Panama
Cost of Living in Bocas del Toro
No cars on the main island—water taxis and walking are the transport modes. Prices are 15-25% higher than mainland due to shipping costs. Healthcare is a major limitation with only a basic clinic; serious needs require 3-4 hour trip to David. Power outages are common. Starlink is becoming popular for reliable internet. Rights of Possession land is common here—be very careful with property purchases.
Monthly Total
$1,983
$34,703
Housing (1BR Mid-range)
$1,035
Daily Spend (ex. rent)
$32
Based on a typical expat lifestyle: 1BR furnished apartment, mix of cooking/eating out, rideshare transportation, moderate entertainment. Last updated: 1/14/2026.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Housing (Rent)
1BR furnished apartment in mid-range neighborhood
$1,035
$18,113
Utilities
Electric, water, gas, and internet
$195
$3,413
Groceries
Groceries from supermarkets
$280
$4,900
Dining Out
Mix of casual restaurants, ~12 meals/month
$120
$2,100
Transportation
Rideshare (Uber/Didi), ~30 rides/month
$0
$0
Lifestyle & Entertainment
Entertainment, occasional cleaning service
$183
$3,203
Healthcare
Basic private health insurance
$120
$2,100
Phone & Subscriptions
Phone plan and streaming subscriptions
$50
$875
Monthly Total
$1,983
$34,703
Recommended PartnerDon't skip health insurance
Cost estimates are great for budgeting, but real coverage protects you when something goes wrong.
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Living in Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro costs are inflated by island logistics—everything must be shipped in. Budget approximately $2,000/month for comfortable living. The trade-off is world-class Caribbean lifestyle with diving, surfing, and laid-back island vibes. Transportation works differently here: water taxis ($1-5) replace cars, and you can walk most of Bocas Town. Internet can be challenging outside town.
Frequently Asked Questions
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