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So, you are taping the video in Colombia, but talking about Panama, so which of those two countries do you prefer? And expenses wise are they similar or different?
Panama is a small country but the cost of living is totally different depending on where you wish to live and what type of lifestyle you want. Living in Panama City in a high rise apartment building would be expensive. If you rent a modest Panamanian house outside of Panama City you can live very inexpensively. But, this also depends on where you wish to live and what kind of lifestyle you want. If you live like the locals live, you can live very cheaply and be quite content. An example of a town that is very reasonable to live in is Las Tablas. Located in the Los Santos Province. You can live in Las Tablas on your social security check quite easily. There are many towns in Panama where you can live on your social security check. You just need to acclimatize yourself to the temperatures so you can live without airconditioning and learn to use public transportation and also learn to walk. Its a lifestyle that is much more laid back than living in the US for example. If you wish to live exactly like you live in the USA for example, the best choice for you is to stay in the USA. It would be cheaper for you. And, the rest of us here in Panama would not have to listen to you complain.
I agree with your breakdowns. My boyfriend and I visited David, Changuinola, but we fell in love with the mainland Bocas jungle near Almirante. Plenty of local beach life and small markets available. The rain is quite beautiful in the mountains. Some wildlife made it a magical experience.
J OneLife what you just described is a disgrace for this country. It is a shame that white people specially men are allowing this things happens to USA. I am not an USA citizen, but still bothers me in what USA 🇺🇸 is becoming thanks to the weak libtars Democrats.....
I don't think I could ever get used to living in coastal Panama without AC. Too hot, too humid. Some people might like that kind of climate, but as one who has lived in the Pacific Northwest for over 30 years, I'm not one of them.
I loved Panama, I served 2 years in the US army. I know I will retire there and create a construction company. I love the people & is truly a paradise on Earth❤️
Matthew Hanna I was born in Panama but living temporary in In NY. I want to go back to my country and try to accomplish many dreams about serving foreign people that want to establish there.....Also want to build a type of place where Americans can feel comfortable and like in USA. No really thinking in making money but payback to Americans the help they gave me here....
@J OneLife I know you are not asking me for advice . I cant help myself about. Please something very important people from 1st world countries that visit developing country need to know is the mindset or mentality of people from developing country have. Dont worry being to nice to people from there, they dont care, lot of them are naturally rude, do not trust anyone, use common sense, asume there are a criminal everywhere you go. I know it sound harass or unfair, BUT it is a sad true. Dont be swinging cameras and gadget all over like you are in your country. I am from Panama and not reason to say this if were not true. Panama IS NOT a 1st world country therefore you must act accordingly be safe good luck........
Buentaste I still can’t wait to take the wife there. Prices have definitely gone up in recent years but still very affordable. But still very beautiful but will be cautious as well. :)
I live in the middle of Panama City and my neighborhood is immaculate. No matter where you go in the world, there are some areas that are better than others....that’s life.
From my experience living in Panama City, these numbers are very very accurate. I personally spend a bit less, but I am vegan and pretty minimalist as well. So my food and grocery costs are lower (no meats, sea foods, etc). If you spend significantly more than this you are living a more luxurious lifestyle than I am.
I'm a Panamanian girl and I live in USA for 8 months and I think Panama is not cheaper if you want to live comfortable. Here people live with 500 dollars per month but with many needs. If you want to live pretty good you must have 2000 and rent a good house.
@Arlenis. You speak the truth. I am from NYC and the cost of many things are double in Panama. I don’t know how many people afford to live in PTY anymore.
wow, are you EVER so very CONFUSED....and so very easily fooled into hating, 'the other.' shame on you, sad person who is so easily fooled.🙄👎 dig deeper, at least - and PLEASE. [he's one who says, I see the evidence, and then points to what he actually believes is 'evidence,' or something 'real.' he has NO idea what's happening in such a moment..yes, so easily fooled..low IQ's are dangerous to humanity.]
I live for less then that 30 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge, side note my mortgage is payed off . But utilities 200 to 300 a month restaurant for two people 25 to 30 for happy hour , clothing and entertainment am old don’t need much. Transportation is more but I have a lot of cars .
@@econwithstyleAre you kidding? $1000 to $1200 a month for a 2 bedroom apartment. You can rent a house for less than that in many American towns and cities . I guess if you live in California, or New York City you may not realize that the whole US of A is not that expensive.
@ Or you live around 5000 feet in Latin America where the temperatures are pleasant year round, and AC isn't needed, instead of that hot and humid coastal living. I don't think a lot of people realize that the beaches in Latin America do not have the nice temperate Mediterranean climate of coastal California.
I live In California, I bought a 3 bedroom 2 bath house near Marysville in 2015 and my mortgage is $871 a month. My energy bill is around $50 a month, insurance is $220, food $500, gasoline for car is $300. My child support is $1400. I have $500k in my 401k and a defined benefit I’ll take at 55. God willing I can retire in Panama comfortably.
@@Racerboy535 I'm in a similar situation as you moniterially. I moved to Panama from coastal California two years ago. Best decision I ever made in my life, but it's not for everyone.
My electric bill for 1 month (April, 2020) in Panama City, Panama for a 1 bedroom apartment was $350, and I keep the AC between 77 and 80 F (25-27C.) The cost of electricity for me (a foreigner) is over twice what I paid in the US. My largest ever electric bill in the dead of winter (high temps every day were below freezing) was $170; my normal winter electric bills were about $70, and my normal summer electric bills (for the same 1000 sq ft apartment) were around $35. I was beyond stunned when I got the first electric bill here. For all I know, there may be different rates depending upon your nationality. I doubt any expat in Panama ever has an electric bill anywhere near your claim of $150.
