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Looking for an alternative to the soaring cost of living in the United States? Panama offers a tropical lifestyle that is dramatically less expensive than life in the United States.

Almost everything is cheaper in Panama. According to one recent study, rents in Panama are, on average, 43.6% lower than in the United States. Tired of paying ridiculous prices for eggs? One recent survey found eggs for less than $3 a dozen in Panama. Want to head out for a sushi feast? Think $50 instead of $150.  

Overall, the cost of living is 33% less than in the U.S., according to data site Numbeo, which seems conservative to anyone living in Panama.

“People are shocked when they first get here,” said Punta Pacifica Realty CEO Duncan McGowan. “When they realize how inexpensive it is, they immediately start recalculating their budgets.”

The cost of living and the dollar-based economy have made Panama a perennial favorite with international property buyers. But the recent surge in prices in the U.S., and predictions that inflation will continue to rise for the immediate future has real estate buyers, retirees and investors heading to Panama.

Home prices in Panama are significantly lower than those found in most major metropolitan areas. A luxurious 2-bedroom apartment in The Ocean Club — complete with 5-star hotel amenities — in Punta Pacifica sells for around $560,000. A beachfront condo on a stretch of white sand is available for just $250,000. Rental rates in Panama City range from $1,100 to $3,500 per month for a beautiful 2- or 3-bedroom apartment with ocean views and walking distance to the city’s best restaurants, shops, and entertainment.

The lower cost of living extends to every part of Panama life. The country’s world-class hospitals and clinics are already popular with medical tourists, who find prices a fraction of what they would pay in the United States In a recent video interview with “Spotlight to Panama,” insurance expert Luis Povea detailed the many types of affordable and flexible healthcare options that are simply not available in U.S.

Panama also offers retirees a wide variety of benefits through its world-famous Panama Retirement Visa, which offers permanent residency and a menu of discounts on expenses. Those discounts are on top of the less expensive aspects of daily living in Panama.

You notice the price difference during a night out. A movie ticket is typically less than $10. A beer is maybe $3 instead of $6. And a night of fine dining in Panama City doesn’t require a bank loan.

Like the rest of the world, Panama is likely to feel the impact of the new tariff wars. But consumers in Panama have the option of local brands and healthy, locally produced food. The vegetables and seafood in Panama are among the best in the world, and can be found for good prices in the local markets.

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