Panama City vs Monterrey

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Panama City is roughly 2% more affordable than Monterrey (index 31 vs 31, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Panama City
More affordable overall
2% cheaper than Monterrey · Cost index: 31 vs 31

Life Power at $3,000/mo

The same salary ranks differently depending on where you live — from Beggar to King.

Head-to-Head Stats

31Cost Index31
1,300✓Median Income /mo1,106
60✓Safety Index52
15✓Income Tax %20
75Internet (Mbps)86✓
200✓Coworking /mo250

Price Breakdown

Panama CityCategoryMonterrey
$1,320/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
23% ← cheaper
$1,021/month
$1/liter
Meal for One
41% cheaper →
$1.7/liter
$12/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
14% cheaper →
$14/meal
$21/month
Monthly Transit Pass
40% cheaper →
$35/month
$124/month
Utilities (Monthly)
11% ← cheaper
$110/month
$40/visit
Doctor Visit
$40/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Panama City

Internet75 Mbps
Coworking$200/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability55/100

Monterrey

Internet86 Mbps
Coworking$250/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability70/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Panama City cheaper than Monterrey?

Panama City is cheaper than Monterrey. Panama City has a cost of living index of 31/100 compared to 31/100 for Monterrey (New York = 100), making it roughly 2% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Panama City than Monterrey?

Panama City is approximately 2% cheaper than Monterrey based on cost index scores (31 vs 31, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Monterrey could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,946/month in Panama City.

What is the rent comparison between Panama City and Monterrey?

In Panama City, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,320/month. In Monterrey, the equivalent is around $1,021/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Panama City or Monterrey?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Panama City offers 75 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$200/month. Monterrey offers 86 Mbps and coworking at ~$250/month. Panama City has a cost advantage of 2%.

What is the average income in Panama City vs Monterrey?

The median net monthly salary in Panama City is approximately $1,300 USD, compared to $1,106 USD in Monterrey.

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