.51.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.2 to $3.6, averaging $2.65.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.5 to $5 per kg, while oranges range from $1 to $6.5 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1 and $3 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.25 to $3.49 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.88 and $1.2 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2, with a cost of $1 to $4 per km and $14 to $25 per hour of waiting.
- Car Purchase - A new Volkswagen Golf costs between $15,000 and $20,000, while a Toyota Corolla ranges from $20,000 to $25,000.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Data not available for San Carlos.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Data not available for San Carlos.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - Data not available for San Carlos.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Data not available for San Carlos.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $80 and $212.5, averaging $123.04.
- Internet - Internet services range from $40 to $78, with an average cost of $50.86.
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.
Cost of Living Data
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Salaries And Financing
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Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
San Carlos offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to major urban centers, with reasonable prices for dining and groceries.
Transportation costs are moderate, with affordable fuel prices and taxi fares.
While specific housing data is unavailable, utility costs are manageable, and internet services are competitively priced.
Conclusion
San Carlos, Panama, presents a balanced cost of living, making it an attractive option for those seeking a coastal lifestyle without the high expenses of larger cities.
Potential residents should consider the availability of housing data and explore local options to get a comprehensive understanding of living costs.