@Norman Rogers ...this is so true!!!! Our apartment is all glass and faces the damn sun all day long. Our power bill WAS $550 - 600 A MONTH. But, we just installed a new power efficient AC system that dropped our bill by 40-45% (and like you, we try to conserve). If you live in certain neighborhoods like Punta Pacifica, you will pay the highest rates for power in all of Central America. We lived in NYC and our electric bill never broke $250 with the AC on non-stop from May through September. Still, I love it here and try to live in a state of gratitude. Groceries are also crazy expensive here if you don’t shop wisely. It ain’t what it was back in 2008. LOL.
Good and informative video as usual. This youtube channel is awesome. I live in Panama City with my wife in a centrally located neighborhood. We eat out and buy groceries at some of the higher end supermarkets like Riba Smith and Organica. We use public transportation to get around, mostly taxis and InDriver. We spend around $1600 per month more or less. The big difference is that we live in a one bedroom apartment and the building isn't extravagant like the high rises. We love Boquete and are considering moving there just to get away from the city life and really experience Panamá's culture in the countryside, so this video was perfect for us!
Amazing isn't it? Most retired couples make over 3K per month on social security and can live very well in a country like Panama but struggle each and every day to barely exist any place in the US. My advice to people that don't have much of a retirement savings but an average SS benefit, get out of the US ASAP.
You can live very well in the u.s. on 3k if you know how. Leaving for financial reasons is nuts when you know how to do things. u.s.a is very easy to live well on less, you just need the information.
Several States in the South are very affordable, people just probably need a change of scenery more than anything, instead of pretending there's NO WHERE TO GO BS, if you were able to get on YT and Discover this Channel, you can go on google and find those affordable places to live, so quit with the woe is me bs ok...
Most expensive country in Latin America only rivaled by Costa Rica. Cost of living, living good by us standards for one person I say around $3k. Bare bones like $1k
Yeah, but also the one with the best economy by comparasion, i work week ends and gain 230 montly, as a college student, its mor than enough, imagine if i were free to work a full week and i would live like a king
@@mannythelazyguy6529 A retiree with a fixed income earns the same no matter where they live, so cost of living is the main concern to them. They could care less what jobs pay.
@@dh2392 i will ask my grandma how much she earns and edit it here but yeah, thats retired senior citizens mostly, the economy is not dictated by them, living in panama as a couple with 2 kids, 1200 a month (600 each) is more than enough since my parents did it, when they got divorced, my mom made 650$ a month and it was an ok living with both kids in private school and all
I have heard of this $500 a month figure in groceries for Panamá City before, but that only lasts me 3 weeks at best. It’s an old figure from ages ago. You will need to Budget $700 a month per person (assuming you only buy local foods). Taxis fares have gone up now because of Uber, figure about $2.00 to $3.00 for a typical local ride.
About anywhere in rural US is cheaper other then med, I didn't see what gas prices are or car insurance. I live in rural UT nice little mtn town have 2100 soft home worth about 140 000 prop tax 600 year. Large heated garage, atv trails,water falls. Water bill 27, gas about 60 avg, elec 80 with central AC all summer. The world is equalizing. Other thing that's odd watched a video about Boquete all homes and property had giant chain link fences what's up. Was starting to look like east LA.
I moved from England to Panama, and the food here is really expensive this is why Panamanians live on chicken and rice every thing in the market stores is expensive. And don’t expect eny to get eny justice if you have a problem (I’m married to a Panamanian) thay take your money and never do the work,I could right a book.
Utilities in Panama city is far from 150$, water is 20$ and Gas is mostly include it in you monthly payment but electricity that is between 200$ to 400$ and doesn't depend of the AC, Monthly maintenance fee from 100$ to 500$..Dependence of which part of the city, food for more than 500 per a couple....cel phone it's about 20 to 30$ a plan restaurants normal cheap one is about 15 to 20 a good meal 30$, TV, cable and phone fro 50 to 70$...Medical no way.......No way 2400$ per a couple If you want in Panama City.
*Sam con esos precios, estaré más que feliz viviendo en Colombia, oh, pregunta Sam, ¿esa botella de Antioqueño Aguardiente detrás de tu hombro izquierdo estaba llena o vacía?* 😉
There’s some things that are not accurate in this video. For example, my family (5 member) we never expend such quantity of money in the supermarket. I have no idea to which supermarket you went, but I never paid 500 usd per month in groceries.
Lineth Rodriguez, hello. Can I ask you if you live in Panama city? I live on Atlantic side in 60s and early 70s and went to Cristobal High School. I fell in love with Panama and wish I had turn around and went straight back. I'm trying to find someone I can hire to help me with info on lost friends still down there and just news of da to day life in 2019 in Panama. Thank you for your time and comment on lower prices to eat each month.
$500 is not high. A family of 5 would cost that and more. If one is living in the greater metropolitan area of Panama City and shopping at one of the main supermarkets (El Rey, Super 99, Ribasmith, Casa de la Carne) it will cost this much. If one lives on the outskirts of the City, or at least shops out there, it would be different.
