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Cost of Living Comparison (2026)
Panama City is 15% cheaper than San Jose
Quick answer
Comparing Panama City, Panama and San Jose, Costa Rica: a moderate single-person monthly budget is approximately $1,650 in Panama City versus $1,400 in San Jose. Panama City is roughly 15% cheaper overall. Central 1-bed rent: $1,000/mo (Panama City) vs $700/mo (San Jose). Estimates use World Bank PPP data + national statistics + (where available) item-level price snapshots.
Key facts
| Lifestyle | 🇵🇦 Panama City | 🇨🇷 San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | $1,150/mo | $1,000/mo | -13% |
| Moderate | $1,650/mo | $1,400/mo | -15% |
| Comfortable | $2,500/mo | $2,100/mo | -16% |
Estimates for a single person. Based on World Bank PPP data and national statistics.
| Category | 🇵🇦 Panama City | 🇨🇷 San Jose | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (1-bed, center) | $1,000/mo | $700/mo | -30% |
| Groceries & Food | $330/mo | $280/mo | -15% |
| Dining Out | $140/mo | $120/mo | -14% |
| Transport | $25/mo | $30/mo | +20% |
| Utilities & Internet | $165/mo | $140/mo | -15% |
| Healthcare | $132/mo | $112/mo | -15% |
| Leisure & Personal | $116/mo | $98/mo | -16% |
Explore more: Panama City city guide | San Jose city guide | Panama | Costa Rica