Important video & lots of great insight from Omar. I'm from California & have been living in Panama for 4 years. Like others, I thought I was going to slice the cost of living by around 70%, not so. Many things are less, but the idea that you are going to have a great place for $500/month is a fantasy. I live in a gated community in Boquete & the home next to me just rented for $2500/month. TBF, if it was in California, it would rent for 6k a month, but even simple condos here are in the $1500-1800 range. I pay around $1500 month but that includes a gardener, utilities, internet, garbage service 2x/week, security HOA paid, fitness center with sauna, pool, and hot tub, tennis courts. Again in California, my place would likely be in the $4500 range monthly, so its a strong value. There is a reason that the Panamanian government in their digital nomad visa has an income per person of $3600/month + $250 per each dependent, there is a certain level it takes to live here.
@@mtngrl5859 you’re spot on my friend! Thanks for sharing your perspective! It’s all relative to your specific situation… we moved here from Va Beach Va. where our quality of life was nice but not nearly as nice as it is here in Panamá City! We cut our living expenses by 2/3 just moving here (while significantly increasing our quality of life here) again it’s all a matter of perspective. Best thing we did was come #TasteAndSee before making the move! 🙋🏾♂️🇵🇦🤎🤎#WeAllNeedSomeHelp 🙏🏾
We are here in Panama right now. Looking for a 3 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment.And we’ve been told by 3 different realtors that our starting price should be around 1,200.00 up to 1,500.00 or more just to live in a good neighborhood in the city near the hospitals .Think we really need to evaluate this situation because we have a 4 bedroom all brick home,2 and a half bathroom 3 car garage. Huge backyard walkable community. And what I’ve seen so far it doesn’t compare.Expats have really driven the prices up even the cost of food is not cheap.And not to many expats have good things to say about the food in some of the Restaurants.
@@KarenW645 yes that’s about right! Gonna be tough to find an apples to apples comparison for what you’re looking for! The houses are a built different for sure. As far as food is concerned it does matter where you go to eat. We’ve definitely been to some restaurants where the food wasn’t great! It’s like anywhere else. Once you find what you like you make a note of that and go back 😜 Bienvenidos 🇵🇦
@@genevieveorozco8798 glad that you appreciated that. We’re just trying to present some of the more realistic views of what you may be in store for if you decide to move here. We love it here and don’t plan on leaving, but we also understand that it’s not for everyone. #WeAllNeedSomeHelp
Good evening, I’ve been researching areas in Panama to live, and this excellent video with Omar opened my eyes to important questions such as 24/7 water, WiFi and all the things. ‘We all need some help’, and we definitely do.
Hello from Maryland. I've been researching relocating to Panama for the past 6 months and I really appreciate the transparency in this video! Planning to visit in January to get a first look. I appreciate you sharing your experience and resources.
Thank you all so much for your candor, insight and wisdom shared here. I have no idea how Im just now seeing this after perusing YT for insigtful, straight to the point videos. I arrived in Panama City on a solo 5.5 month stay 3 weeks ago and Ive already missed my grocery membership coupons and codes used in the US 😂. However, so far its only been a minor inconvencience as I keep in mind Im here for a reason as its been on my heart to get back to the country after a short visit nearly 20 years ago. Im not big on big tour groups so now that Im actually ready to get out and about I will be checking out some relocation guides and your Taste and See. Also, Im pretty sure Omar will be booked so could you point me in the direction of an apprentice of his por favor🙏🏽😁? I spent 2 weeks outside of the city centro, Im spending 2 weeks here in the city but would like to experience Coronado/Gorgona next followed by David and need to secure housing while there. Again, thank you all so much for all you do for your fellow potential expats/visitors to this beautiful country 🙂🙏🏽❣️
@@musiclovr9209 thanks for the kind words and bienvenidos 🇵🇦 check the link in the description for this episode and see if you can get on Omar’s calendar. Meanwhile I’ll reach out to him to see if he can help.