In 2020. Prices here have gone insane.As much as I love living in this country, the cost of living is NOT sustainable on a fixed income. If I knew in 2006 when I bought here, what I know now. I would have made another choice. I come NYC and food in my local supermarket here in Panama is twice what is was NY. If you have lots of money, it’s Paradise.
WHY is real estate in Boquete SO EXEPENSIVE???? Panama has to be HALF of USA - and I mean normal USA not NYC!! 1200-1500 a month to rent a 3 bed is ridiculous in Boquete.....250K to BUY is a joke......Americans have gone in there and did what they did in Costa rica 20 years ago.....
I stand corrected. I jumped to conclusion. Your video was top-nash! very informative. Never too late to say "I am sorry" - I like how you delivered the info and your knowledge about the subject.
Panama is totally diferent now. The time you spent in the 80's was during the rule of Dictator Noriega. I supposed you were stationed at Panama canal Zone.
Moises Gonzalez Moises Gonzalez Yes, very different. I worked at the now closed Howard AFB and lived in Albrook. The day I left Panama people were rioting in the streets. I will be doing one of those 5-day tours to check things out before I make the decision to move there.
1. Boquete is not a place you want to live, you would spend more on the travel to the nearest store 2. 150 for gas, internet, electricity, water and phone 3. We have subways, 2$ 4. Groceries, 150 for 4 people if you go to the supermarkets and buy smart 5. Medical, 25 from the street doctor, 50 for the good ass doctor 6. Taxis are based on destination, use the bus and the new metro instead 7. Cellphones plan, get claro, 5.35 a week for 7 days of unlimited data 8. Cinemas are 6$ max 9. Insurance, get a job that gives you one, the public one sucks
While we were searching for housing, on those new housing developments, we found this nice restaurant and the menu was for $2.50, it was delicious meal. Actually I almost fainted because of the price. Compare to what we pay on other restaurants in the city. It was beyond belief. Housing, very expensive. Nice gated community. But, for heavens sake too expensive, not enough room for a garden or bbq party. But there's an entertainment area where you can have a party with pool and the beach. Overall Panama very expensive. At least i can save on restaurant meals. :😁
NEED A UPDATED VIDEO ON BOQUETTE---I WANT TO RETIRE THERE AND I HAVE 2,000 A MONTH TO WORK ON AND I HAVE A CAR AND BRINGING 2 YEARS OF DYHYDRATED FOOD WITH MY IN A UHAUL---BOQUETTE DO THEY HAVE FRESH ORGANC FOOD SALES
This info is not helpful. Yes, you can find those prices if you looking in the touristic area in down Town. Or you can just look outside that area and find also good restaurant for $2.50 or $3.00 per meal. You can find very reasonable apartments also.
It sounds more than many cities in Europe lol. I simply don't believe these numbers in the video, this guy says $2500 per month, maybe in a the newest 2 BDR highrise, but why would anyone move to South America to live in a highrise?
@Aboard Ohana There’s a list of the different visas available here : internationalliving.com/countries/panama/visa/ The “Friendly Nations” visa is really easy to qualify for if you are from one of the countries listed.
As someone hoping to move to Boquete in 4-5 years, I have also researched the costs. Your overall numbers are good although I would quibble on some, particularly the electricity. If I hold off claiming retirement until 2022, I will have monthly pension and social security earnings of $2700 and calculated my monthly living costs in Boquete to be $1800-$2000. Thanks for confirming my overall conclusion.
After you buy your house for cash your living costs are pretty much in line. Make sure it's clear titled and get a Pensionado visa to get your discounts on the electric (and just about everything else) bill. Good luck
Read my comment. You are right right. As a couple you can live very comfortable on 1,800-1,900 p.m. inlcuding gasoline and insurance of a car. Only buy Japanese or Korean cars. I am an expat for 31 years in various countries and my wife and I love Boquete.
holy crap man. you LOOK and SOUND just like my cousin (who also has the same name as you), but he lives in Panama City. but he has a more ridicolous tattoo
There are so many other places in Latin America that are much better than living in Panama City. Boquete is very nice, but boring. One can cut the costs down in nearby but hotter David. Not near as pretty though.
Most Panamanian people live in poverty and only have a small salary to survive on, so it does not make any difference to them that Panama is the second rich country in Latin America
They choose Colombia for the women. Old guys that can't find love in their country go to Thailand. Young guys go to Colombia. Anyone that insists this is not their main motivation is flat out lying.
@@James_Sovereign I plan to move to Medellin and it's not for the girls. It's for the weather and the economy (cost of living). I live in PR and I am tired of hurricanes and the heat.
b How To Expat, thank you for your complete budget. Could you please tell me which Insurance company will be 100 USD per month. Because I've been shopping a lot through the internet and some referrals and all of them are giving me quotes from 300 to 1.200 USD per month. H e l p!!!! . Thanks again and Keep the good job.
Hi Thank you for your videos. I am planning to move to Medellin and wanted to rent a furnished apartment for more than 6 months. Which agency Do you recommend that won't charge gringo prices. Actually we have Colombian passports and Cedula.
