San Juan vs Panama City

Cost of living comparison for 2026. San Juan is roughly 2% more affordable than Panama City (index 29 vs 30, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

San Juan
More affordable overall
2% cheaper than Panama City · Cost index: 29 vs 30

Life Power at $3,000/mo

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

Head-to-Head Stats

29Cost Index30
3,200Median Income /mo650
58Safety Index62
18Income Tax %15
100Internet (Mbps)95
200Coworking /mo380

Price Breakdown

San JuanCategoryPanama City
$1,900/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
34% ← cheaper
$1,260/month
$1.3/liter
Meal for One
15% ← cheaper
$1.1/liter
$12/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
$12/meal
$30/month
Monthly Transit Pass
30% ← cheaper
$21/month
$352/month
Utilities (Monthly)
62% ← cheaper
$135/month
$100/visit
Doctor Visit
40% ← cheaper
$60/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

San Juan

Internet100 Mbps
Coworking$200/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability72/100

Panama City

Internet95 Mbps
Coworking$380/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability72/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is San Juan cheaper than Panama City?

San Juan is cheaper than Panama City. San Juan has a cost of living index of 29/100 compared to 30/100 for Panama City (New York = 100), making it roughly 2% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is San Juan than Panama City?

San Juan is approximately 2% cheaper than Panama City based on cost index scores (29 vs 30, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Panama City could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,943/month in San Juan.

What is the rent comparison between San Juan and Panama City?

In San Juan, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,900/month. In Panama City, the equivalent is around $1,260/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. San Juan offers 100 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$200/month. Panama City offers 95 Mbps and coworking at ~$380/month. San Juan has a cost advantage of 2%.

What is the average income in San Juan vs Panama City?

The median net monthly salary in San Juan is approximately $3,200 USD, compared to $650 USD in Panama City.

Compare San Juan with…

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