Recently found your channel. Really appreciate the authenticity and straight forward info. Really appreciate y’all! 🙌🏾 Def going to be visiting Panama soon.
A VERY necessary video. What has surprised me as well as far as pricing goes is the cost of food. I was here maybe 6 years ago as a vacationer and was impressed with food prices in restaurants. Really gave me the impressions life in general was a lot cheaper. Based also on my experiences in Colombia. While we are here now for a while and looking firsthand into the things we need answers to, I'm really surprised at the cost of food in the grocery stores. Even when opting for local brands we are finding the prices to not differ that much from the US. So we are still searching and learning, and this is not a deal breaker, but it is a surprise. The other thing I would say is that just like other countries including America, you have the whole range of people here. In specific to speaking Spanish, I am so so. I'm probably 40% conversational. That said Spanish is still very difficult to understand for some (me). I notice a lot of people are frustrated when you don't understand them, and need them to repeat or are just lost, even if you can respond in Spanish. I guess I say this only to say don't be discouraged by this. I'm determined to get better with my Spanish, I do indeed encounter people that are willing to work with me. Good video.
Great content. Not everyone has a big social security check or pension/investments to add to that. I was looking at Panama City and the Coronado area. Once you add on electic bill for that AC it can be a game changer. I left the US six years ago and lived in Mexico before heading to Europe. My first preference is the Mediterranean climate vs humidity, rain and bugs. 😅I was intrigued by Panamas close proximity to family in the states but I'm really on the fence now. I debating between a couple of countries. I'm going to take some time and spend a few months in each before I decide.
@@agl5132 thanks for sharing. Absolutely take your time to evaluate the best situation for you. Wish you well on your journey to #LivingLiberated #WeAllNeedSomeHelp 🤎🙏🏾
Thank you for the transparency. I will contact Omar for when I scout in December. This was very timely. Thank you all giving us the “real”. Much appreciated!
The more English is spoken in a given area, especially if it is American, the higher the cost of living. If you are willing to live away from the expat areas, the price will drop. If you go to a cost comparison website, you will quickly notice in Latin America, Panama is the second most expensive country behind only Costa Rica. But most people who have an interest in Panama are looking for “USA South of the border.”
Thank you, thank you, thank you, both and Omar for this video. It was so helpful. I'm coming in Jan. I'll reach out to Omar, and hope one day to meet you both!
I’m glad to see you out there doing your thing-outstanding work! But let’s do a little reality check, respectfully. You guys don’t speak Spanish, don’t own a car, and haven’t been there long enough to have a well-rounded view of Panama’s expenses. Take, for example, your driving around San Francisco, Marbella, and Avenida Balboa-some of the most expensive areas on the isthmus! Then talking about “busting the myth” of living cheap in Panama… 😂😂😂 Just for perspective, I have a cousin living in Arraijan (about 30 minutes from downtown) who bought a typical home in good condition for around $80 k( with ductless a/c units ) ..If you head out another 20 minutes to Costa Verde, you’ll find beautiful gated homes priced between $275K and $600K( better prices than the DMV!). Housing, healthcare, labor, and utilities are all significantly cheaper in Panama. Spend a little more time outside the city, and you’ll get a fuller picture of the cost of living ❤️ Keep up the good work!
Great information. We have been two Panama twice. Carol is our attorney for our Pensionado Visa. We will connect with Omar for a day tour on our next visit in Dec. We will stay in El Cangrejo on our next visit (to get our Permanent PenVisa). Keep up the good work!
Hi, my name is Linda Lewis, I love you guys been watching for a while but just got able to connect. I will be coming to Panama in February on the 14, 2025 and would love to meet you guys if possible I will be there until March 2,2025.