My name is Honey, I am a resident of India, I want to work in Panama, if anyone in the help please give me a job offer latter. If someone can get me a job offer letter, I will be ready to pay. waiter job restaurant job helper job computer operator job assistant job cleaner job construction helper job My qualifications is very low I will complete senior secondary school class 12th and basic computer knowledge and I learn Spanish language and I also speak English and Hindi Please if anyone can help me, please do request me This is my WhatsApp number +917011993205 Name honey jha Ph =+917011993205 Address=India Delhi
Are you just cruising through gringo aimed, tourist places? The prices you quote are simply not true. If you want to live like in South Beach, Miami, sure, but I thought idea of your channel is about how not to pay gringo prices. I live in Bangkok, and when U listen to "expat experts", their advise is laughably wrong, they are tourists, clueless about expat living cost
This is not true . Because is American dollar everything is inxpensiv . Only some rural part is chip but there is nothing . Only people with low income go there . Add don't lie people
@@marcus6lj If you know what you're doing it can be done and you can live well in the us. I have friends living on $1300 includes all his basic expenses plus hobbies.
Thanks for the comment. I did the video so people don‘t have to go through the internet to do the research. They can just sit back and watch the video. It‘s not rocket science to go through 4-5 websites note the cost of living, take the average, and make a video. Thanks again. Sam
@@HowToExpat I lived in Panama in the early 70's and have been binge watching exPat vids about Panama for the past week or so...and your costs align well with what I picked up on other YT channels.
I have done it easy on $1000 a month but it's a lot better to live in the filipines on a $1000 a month.. everyone do your own research and don't listen to this guy..
Karolays Greys I currently live as an Ex Pat in Panamá City right now, and it is clear to me that many of the prices presented are too low because I pay them every month.
Lexi Des so would you say cost of living is cheaper than these figures? I’m a single person thinking of checking out panama but those figures are scary. Please enlighten me if you live there.
brownsugarbabe0823 it’s 2020. Things are much more expensive since this video was made. Don’t get me wrong, Panama is Paradise, but an expensive one. BUT, you will never find nicer people anywhere like here Panama. That’s what brought me here in the first place. The people everywhere are AMAZING.
hahahah expats usually eat street food, unless corporate tourist maybe eat at a mid-end restaurant $50.. backpacker you are fucked .. peanut butter sandwiches with coconut milk and bananas the entire trip 😂🤣
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So, you are taping the video in Colombia, but talking about Panama, so which of those two countries do you prefer? And expenses wise are they similar or different?
Panama is a small country but the cost of living is totally different depending on where you wish to live and what type of lifestyle you want. Living in Panama City in a high rise apartment building would be expensive. If you rent a modest Panamanian house outside of Panama City you can live very inexpensively. But, this also depends on where you wish to live and what kind of lifestyle you want. If you live like the locals live, you can live very cheaply and be quite content. An example of a town that is very reasonable to live in is Las Tablas. Located in the Los Santos Province. You can live in Las Tablas on your social security check quite easily. There are many towns in Panama where you can live on your social security check. You just need to acclimatize yourself to the temperatures so you can live without airconditioning and learn to use public transportation and also learn to walk. Its a lifestyle that is much more laid back than living in the US for example. If you wish to live exactly like you live in the USA for example, the best choice for you is to stay in the USA. It would be cheaper for you. And, the rest of us here in Panama would not have to listen to you complain.
Completely agreed 👍
I agree with your breakdowns. My boyfriend and I visited David, Changuinola, but we fell in love with the mainland Bocas jungle near Almirante. Plenty of local beach life and small markets available. The rain is quite beautiful in the mountains. Some wildlife made it a magical experience.
Glen H you made my nite Bro
J OneLife what you just described is a disgrace for this country. It is a shame that white people specially men are allowing this things happens to USA. I am not an USA citizen, but still bothers me in what USA 🇺🇸 is becoming thanks to the weak libtars Democrats.....
I don't think I could ever get used to living in coastal Panama without AC. Too hot, too humid. Some people might like that kind of climate, but as one who has lived in the Pacific Northwest for over 30 years, I'm not one of them.
I loved Panama, I served 2 years in the US army. I know I will retire there and create a construction company. I love the people & is truly a paradise on Earth❤️
Matthew Hanna I was born in Panama but living temporary in In NY. I want to go back to my country and try to accomplish many dreams about serving foreign people that want to establish there.....Also want to build a type of place where Americans can feel comfortable and like in USA. No really thinking in making money but payback to Americans the help they gave me here....
@J OneLife I know you are not asking me for advice . I cant help myself about. Please something very important people from 1st world countries that visit developing country need to know is the mindset or mentality of people from developing country have. Dont worry being to nice to people from there, they dont care, lot of them are naturally rude, do not trust anyone, use common sense, asume there are a criminal everywhere you go. I know it sound harass or unfair, BUT it is a sad true. Dont be swinging cameras and gadget all over like you are in your country. I am from Panama and not reason to say this if were not true. Panama IS NOT a 1st world country therefore you must act accordingly be safe good luck........
One advice, wait a couple of years, roads are blocked for the new metro stations so the main roads from airports to city is blocked or jammed all day
@ You mean 1989, ya I know, I was there
Buentaste I still can’t wait to take the wife there. Prices have definitely gone up in recent years but still very affordable. But still very beautiful but will be cautious as well. :)
One of the rare videos about Panama that don't ASSUME everyone desires a beach lifestyle. I'm most interested in city living. Thank you!
I live in the middle of Panama City and my neighborhood is immaculate. No matter where you go in the world, there are some areas that are better than others....that’s life.
From my experience living in Panama City, these numbers are very very accurate. I personally spend a bit less, but I am vegan and pretty minimalist as well. So my food and grocery costs are lower (no meats, sea foods, etc). If you spend significantly more than this you are living a more luxurious lifestyle than I am.
