Are you dreaming of coastal living with modern amenities at an affordable price? Coronado, Panama might be the perfect destination for your next chapter. Located just an hour from Panama City on the Pacific coast, this beautiful beach town offers a compelling mix of tropical climate, developed infrastructure, and a thriving expat community.
Check out all our available listings in Coronado, Panama.
What Makes Coronado Special?
Coronado stands out as one of Panama’s most developed beach communities. Originally founded in 1941 by Bob Eisenmann, it has evolved from a visionary’s dream into a thriving coastal community. The area is known for its unique “salt and pepper” beaches—a striking combination of white and black volcanic sand that actually sparkles in the sunlight.
The town sits in what locals call the “Arco Seco” or dry arc, experiencing remarkably less rainfall than other parts of Panama while maintaining year-round temperatures averaging around 85°F (29°C). This creates perfect conditions for outdoor activities and beach living.
Amenities and Lifestyle
One of Coronado’s biggest draws is its comprehensive infrastructure that offers many of the conveniences expats might miss from home:
- Shopping: Four major supermarkets (Super 99, Rey, Riba Smith, Machetazo) plus local fruit stands and organic options
- Healthcare: San Fernando Clinic with English-speaking doctors, emergency care, and X-ray facilities
- Recreation: 18-hole golf course designed by Tom and George Fazio, beach activities, movie theaters
- Security: 24/7 gated community with a police station at the entrance
- Social Scene: Numerous restaurants (like Picasso, Luna Rosa, Sandbar Gastropub), trivia nights, live music, and a vibrant expat community
As resident explains, “Here in the area there’s all kinds of things to do…we have movie theaters, gyms, lots of amazing instructors that give yoga classes, surf lessons, zumba. There’s dance classes for the little ones, martial arts programs. Also, a lot of the expats have formed their own groups and they get together based off of interests.”
Breaking Down the Costs
So what might your budget look like in Coronado? Here’s a comprehensive breakdown for a couple:
Housing
- Rental: $800-$2,000 monthly (2-bedroom)
- Beach view apartments: Around $1,250 (without electricity)
- Single-family homes: Can be found for as little as $700/month
- High-rise condos: $1,100-$1,600 monthly
Utilities
- Electricity: $150-$300 (heavily dependent on AC usage)
- Gas: $5-$10 (small tanks for dryer & stove)
- Water & Garbage: $10-$16
- Internet: $20-$35 (high-speed)
- Cable/TV: $35-$70
- Phone/Internet/Cable Package: Around $50
- Cell Phone: $5-$25
Food & Daily Expenses
- Groceries & Household Items: $350-$450 monthly
- Healthcare: $50-$100 monthly (varies with insurance, medications, etc.)
- Transportation: $40-$200 (with compact car) or $30 (taxis & bus only)
- Entertainment: $250-$350 monthly (dining out 2-4 times/month)
- Miscellaneous: $40
Total Monthly Budget Range: $1,810-$3,667
Additional Considerations
- Maid Services: $70-$350 (full-time)
- Annual Trip Home: Approximately $400 – $600
- Coronado Golf Club Membership: $300/month (includes golf, spa, pool, restaurants, pickleball, tennis, fitness)
Smart Money-Saving Tips
If you’re looking to live in Coronado on a tighter budget, consider these strategies:
- Location matters: Apartments facing east receive less direct sunlight and have natural ocean breezes, reducing AC costs
- Neighboring towns: Nuevo Gorgona and San Carlos offer lower costs with similar benefits, just 15-20 minutes away
- Shopping local: Purchasing produce from local stands rather than imported goods at supermarkets
- Transportation: Public buses run regularly to Panama City for just $2.50 each way
The Expat Experience
What makes Coronado particularly appealing is its established expat community. As one resident puts it, “It’s really important to understand that here in Panama in general, not specific to the Coronado area, there are no physical addresses… so having an expat community to help navigate these unique aspects of life in Panama is invaluable.”
The community is diverse, welcoming, and supportive, making the transition to life in Panama much smoother. Many expats report that it’s very easy to meet people and build friendships in Coronado.
Is Coronado Right for You?
Coronado offers a perfect balance for those who want the beauty of Panama with modern conveniences. As one resident aptly noted, “You will love Coronado if that is what you want. You will hate it if you want to move to Panama to live ‘with the peoples’ and have a different-from-home lifestyle.”
If you’re seeking a laid-back beach lifestyle with golf, shopping, restaurants, and a supportive expat community—all at a fraction of what it would cost in North America or Europe—Coronado deserves your consideration.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
If Coronado sounds like your ideal destination, Casa Solution Real Estate can help you find the perfect property. With our extensive knowledge of the area and professional approach, we can guide you through every step of your relocation journey.
“Casa Solution staff was courteous, competent, efficient, and friendly. Ryan Braasch managed what could be considered a tedious sale and was great at keeping everything going smoothly. I had confidence in his experience and demeanor. We were given ample notice of a showing with people who were pre-qualified. I will gladly recommend Casa Solution and Ryan to anyone.” – Linda Hegner
Whether you’re looking to rent, buy, or just explore your options, contact us today to learn more about making Coronado, Panama your new home!