@@LindaLewis-m9u awesome sauce… Since you’re gonna be here thru March 2, mark your calendar for Saturday, March 1 for First Saturdays our monthly Gospel Brunch at Mika Café in San Francisco 🇵🇦 we would love to meet you. It starts at 8:30a and we’re normally there until 10a (grate food, fun and fellowship) 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
The bottom line is you get what you pay for, however, in the States it would usually be multiplied several times (of course that also depends on where you are looking). People go in with blinders and expectations rather than actually checking out the place before they move. Yes, you can get cheap and sometimes you can even get lucky, however, it may not check all of your boxes and Americans have their 'wants' that they want satisfied. Ask a lot of questions and talk to people that live where you are looking.
Hi, my wife and I are traveling to Panama City for our 20th anniversary next month. I secretly bar intrigued by the prospect of retiring at least part time in Panama just based on what I’ve seen. Would love to hear more and maybe even take a tour while we are in Panama from January 15 to January 212025. Let me know how we can connect.
I'm from western Europe, now living in Panama. Panama is in fact very expensive. My monthly expenses here are nearly double what they were in the Netherlands. I moved here because there are many things to love, but cost isn't one of them. Yes you can get a $200 room and eat for $1 a day, but it'll be in a tin can with a plate of rice. There are locals and immigrants who live like that, but rarely by choice. New arrivals (anywhere - not just in Panama) tend to be open to try anything and everything. So you'll see them eat a $3 meal at the side of the road. 'How cheap is that!'. But for most it's a short-lived adventure that ends when normal life - with normal prices - resumes. Which is not to say there aren't cheap enjoyable things. But it gets really specific and it will work out differently for everyone. For example: Gas: half of what I paid previously. Chocolate: 5 times more expensive than what I paid previously. Etc. YMMV.
Good morning! Trying to make an appointment with Omar; his calendar has no openings. Is that correct? If not, can he send me contact info? THANK YOU FOR YOUR INFORMATION.
@@pathkris2984 on the Atlantic Coast ( Bocas Del Toro and Colon’) the San Blas and the Pearl Islands has the white sand beaches that you’re looking for. Bienvenidos 🇵🇦
Hi, my wife and I are traveling to Panama City for our 20th anniversary next month. I secretly bar intrigued by the prospect of retiring at least part time in Panama just based on what I’ve seen. Would love to hear more and maybe even take a tour while we are in Panama from January 15 to January 212025. Let me know how we can connect.
![What is the cost of living in Costa Rica? [Updated for 2024]](/img/n.gif)
Important video & lots of great insight from Omar. I'm from California & have been living in Panama for 4 years. Like others, I thought I was going to slice the cost of living by around 70%, not so. Many things are less, but the idea that you are going to have a great place for $500/month is a fantasy.
I live in a gated community in Boquete & the home next to me just rented for $2500/month. TBF, if it was in California, it would rent for 6k a month, but even simple condos here are in the $1500-1800 range. I pay around $1500 month but that includes a gardener, utilities, internet, garbage service 2x/week, security HOA paid, fitness center with sauna, pool, and hot tub, tennis courts. Again in California, my place would likely be in the $4500 range monthly, so its a strong value.
There is a reason that the Panamanian government in their digital nomad visa has an income per person of $3600/month + $250 per each dependent, there is a certain level it takes to live here.
@@mtngrl5859 you’re spot on my friend! Thanks for sharing your perspective! It’s all relative to your specific situation… we moved here from Va Beach Va. where our quality of life was nice but not nearly as nice as it is here in Panamá City! We cut our living expenses by 2/3 just moving here (while significantly increasing our quality of life here) again it’s all a matter of perspective. Best thing we did was come #TasteAndSee before making the move! 🙋🏾♂️🇵🇦🤎🤎#WeAllNeedSomeHelp 🙏🏾
We are here in Panama right now. Looking for a 3 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment.And we’ve been told by 3 different realtors that our starting price should be around 1,200.00 up to 1,500.00 or more just to live in a good neighborhood in the city near the hospitals .Think we really need to evaluate this situation because we have a 4 bedroom all brick home,2 and a half bathroom 3 car garage. Huge backyard walkable community. And what I’ve seen so far it doesn’t compare.Expats have really driven the prices up even the cost of food is not cheap.And not to many expats have good things to say about the food in some of the Restaurants.