May I ask where are you living now
Or what didn't you like about Panama
hillsguide.simplesite.com
Trust God, and do good.
Tyler Perry.
I'm a Panamanian girl and I live in USA for 8 months and I think Panama is not cheaper if you want to live comfortable. Here people live with 500 dollars per month but with many needs. If you want to live pretty good you must have 2000 and rent a good house.
Where are you living now? Thanks
@Arlenis. You speak the truth. I am from NYC and the cost of many things are double in Panama. I don’t know how many people afford to live in PTY anymore.
I love that "Help find the not gringo prices hell I'm a gringo and I don't want to pay gringo prices.
wow, are you EVER so very CONFUSED....and so very easily fooled into hating, 'the other.' shame on you, sad person who is so easily fooled.🙄👎 dig deeper, at least - and PLEASE.
[he's one who says, I see the evidence, and then points to what he actually believes is 'evidence,' or something 'real.' he has NO idea what's happening in such a moment..yes, so easily fooled..low IQ's are dangerous to humanity.]
I live for less then that 30 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge, side note my mortgage is payed off . But utilities 200 to 300 a month restaurant for two people 25 to 30 for happy hour , clothing and entertainment am old don’t need much. Transportation is more but I have a lot of cars .
Yes but now include your health care and food expenses too?
If you had to pay a mortgage in Santa Rosa or Ukiah it would be significantly more. Rent/mortgage in the Bay Area is unbelievably high!
I could find rents in the US for those figures.
DH where is that? I want to move there
@@econwithstyleAre you kidding? $1000 to $1200 a month for a 2 bedroom apartment. You can rent a house for less than that in many American towns and cities . I guess if you live in California, or New York City you may not realize that the whole US of A is not that expensive.
@ Or you live around 5000 feet in Latin America where the temperatures are pleasant year round, and AC isn't needed, instead of that hot and humid coastal living. I don't think a lot of people realize that the beaches in Latin America do not have the nice temperate Mediterranean climate of coastal California.
I live In California, I bought a 3 bedroom 2 bath house near Marysville in 2015 and my mortgage is $871 a month. My energy bill is around $50 a month, insurance is $220, food $500, gasoline for car is $300. My child support is $1400. I have $500k in my 401k and a defined benefit I’ll take at 55. God willing I can retire in Panama comfortably.
@@Racerboy535 I'm in a similar situation as you moniterially. I moved to Panama from coastal California two years ago. Best decision I ever made in my life, but it's not for everyone.
My electric bill for 1 month (April, 2020) in Panama City, Panama for a 1 bedroom apartment was $350, and I keep the AC between 77 and 80 F (25-27C.) The cost of electricity for me (a foreigner) is over twice what I paid in the US. My largest ever electric bill in the dead of winter (high temps every day were below freezing) was $170; my normal winter electric bills were about $70, and my normal summer electric bills (for the same 1000 sq ft apartment) were around $35. I was beyond stunned when I got the first electric bill here. For all I know, there may be different rates depending upon your nationality. I doubt any expat in Panama ever has an electric bill anywhere near your claim of $150.
@Norman Rogers ...this is so true!!!! Our apartment is all glass and faces the damn sun all day long. Our power bill WAS $550 - 600 A MONTH. But, we just installed a new power efficient AC system that dropped our bill by 40-45% (and like you, we try to conserve).
If you live in certain neighborhoods like Punta Pacifica, you will pay the highest rates for power in all of Central America.
We lived in NYC and our electric bill never broke $250 with the AC on non-stop from May through September.
Still, I love it here and try to live in a state of gratitude.
Groceries are also crazy expensive here if you don’t shop wisely. It ain’t what it was back in 2008. LOL.
The figures about groceries are incorrect for two people. You spend a lot more than that in the month in both places
Yul ...this is SO TRUE. I’m from NYC and food was cheaper there. But, I still love it here so I’ll be quiet.
I praise you for figuring on hi-side. Your numbers are realistic! I'm considering Panama...leaving Philippines
chefpetey Why are you leaving the Philippines? I’m considering moving there.
Good and informative video as usual. This youtube channel is awesome. I live in Panama City with my wife in a centrally located neighborhood. We eat out and buy groceries at some of the higher end supermarkets like Riba Smith and Organica. We use public transportation to get around, mostly taxis and InDriver. We spend around $1600 per month more or less. The big difference is that we live in a one bedroom apartment and the building isn't extravagant like the high rises.
We love Boquete and are considering moving there just to get away from the city life and really experience Panamá's culture in the countryside, so this video was perfect for us!
Hello
I would like to know if panama has universal health care?
Amazing isn't it? Most retired couples make over 3K per month on social security and can live very well in a country like Panama but struggle each and every day to barely exist any place in the US. My advice to people that don't have much of a retirement savings but an average SS benefit, get out of the US ASAP.
Very well said 😁👍
Expat you are right on.
You can live very well in the u.s. on 3k if you know how. Leaving for financial reasons is nuts when you know how to do things. u.s.a is very easy to live well on less, you just need the information.
im no where near retirement but i am paying out the anus for living in the united states lol. Im currently making my plans to move
Several States in the South are very affordable, people just probably need a change of scenery more than anything, instead of pretending there's NO WHERE TO GO BS, if you were able to get on YT and Discover this Channel, you can go on google and find those affordable places to live, so quit with the woe is me bs ok...
