Find out about each of the 10 areas and see the properties for sale in each destination at the links below.
DISCOVER PANAMA’S TOP RETIREMENT HAVENS: FROM BUSTLING CITIES TO TRANQUIL BEACHES
“Panama may be best known for its iconic canal, but for older Americans, it’s also a retirement wonderland with sunny vistas, a low cost of living and a wealth of lifestyle amenities.”
“Panama is also one of the Caribbean’s largest economic engines, with its gross domestic product expected to increase by nearly 33% between 2024 and 2029, reaching a record high of $116.23 billion, according to data from Statista.”
Panama, a gem of Central America, is quickly becoming a favorite destination for retirees seeking a sunny, affordable, and vibrant lifestyle. Beyond the iconic canal, Panama offers a warm and welcoming community, making it an ideal place to spend your golden years. The country’s low cost of living, stunning landscapes, and diverse range of communities cater to all preferences, whether you’re drawn to the cool highlands or the vibrant coastal areas. This article from Lonely Planet highlights why Panama is such an appealing destination for retirees, capturing the essence of a place where comfort, affordability, and beauty come together harmoniously.
money.usnews.com – Getty Images – Lush indigenous jungles and stunning coastlines make Panama one of the most beautiful countries for retirees.
Panama’s diverse landscape offers retirees a variety of enticing destinations, each with its own unique character and lifestyle:
- Boca Chica
“With a tiny population of 500 people, Boca Chica is a densely populated town that offers retirees a relaxed and quaint lifestyle. A single retiree can easily live it an ocean-view villa for $1,200 per month or purchase one of the area’s brightly hued homes with a jungle backdrop for about $250,000. Expect basic household utilities to cost about $40 per month.” - Boquete
“Pensioners will also love Boquete’s budget-friendly vibe, with expats receiving up to 20% off hospital and clinic services, 25% off Panama airfares and at bars and eateries, and up to 50% off entertainment like movies, music and sporting events.” - Chitré
“Like most Panamanian landing spots, Chitré offers abundant activities at a low cost. There are daily flights from the region’s local airport to Panama City that make transportation to the region convenient, and the Pan American highway is only minutes away.” - Coronado
“Aside from its lush jungle vibe, Coronado offers residents comfortable amenities like 24-hour supermarkets, easy access to good hospitals and medical clinics and daily activities like hiking to nearby Saltos de Filipinas waterfalls or relaxing El Valle’s hot springs. U.S. residents with a Pensionado Visa get significant discounts on medical services and entertainment. Golf, pickleball and scenic coastal walks are all mainstays in Coronado. Expect steady sunny days with little rainfall with average year-round temperatures in the low to mid-80s.” - David
“David offers its burgeoning expat community most of the infrastructure and lifestyle amenities found in Panama City, but at a much lower cost. Located inland, the region is one of the warmest locales in Panama, with daytime temperatures in the mid-80s and 90s year-round.” - El Valle de Antón
“El Valle attracts many expats who love the area’s serene style, ample hiking opportunities and scenic landscapes. They also enjoy a low cost of living, with monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment as low as $500 and a great meal out for two people about $30. The average monthly grocery bill is around $200, and the town offers a monthly transportation pass for $15.” - Panama City
“Retirees can expect a high quality but low cost of living and are welcomed with open arms by the country and its biggest city. No visa is required to visit for house hunting and cultural due diligence, and retirees mulling Panama City as a retirement landing only need to demonstrate a retirement income or pension of $1,000 per month, which is the case throughout the country.””Panama City has a lot to offer retirees and living there doesn’t cost much, making it an ideal entry point for expats to start their Panama retirement experience.” - Puerto Armuelles
“At 20,000 residents, Puerto Armuelles maintains a small-town feel and a reasonable cost of living. Oceanfront properties are often sold for $200,000, and two-bedroom apartments can be rented for as low as $300 per month.” - San Francisco, Panama City
“San Francisco is also only 15 minutes away from Panama City’s Tocumen International Airport. High-end apartment and villa living – including water, phone, cable, housekeeping, groceries and entertainment – costs about $3,500, leaving retirees plenty of cash to enjoy the surrounding area on a regular basis.” - Volcán
“The town has about 15,000 residents and a healthy number of expats drawn to the cool mountain climate. Daily temperatures average between 70 and 75 degrees and usually fall to the 60s when the sun goes down.Volcán also offers a vastly reduced cost of living compared to the U.S. Retirees can rent a two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit for $500 to $900 per month, while a three-bedroom unit only costs a hundred dollars more.”
Panama’s appeal as a retirement destination continues to grow, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, economic stability, and affordable living. From the vibrant urban life of Panama City to the tranquil beaches of Coronado, retirees can find their ideal lifestyle. The country’s pensionado visa program, which offers significant discounts on various services, makes Panama even more attractive for those looking to stretch their retirement dollars.
For those interested in real estate investment, Panama’s diverse locations present numerous opportunities. Whether you’re drawn to beachfront properties, mountain retreats, or city apartments, there’s something for every preference and budget. The growing expat communities in areas like Boquete and Chitré also ensure a smooth transition for newcomers, combining local charm with familiar comforts.