@@KarenW645 yes that’s about right! Gonna be tough to find an apples to apples comparison for what you’re looking for! The houses are a built different for sure. As far as food is concerned it does matter where you go to eat. We’ve definitely been to some restaurants where the food wasn’t great! It’s like anywhere else. Once you find what you like you make a note of that and go back 😜 Bienvenidos 🇵🇦
@@glennandsheribrooksjr by
Why are you looking to move ito another country f you have everything you need back home? Not bc others are moving you have to.
I love that you all went into the nitty gritty details because this is the type of analysis I've been waiting for!
@@genevieveorozco8798 glad that you appreciated that. We’re just trying to present some of the more realistic views of what you may be in store for if you decide to move here. We love it here and don’t plan on leaving, but we also understand that it’s not for everyone. #WeAllNeedSomeHelp
Good evening, I’ve been researching areas in Panama to live, and this excellent video with Omar opened my eyes to important questions such as 24/7 water, WiFi and all the things. ‘We all need some help’, and we definitely do.
@@nealrobertson8651 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
Hello from Maryland. I've been researching relocating to Panama for the past 6 months and I really appreciate the transparency in this video! Planning to visit in January to get a first look. I appreciate you sharing your experience and resources.
Thank you all so much for your candor, insight and wisdom shared here. I have no idea how Im just now seeing this after perusing YT for insigtful, straight to the point videos. I arrived in Panama City on a solo 5.5 month stay 3 weeks ago and Ive already missed my grocery membership coupons and codes used in the US 😂. However, so far its only been a minor inconvencience as I keep in mind Im here for a reason as its been on my heart to get back to the country after a short visit nearly 20 years ago. Im not big on big tour groups so now that Im actually ready to get out and about I will be checking out some relocation guides and your Taste and See. Also, Im pretty sure Omar will be booked so could you point me in the direction of an apprentice of his por favor🙏🏽😁? I spent 2 weeks outside of the city centro, Im spending 2 weeks here in the city but would like to experience Coronado/Gorgona next followed by David and need to secure housing while there. Again, thank you all so much for all you do for your fellow potential expats/visitors to this beautiful country 🙂🙏🏽❣️
@@musiclovr9209 thanks for the kind words and bienvenidos 🇵🇦 check the link in the description for this episode and see if you can get on Omar’s calendar.
Meanwhile I’ll reach out to him to see if he can help.
Recently found your channel. Really appreciate the authenticity and straight forward info. Really appreciate y’all! 🙌🏾 Def going to be visiting Panama soon.
@@robh6854 🫵🏾👊🏾👊🏾👊🏾 #LetsGooooo 🇵🇦
Absolutely love you guys!!! Thank you for all your insights and candidness! Planning a visit end of January, can't wait!!!
@@juleskoopman118 Awesome sauce 👏🏾 thanks for the kind words! GREAT time of year to visit 🇵🇦 Bienvenidos 🙋🏾♂️
Omar was so insightful. I will be reaching back out to him for another visit in March before my move! 🧡
@@deborahpickard1123 love it! 🥰
A VERY necessary video. What has surprised me as well as far as pricing goes is the cost of food. I was here maybe 6 years ago as a vacationer and was impressed with food prices in restaurants. Really gave me the impressions life in general was a lot cheaper. Based also on my experiences in Colombia. While we are here now for a while and looking firsthand into the things we need answers to, I'm really surprised at the cost of food in the grocery stores. Even when opting for local brands we are finding the prices to not differ that much from the US. So we are still searching and learning, and this is not a deal breaker, but it is a surprise. The other thing I would say is that just like other countries including America, you have the whole range of people here. In specific to speaking Spanish, I am so so. I'm probably 40% conversational. That said Spanish is still very difficult to understand for some (me). I notice a lot of people are frustrated when you don't understand them, and need them to repeat or are just lost, even if you can respond in Spanish. I guess I say this only to say don't be discouraged by this. I'm determined to get better with my Spanish, I do indeed encounter people that are willing to work with me. Good video.