Most expensive country in Latin America only rivaled by Costa Rica. Cost of living, living good by us standards for one person I say around $3k. Bare bones like $1k
Yeah, but also the one with the best economy by comparasion, i work week ends and gain 230 montly, as a college student, its mor than enough, imagine if i were free to work a full week and i would live like a king
@@mannythelazyguy6529 A retiree with a fixed income earns the same no matter where they live, so cost of living is the main concern to them. They could care less what jobs pay.
@@dh2392 i will ask my grandma how much she earns and edit it here but yeah, thats retired senior citizens mostly, the economy is not dictated by them, living in panama as a couple with 2 kids, 1200 a month (600 each) is more than enough since my parents did it, when they got divorced, my mom made 650$ a month and it was an ok living with both kids in private school and all
Javier you are correct.
I have heard of this $500 a month figure in groceries for Panamá City before, but that only lasts me 3 weeks at best. It’s an old figure from ages ago. You will need to Budget $700 a month per person (assuming you only buy local foods). Taxis fares have gone up now because of Uber, figure about $2.00 to $3.00 for a typical local ride.
The best, most practical cost summary that I have seen. Thanks
Thanks a lot!
negligible is the word, not neglectable. that being said, I'm absolutely positive your English is better than my Spanish ;-)
About anywhere in rural US is cheaper other then med, I didn't see what gas prices are or car insurance. I live in rural UT nice little mtn town have 2100 soft home worth about 140 000 prop tax 600 year. Large heated garage, atv trails,water falls. Water bill 27, gas about 60 avg, elec 80 with central AC all summer. The world is equalizing. Other thing that's odd watched a video about Boquete all homes and property had giant chain link fences what's up. Was starting to look like east LA.
I can live right next to the beach in Florida for $850. Sounds pretty expensive for a central American country..
Panama gets no hurricanes
I moved from England to Panama, and the food here is really expensive this is why Panamanians live on chicken and rice every thing in the market stores is expensive. And don’t expect eny to get eny justice if you have a problem (I’m married to a Panamanian) thay take your money and never do the work,I could right a book.
And that you throught that here everything was cheap that is the price of my country and also we are the second richest country in Latin America
Utilities in Panama city is far from 150$, water is 20$ and Gas is mostly include it in you monthly payment but electricity that is between 200$ to 400$ and doesn't depend of the AC, Monthly maintenance fee from 100$ to 500$..Dependence of which part of the city, food for more than 500 per a couple....cel phone it's about 20 to 30$ a plan restaurants normal cheap one is about 15 to 20 a good meal 30$, TV, cable and phone fro 50 to 70$...Medical no way.......No way 2400$ per a couple If you want in Panama City.
And how much is rent for. A single person
@J OneLife com to India I will show you Mumbai city is very cheapest
@J OneLife I'm working in Jw Marriott as fleet supervisor their is lots of people coming from United States Canada and from Europe
hillsguide.simplesite.com
Trust God, and do good.
Tyler Perry.
And that is why you never listen to these expat experts on UA-cam.
*Sam con esos precios, estaré más que feliz viviendo en Colombia, oh, pregunta Sam, ¿esa botella de Antioqueño Aguardiente detrás de tu hombro izquierdo estaba llena o vacía?* 😉
There’s some things that are not accurate in this video. For example, my family (5 member) we never expend such quantity of money in the supermarket. I have no idea to which supermarket you went, but I never paid 500 usd per month in groceries.
Lineth Rodriguez, hello. Can I ask you if you live in Panama city? I live on Atlantic side in 60s and early 70s and went to Cristobal High School. I fell in love with Panama and wish I had turn around and went straight back. I'm trying to find someone I can hire to help me with info on lost friends still down there and just news of da to day life in 2019 in Panama. Thank you for your time and comment on lower prices to eat each month.
Very true.
400-500$ for groceries for a couple way too high I guess..
$500 is not high. A family of 5 would cost that and more. If one is living in the greater metropolitan area of Panama City and shopping at one of the main supermarkets (El Rey, Super 99, Ribasmith, Casa de la Carne) it will cost this much. If one lives on the outskirts of the City, or at least shops out there, it would be different.
In 2020. Prices here have gone insane.As much as I love living in this country, the cost of living is NOT sustainable on a fixed income. If I knew in 2006 when I bought here, what I know now. I would have made another choice. I come NYC and food in my local supermarket here in Panama is twice what is was NY. If you have lots of money, it’s Paradise.
WHY is real estate in Boquete SO EXEPENSIVE???? Panama has to be HALF of USA - and I mean normal USA not NYC!! 1200-1500 a month to rent a 3 bed is ridiculous in Boquete.....250K to BUY is a joke......Americans have gone in there and did what they did in Costa rica 20 years ago.....
I stand corrected. I jumped to conclusion. Your video was top-nash! very informative. Never too late to say "I am sorry" - I like how you delivered the info and your knowledge about the subject.
Thanks a lot. Happy researching.
Or maybe top notch?
Thank you! Great and informative video! I lived in Panama from 1984-1987 and considered retiring there.
Thanks a lot :D Make sure to subscribe we got a lot more coming up on Panama. ;) 1984-1987 must be totally different then :D
Panama is totally diferent now. The time you spent in the 80's was during the rule of Dictator Noriega.
I supposed you were stationed at Panama canal Zone.
Moises Gonzalez Moises Gonzalez Yes, very different. I worked at the now closed Howard AFB and lived in Albrook. The day I left Panama people were rioting in the streets. I will be doing one of those 5-day tours to check things out before I make the decision to move there.
