Why Digital Nomads Choose Panama City
Panama City ranks #253 out of 366 cities in our global digital nomad index, scoring 58/100 overall. While not in the top tier, Panama City appeals to nomads looking for extremely low costs who can work around certain limitations.
Cost of Living in Panama City
Panama City is a budget-friendly destination for digital nomads. A comfortable monthly budget including city centre rent, mid-range dining, and public transport comes to approximately $841 — that's 29% below the global average of $1,180.
Rent is the biggest expense: a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $506/month, while moving outside the centre drops that to $360. Eating out is remarkably cheap — a cheap meal costs $5 and a cappuccino runs $2. Budget-conscious nomads who cook at home and live outside the centre can manage on as little as $689/month.
See the full cost breakdown for Panama City →
Internet and Connectivity
Average internet speed in Panama City is 35 Mbps download and 13 Mbps upload, which is adequate for most remote work. Reliability scores 6.3/10. This handles most remote work tasks including video calls, though simultaneous large uploads may cause slowdowns.
The city has 16 coworking spaces with average speeds of 30 Mbps — roughly matching residential connections. Day passes start at $9 and monthly memberships average $92.
Full internet and WiFi guide for Panama City →
Safety and Healthcare
Panama City scores 58/100 for safety (Good), which is below the global average. Exercise standard precautions: avoid poorly-lit areas at night, keep valuables secure, and research neighbourhoods before booking long-term accommodation.
Healthcare quality scores 61/100. Adequate healthcare for routine needs. Consider comprehensive travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation for peace of mind. Air quality scores 65/100 and walkability 39/100.
Full safety and health guide for Panama City →
Climate and Best Time to Visit
Panama City has a tropical, with warm temperatures year-round and a distinct rainy season. Expect temperatures between 25-35°C year-round. The dry season (typically November-March) is the most popular period for nomads, though accommodations may cost more. The wet season brings afternoon downpours but also lower prices and fewer tourists.
Visa Information for Panama
Panama offers the Remote Worker Visa (Short-Stay) for remote workers. It allows stays of 9 months (renewable for 9 months), costs $250 application fee, and requires a minimum income of $3,000/month. Tax note: Panama only taxes domestic-sourced income (territorial tax)
Full Panama digital nomad visa guide →
How Panama City Compares
Compared to the global average, Panama City is 29% cheaper, has slower internet (35 vs 67 Mbps average), and is less safe (58 vs 67 average).
Looking for something cheaper? Consider <a href="/cities/dhaka/">Dhaka</a> ($415/mo), <a href="/cities/port-vila/">Port Vila</a> ($421/mo), <a href="/cities/hanoi/">Hanoi</a> ($442/mo).
Need faster internet? Check out <a href="/cities/rotterdam/">Rotterdam</a> (249 Mbps), <a href="/cities/sapporo/">Sapporo</a> (248 Mbps), <a href="/cities/busan/">Busan</a> (240 Mbps).