Moving to Panama can be an exciting start to a new chapter in your life at any age, and practically any budget. There’s a lot to take in before your big move, and even more after you’ve moved here. All of it is part of the overall experience, and it’s important to understand that you’ll have some highs and lows as you go through the process. Thankfully, there are many others who have taking the path of moving to Panama before you, and have shared with us their insights into what they knew, and what they wished they knew before their Panama relocation.
Learn more about moving to Panama.
The Weather is Hotter and More Humid Than Expected
Nothing can quite prepare you for the tropical heat and humidity of Panama during the rainy (green) season, but it’s important to set expectations before living here. From about May to November, hot and humid weather is a daily reality that Panamanians and foreigners living in Panama deal with and adapt to. It may feel stifling at times, but you carve your lifestyle around it so that you don’t suffer from it, and in some cases even enjoy it. Almost all businesses in Panama have well-cooled spaces from air conditioning and locals tend to stay indoors during peak heat times throughout the day.
There are also a number of areas within the country that have cooler microclimates. These are found in more mountainous places like Boquete, El Valle, and Cerro Azul. You can choose to live in a cooler location if the heat seems like a deal-breaker for moving to Panama, or choose to spend more time in these cooler microclimates during the hottest months.
Moving to Panama: Not All “Expat Communities” are the Same
When moving to Panama it’s important to pick the right community to live and socialize in. Though many people may think that local “expat communities” are all relatively the same, this couldn’t be further from the truth. With so many diverse groups of expats and immigrants, you can find a wide variety of communities and lifestyles in Panama that suit your needs perfectly. For example, many expat communities are predominantly populated by retirees. Others have younger remote workers, and others have families who decided to relocate to Panama with their clan.
There are also a lot of options when it comes to geography and how these communities are developed. Many expats choose to live in highly-developed urban areas of Panama City, where big city living and condo amenities are omnipresent. Other expats choose to live in the old town neighborhood of Casco Viejo, with a unique colonial appeal just a few blocks away from all of the big city conveniences. For people who want a more relaxing pace of life and to be closer to nature, there are some great expat communities on the beach and in the mountains. The beach and mountain communities are slower paced, have more land to live on, nature to explore, yet still have lots of room for socializing and being active outdoors.
Life Moves at a Slower Pace (And That’s a Good Thing)
Life in Panama, for the most part, moves a lot slower than many people expect. This is a big part of the appeal, and worth noting before moving to Panama. It takes a bit of time to get used to, but the slower pace of live has many rewards once you go with the flow. Service can be a bit slower at restaurants. Contractors and contracting projects take a bit more time. People may show up a bit late to things in your personal and social life. While these may sound like negatives, when you adjust to it you’ll feel less stressed and less pressure.
You can move at a slower, more relaxed pace in Panama and not feel the pressure to be rushing around all the time. The warm weather, slow pace of life, and relaxed way of doing things actually contributes greatly to the high rates of happiness and good quality of life in the country. This is something to be expected but also to be embraced. After all, why move to a tropical paradise to just rush around all the time like you would back in your hometown?
Cost of Living Can Vary Widely
One of the biggest misconceptions about moving to Panama is that it’s universally “cheap.” While the overall cost of living is lower than in the U.S. or Europe, prices can fluctuate dramatically depending on where and how you choose to live. In Panama City, for example, renting a modern apartment in a central neighborhood can cost $1,200–$2,000 per month, while a similar property in a smaller town like Boquete might be half that. Groceries, utilities, and dining out also vary—imported goods, fancy restaurants, and air conditioning will quickly raise your monthly expenses. On the other hand, buying local produce, living in a cooler climate (where A/C isn’t necessary), and embracing a more modest lifestyle can keep your budget surprisingly low. The key takeaway? Panama can be affordable, but it’s not one-size-fits-all. Your personal choices will define how “cheap” or “expensive” your Panama experience really is.
Moving to Panama Can be a Rewarding Experience
Moving to Panama can be such a rewarding experience if you do it right, do it with patience, and do it with a smile on your face. There will always be things that pop up unexpectedly, sometimes good, sometimes bad. But this is all part of the process and part of the larger journey of relocating to a wonderful new place and starting a wonderful new life. To learn more about moving to Panama and what to expect, feel free to contact us for a consultation.