@@elvdell5582 thanks so much for your SPOT ON input! #WeAllNeedSomeHelp
@@elvdell5582 would love to catch up with you.
Great content. Not everyone has a big social security check or pension/investments to add to that. I was looking at Panama City and the Coronado area. Once you add on electic bill for that AC it can be a game changer. I left the US six years ago and lived in Mexico before heading to Europe. My first preference is the Mediterranean climate vs humidity, rain and bugs. 😅I was intrigued by Panamas close proximity to family in the states but I'm really on the fence now. I debating between a couple of countries. I'm going to take some time and spend a few months in each before I decide.
@@agl5132 thanks for sharing. Absolutely take your time to evaluate the best situation for you. Wish you well on your journey to #LivingLiberated #WeAllNeedSomeHelp 🤎🙏🏾
Thank you for the transparency. I will contact Omar for when I scout in December. This was very timely. Thank you all giving us the “real”. Much appreciated!
@@seizeself-loveself-care9869 #WeAllNeedSomeHelp 🙏🏾
The more English is spoken in a given area, especially if it is American, the higher the cost of living. If you are willing to live away from the expat areas, the price will drop. If you go to a cost comparison website, you will quickly notice in Latin America, Panama is the second most expensive country behind only Costa Rica. But most people who have an interest in Panama are looking for “USA South of the border.”
@@GBU61 appreciate you for sharing! #WeAllNeedSomeHelp
Thank you, thank you, thank you, both and Omar for this video. It was so helpful. I'm coming in Jan. I'll reach out to Omar, and hope one day to meet you both!
@@norvellatastytopia1687 Awesome 👏🏾 #WeAllNeedSomeHelp
I’m glad to see you out there doing your thing-outstanding work!
But let’s do a little reality check, respectfully. You guys don’t speak Spanish, don’t own a car, and haven’t been there long enough to have a well-rounded view of Panama’s expenses.
Take, for example, your driving around San Francisco, Marbella, and Avenida Balboa-some of the most expensive areas on the isthmus! Then talking about “busting the myth” of living cheap in Panama… 😂😂😂
Just for perspective, I have a cousin living in Arraijan (about 30 minutes from downtown) who bought a typical home in good condition for around $80 k( with ductless a/c units ) ..If you head out another 20 minutes to Costa Verde, you’ll find beautiful gated homes priced between $275K and $600K( better prices than the DMV!). Housing, healthcare, labor, and utilities are all significantly cheaper in Panama. Spend a little more time outside the city, and you’ll get a fuller picture of the cost of living ❤️
Keep up the good work!
@@1879gym thanks for chiming in #WeAllNeedSomeHelp
Hello great information, will be reaching out to you guys soon
Omar’s information is in the show’s description! #WeAllNeedSomeHelp
If you want to connect with Omar… his information is in the show description!
Great information. We have been two Panama twice. Carol is our attorney for our Pensionado Visa. We will connect with Omar for a day tour on our next visit in Dec. We will stay in El Cangrejo on our next visit (to get our Permanent PenVisa). Keep up the good work!
Lo siento, solo hablo un poco de español, pero estoy aprendiendo.
😂 me too 😢
Pabama city is very expensive, there is other areas cheaper, Chorrera, David in Chiriqui, if you have the money to expend..Panama city is your placd
Hi, my name is Linda Lewis, I love you guys been watching for a while but just got able to connect. I will be coming to Panama in February on the 14, 2025 and would love to meet you guys if possible I will be there until March 2,2025.
@@LindaLewis-m9u awesome sauce… Since you’re gonna be here thru March 2, mark your calendar for Saturday, March 1 for First Saturdays our monthly Gospel Brunch at Mika Café in San Francisco 🇵🇦 we would love to meet you. It starts at 8:30a and we’re normally there until 10a (grate food, fun and fellowship) 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
Yes I will be there
How hard is it to rent property there is credit a factor or issue what do I need as a Expate?