1. Boquete is not a place you want to live, you would spend more on the travel to the nearest store
2. 150 for gas, internet, electricity, water and phone
3. We have subways, 2$
4. Groceries, 150 for 4 people if you go to the supermarkets and buy smart
5. Medical, 25 from the street doctor, 50 for the good ass doctor
6. Taxis are based on destination, use the bus and the new metro instead
7. Cellphones plan, get claro, 5.35 a week for 7 days of unlimited data
8. Cinemas are 6$ max
9. Insurance, get a job that gives you one, the public one sucks
Thanks so much everyone for your interest in my country. Hope you are able to enjoy your stay wherever you choose to live. 😄👋
Eloisa de Escobar it’s expensive here, but I love it. Panamanian people are amazing. I could never leave my friends here.
I lived in Arraighan..the interior.
While we were searching for housing, on those new housing developments, we found this nice restaurant and the menu was for $2.50, it was delicious meal. Actually I almost fainted because of the price. Compare to what we pay on other restaurants in the city. It was beyond belief. Housing, very expensive. Nice gated community. But, for heavens sake too expensive, not enough room for a garden or bbq party. But there's an entertainment area where you can have a party with pool and the beach. Overall Panama very expensive. At least i can save on restaurant meals. :😁
Well if you live in the outskirts you can cut all that in half
Does internet service work fast and reliable in the outskirts of Panama?
Great information. I enjoyed watching this video.
How are the work conditions in Panama and can I travel to Canada with Panamanian residency
Hello, What is the average price for regular gasoline?
Hello! Thank you for this! Would you happened to know if we need a special drivers license to drive a motorcycle in Panama? Thanks!
How can a couple get private insurance for $150 a month?
More info here: www.how-to-expat.com/Know-How/Health-Care-Panama
Def thought he would say cheaper prices
NEED A UPDATED VIDEO ON BOQUETTE---I WANT TO RETIRE THERE AND I HAVE 2,000 A MONTH TO WORK ON AND I HAVE A CAR AND BRINGING 2 YEARS OF DYHYDRATED FOOD WITH MY IN A UHAUL---BOQUETTE DO THEY HAVE FRESH ORGANC FOOD SALES
I want to visitvto spend time in a hostel in psbsma city bro I love Latinos hombres
Thank you for this info! I greatly appreciate it!
As always thanks for the great tips buddy .
This info is not helpful. Yes, you can find those prices if you looking in the touristic area in down Town. Or you can just look outside that area and find also good restaurant for $2.50 or $3.00 per meal. You can find very reasonable apartments also.
Panama City is not cheap at all
It sounds more than many cities in Europe lol. I simply don't believe these numbers in the video, this guy says $2500 per month, maybe in a the newest 2 BDR highrise, but why would anyone move to South America to live in a highrise?
Good video. Thx for sharing.
Than you! Loved it! 💕🙏
How about getting a long term visa.....What are the requirements? is it hard to get?
@Aboard Ohana There’s a list of the different visas available here : internationalliving.com/countries/panama/visa/ The “Friendly Nations” visa is really easy to qualify for if you are from one of the countries listed.
As someone hoping to move to Boquete in 4-5 years, I have also researched the costs. Your overall numbers are good although I would quibble on some, particularly the electricity. If I hold off claiming retirement until 2022, I will have monthly pension and social security earnings of $2700 and calculated my monthly living costs in Boquete to be $1800-$2000. Thanks for confirming my overall conclusion.
Great That you are already doing your research now. 2700 should be quite good to live "the good life" in Boquete
After you buy your house for cash your living costs are pretty much in line. Make sure it's clear titled and get a Pensionado visa to get your discounts on the electric (and just about everything else) bill. Good luck
Read my comment. You are right right. As a couple you can live very comfortable on 1,800-1,900 p.m. inlcuding gasoline and insurance of a car. Only buy Japanese or Korean cars. I am an expat for 31 years in various countries and my wife and I love Boquete.
That is what we spend in Boquete too. We are a couple with 2 dogs.
WHICH SIM RICARICABILE YOU COULD RECOMMEND ME? FOR 4 DAYS WITH INTERNET. WHERE DO I FIND IT? I COME FROM THE ITALIA. THAN YOU
Buongiorno. I recommend the Claro SIM card.
Movistar!!!
Movistar. You can by the chip card in all shops that sell smartphones etc. You can by it at the airport.
J OneLife your comment shows your stupidities.
holy crap man. you LOOK and SOUND just like my cousin (who also has the same name as you), but he lives in Panama City. but he has a more ridicolous tattoo
Haha would love to meet him😅😅
What about a cost of living for a beach-bum living in a shack he owns set back from Coronado?
That can be very inexpensive. If you are the as you said beach bum type you can go as low as 600-800 USD per month
@J OneLife You're a despicable, malodorous Caucasian.
@J OneLife That's a very sad, racist outlook on life and people.
J OneLife you are also a racist, don’t you?
surprised you don't have more subscribers
thanks for information .
Thanks Sam.
There are so many other places in Latin America that are much better than living in Panama City. Boquete is very nice, but boring. One can cut the costs down in nearby but hotter David. Not near as pretty though.
thank you
Con gusto
Most Panamanian people live in poverty and only have a small salary to survive on, so it does not make any difference to them that Panama is the second rich country in Latin America
I know places where you can live like a king for that money :D
In Portugal you would live better than a king with that money
Willy Boy nice that’s on my bucket list as well for traveling
Holaaaaa soy de Panamá:D
Hi man, why do u live in Colombia and not in Panama? whats the good diference for u to have u in Colombia?
Hey Jorge. For me Medellin really made the difference. More here www.how-to-expat.com/post/medellin-vs-panama-city-for-expats
They choose Colombia for the women. Old guys that can't find love in their country go to Thailand. Young guys go to Colombia. Anyone that insists this is not their main motivation is flat out lying.
@@James_Sovereign no chicas in panama?
@@James_Sovereign I plan to move to Medellin and it's not for the girls. It's for the weather and the economy (cost of living). I live in PR and I am tired of hurricanes and the heat.
b
How To Expat, thank you for your complete budget. Could you please tell me which Insurance company will be 100 USD per month. Because I've been shopping a lot through the internet and some referrals and all of them are giving me quotes from 300 to 1.200 USD per month. H e l p!!!! . Thanks again and Keep the good job.
I love you panama 💓💓💓💓💓💓
Wow. first world prices...
Are you from Eastern Europe?
We are from Switzerland :)
Things you need too. Teclisto.com loved it
Hi Thank you for your videos. I am planning to move to Medellin and wanted to rent a furnished apartment for more than 6 months. Which agency Do you recommend that won't charge gringo prices. Actually we have Colombian passports and Cedula.
You can check this out: www.how-to-medellin.com/furnished-apartments
My name is Honey, I am a resident of India, I want to work in Panama, if anyone in the help please give me a job offer latter.
If someone can get me a job offer letter, I will be ready to pay.
waiter job restaurant job helper job computer operator job assistant job cleaner job
construction helper job
My qualifications is very low I will complete senior secondary school class 12th and basic computer knowledge and I learn Spanish language and I also speak English and Hindi
Please if anyone can help me, please do request me
This is my WhatsApp number +917011993205
Name honey jha
Ph =+917011993205
Address=India Delhi
How are you
Please make one for California!!!! Please...
Hi saim
Question for u sir life is cheaper than colombia or no
It's more ir less the same.
Colombia is cheaper
Cool retargeting Safari
nice swiss accent 😉
was machsch in kolumbie?
Cheaper to live in the UK sounds like you couldn't afford to live there yourself
Are you just cruising through gringo aimed, tourist places? The prices you quote are simply not true. If you want to live like in South Beach, Miami, sure, but I thought idea of your channel is about how not to pay gringo prices. I live in Bangkok, and when U listen to "expat experts", their advise is laughably wrong, they are tourists, clueless about expat living cost
This is not true . Because is American dollar everything is inxpensiv . Only some rural part is chip but there is nothing . Only people with low income go there . Add don't lie people
Ti si sa balkana?
woow
Fucking expensive, nobody has a pension of 2500 dollars a month😵😵😵😵😵😵😟
👍✈️
I live for $1300-$1500 per month for everything in 🇺🇸.
Where?
@@marcus6lj If you know what you're doing it can be done and you can live well in the us. I have friends living on $1300 includes all his basic expenses plus hobbies.
Millions of Americans live in the U.S. on less than $1000/month.
Hershel Lacey exist...not live!
Hershel Lacey Not well, though.
Expats, or immigrants?
same
@R F I could not say better, you are spot on.
No good....) you are living in Colombia doing a video on living in Panama. Really Dude????
Thanks for the comment. I did the video so people don‘t have to go through the internet to do the research. They can just sit back and watch the video. It‘s not rocket science to go through 4-5 websites note the cost of living, take the average, and make a video. Thanks again. Sam
@@HowToExpat I lived in Panama in the early 70's and have been binge watching exPat vids about Panama for the past week or so...and your costs align well with what I picked up on other YT channels.
Is expensive for be a 3rd world country.
Greco ,l want travel to Panama
Joe D This is NOT a 3rd world country by any means. Have you ever been here? I’m from NYC and my life in Panama City is the SAME.
I have done it easy on $1000 a month but it's a lot better to live in the filipines on a $1000 a month.. everyone do your own research and don't listen to this guy..
Panamá Is way cheaper than that dude
Hey Karolays Thanks for the comment. Can you tell the community what you think the cost of living is in Panama. Thanks
@@HowToExpat it's okay, not that bad I live in Chiriquí, I think the key is to know where you are going to shop and where to eat
Karolays Greys You can’t compare the cost of living in Panamá City or a Tourist area with living out in the countryside like Chiriquí.
@@Worldtravelerr78 I can, I lived in the city too.
Karolays Greys I currently live as an Ex Pat in Panamá City right now, and it is clear to me that many of the prices presented are too low because I pay them every month.
If you haven't ever lived there, then shut it; this is pure nonsense! :(
Lexi Des so would you say cost of living is cheaper than these figures? I’m a single person thinking of checking out panama but those figures are scary. Please enlighten me if you live there.
brownsugarbabe0823 it’s 2020. Things are much more expensive since this video was made. Don’t get me wrong, Panama is Paradise, but an expensive one. BUT, you will never find nicer people anywhere like here Panama. That’s what brought me here in the first place. The people everywhere are AMAZING.
hahahah expats usually eat street food, unless corporate tourist maybe eat at a mid-end restaurant $50.. backpacker you are fucked .. peanut butter sandwiches with coconut milk and bananas the entire trip 😂🤣
no vengan