Bring cash.
YES!!!
Thanks for tuning in, please share todays episode 😊
The bottom line is you get what you pay for, however, in the States it would usually be multiplied several times (of course that also depends on where you are looking). People go in with blinders and expectations rather than actually checking out the place before they move. Yes, you can get cheap and sometimes you can even get lucky, however, it may not check all of your boxes and Americans have their 'wants' that they want satisfied. Ask a lot of questions and talk to people that live where you are looking.
@@mpdnd1335 👈🏾 ALL OF ABOVE ⬆️ SLOW DOWN! ASK QUESTIONS of those that would know! DO YOUR OWN THOROUGH RESEARCH! #WeAllNeedSomeHelp
Thanks for tuning in today ❤
Hope you enjoyed todays show
Yes
Hi, my wife and I are traveling to Panama City for our 20th anniversary next month. I secretly bar intrigued by the prospect of retiring at least part time in Panama just based on what I’ve seen. Would love to hear more and maybe even take a tour while we are in Panama from January 15 to January 212025. Let me know how we can connect.
@@gormanbrown5093 Awesome 👏🏾 feel to schedule some time with us. Here’s the link 👉🏾 BrooksSchedulingPage.as.me/TasteAndSeeConsult
I want to get in contact with Omar. I will be there in Feb, please? Great video
@@ItsRedi awesome 👏🏾 his information is in the description below on the video post ( Bienvenidos 🇵🇦)
I'm from western Europe, now living in Panama. Panama is in fact very expensive. My monthly expenses here are nearly double what they were in the Netherlands. I moved here because there are many things to love, but cost isn't one of them.
Yes you can get a $200 room and eat for $1 a day, but it'll be in a tin can with a plate of rice. There are locals and immigrants who live like that, but rarely by choice.
New arrivals (anywhere - not just in Panama) tend to be open to try anything and everything. So you'll see them eat a $3 meal at the side of the road. 'How cheap is that!'. But for most it's a short-lived adventure that ends when normal life - with normal prices - resumes.
Which is not to say there aren't cheap enjoyable things. But it gets really specific and it will work out differently for everyone. For example: Gas: half of what I paid previously. Chocolate: 5 times more expensive than what I paid previously. Etc. YMMV.
@@d-tech5338 extremely accurate my friend! Thanks for sharing #WeAllNeedSomeHelp
Do they increase rent price yearly like they do in US
@@joichristian2514 normally yes, but how much depends on the landlord!
Buenas tardes mi familia 😊😊😊
We invite you JOIN our channel to get early access to content plus more …. 😊
Come Taste and See Panama 🇵🇦
Good morning! Trying to make an appointment with Omar; his calendar has no openings. Is that correct? If not, can he send me contact info? THANK YOU FOR YOUR INFORMATION.
@@garyspencer720 I know he’s busy, but I didn’t think he was that busy🤪. I’ll let him know. Try and take a look again tomorrow. #WeNeedSomeHelp
@glennandsheribrooksjr lol. Glad the brother has work!
Buenas 🙋🏾♂️
Have you ever visited Panama 🇵🇦??? Share your experiences
Where are you viewing us from? City/Country?
Yes I want to know the truth about Panama's cost of living. Thanks
Thank you for tuning in today 😊
If Coronado has black sand, which place in Panama has white sands and clear water, aka like Miami?
@@pathkris2984 on the Atlantic Coast ( Bocas Del Toro and Colon’) the San Blas and the Pearl Islands has the white sand beaches that you’re looking for. Bienvenidos 🇵🇦
Hi, my wife and I are traveling to Panama City for our 20th anniversary next month. I secretly bar intrigued by the prospect of retiring at least part time in Panama just based on what I’ve seen. Would love to hear more and maybe even take a tour while we are in Panama from January 15 to January 212025. Let me know how we can connect.
Yes
Yes