How Much Does It Cost To Move to Panama From the US?
Fact Checked by: Here’s the quick answer: Moving to Panama from the United States typically costs around $9,500 for two people, including expenses for visas, airline tickets, and of course, hiring an international mover.
Here’s a closer look at the cost to move to Panama:
- Hiring international movers: In addition to the typical expenses for a move, you can expect to pay $2,000 to $3,500 to ship your belongings by sea freight. Your costs will vary based on your location and your start and end points.
- Visa fees: Residential visa fees in Panama can range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand, depending on the type of visa you apply for and whether you work with an attorney.
- Airline tickets: Expect to pay close to $1,500 for two travelers to Panama. Expect cheaper airfare from airports that fly directly to Panama City, such as Miami, Houston, and Los Angeles.
- Living expenses: In addition to your direct moving costs, be sure to save extra for your first month’s rent at your new home or apartment, as well as stocking up on groceries and other household necessities.
In this article, we’ll cover what you need to know about how to move to Panama from the U.S. so you can be prepared to cover the costs.
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Average cost of moving to Panama from the US
Moving to Panama from the U.S. can cost anywhere from $7,000 to $14,000, depending on factors like:
- Your starting and ending location
- The size of your move
- When you buy plane tickets
How you move is another important cost factor. Your move will be much cheaper if you use sea freight to ship your belongings (even if it will take longer for everything to arrive). While air freight will get your stuff to Panama faster, this will make your move much more expensive.
Sea freight costs from the US to Panama
Sea freight is the most common option for shipping belongings from the U.S. to Panama, mainly because of its lower costs. Shipping a container by sea freight to Panama is also faster than making a similar shipment to Europe. While European shipments typically take four to six weeks, shipments to Panama are often completed in two to three weeks.
Shipping belongings by sea freight also allows you to fit a lot more belongings for your move. A 20-foot shipping container can generally fit the contents of a smaller 3-bedroom home, so you won’t have to downsize as much before your move.
The main drawback of sea freight is that it is much slower with less predictable delivery timelines than air freight. You’ll want to coordinate your plane tickets so you and your stuff arrive around the same time!
| From | To | Container Cost* | Delivery Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | Puerto Caldera | $3,750 | 18 to 22 days |
| Charleston, SC | Balboa | $2,250 | 12 to 16 days |
| New Orleans, LA | Balboa | $3,000 | 12 to 16 days |
| Houston, TX | Puerto Limon | $2,000 | 12 to 16 days |
*Based on a 20-foot container
Air freight costs from the US to Panama
Air freight is by far the fastest way to get your stuff to Panama. Instead of measuring shipping time in weeks, you can get your stuff delivered in days. For expats who want to be sure they arrive in Panama at the same time as their belongings, air freight is the way to go.
Despite this, air freight has two main drawbacks: cost and space limitations. Air freight is way more expensive than sea freight, and airplanes have much less available space than if you used a shipping container. Because of this, air freight is generally best for smaller shipments, such as if you plan to get rid of most of your stuff before your move and buy replacements in Panama.
| From | To | Shipment Cost* | Delivery Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | Panama City | $500 | 2 to 4 days |
| Charleston, SC | Panama City | $500 | 2 to 4 days |
| New Orleans, LA | David | $500 | 2 to 4 days |
| Houston, TX | David | $500 | 2 to 4 days |
* Based on a 100kg (roughly 220-pound) shipment
How much does it cost to live in Panama?
One of the reasons why so many Americans want to work or retire in Panama is due to its low cost of living. According to Numbeo, Panama’s cost of living (without rent) is 33% less than the United States. And rent is even cheaper, coming in at 44.2% lower than in the United States.
Of course, a big part of why Panama’s cost of living is so much lower is that average salaries are also much lower. With a monthly net salary of just $827.92 per month, you probably aren’t going to have a lot of buying power taking on a local job. Fortunately, Panama’s visa options include visas specifically for remote workers, allowing you to continue working for your current company from Panama, so you don’t have to take a salary cut.
With your existing retirement account or remote job, you can stretch your income much further by living in Panama! Best of all, Panama uses the American Dollar interchangeably with the Panamanian balboa, making it easy to compare prices with back home.
Housing costs in Panama
Whether you plan to rent or buy, housing costs in Panama tend to be much lower than in the United States. For example, when comparing Panama City and Jacksonville, FL, you can expect to pay 21% to 31% less on rent, depending on the size and location of your apartment. Similarly, buying will be 19% to 32% less expensive.
| Apartment | Panama City | Jacksonville | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR rental | $1,112.50 | $1,553.42 | -28.4% |
| 3BR rental | $2,064.36 | $2,917.56 | -29.2% |
| Price per sq. ft. (for purchase) | $232.84 | $288.54 | -19.3% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Panama City and Jacksonville (March 2025)
Not sure where to start your housing search? Websites like Panama Home Realty and Premier Casa are considered good sites to find properties for sale or rent. It can also be helpful to talk to Panama expat groups online to learn more about the best housing options for the city you’re considering.
The following are some of the best cities for expats in Panama:
- Panama City: Panama City is regarded as one of the best cities in all of Latin America. Its modern infrastructure makes it easy to get around. Reliable utilities and quality healthcare, schools, and shopping provide an easier adjustment for expats. It’s also relatively close to the coast for beach trips.
- Coronado: This relaxed beach city is another popular choice for expats. In addition to beautiful beaches, Coronado is also conveniently located to outdoor attractions like the Coronado Dry Forest Walking Trail and Altos de Campana National Park.
- Gorgona: Gorgona is a popular beach town for retirees because it is less expensive and less crowded than Coronado and other beach towns. The area is very walkable and safe. Housing tends to be less expensive as well. However, it has fewer shopping and restaurant options than other areas.
- Boquete: The mountain town of Boquete has a population of just 23,000, but roughly 20% are expats. The mild mountain climate makes it an excellent place to enjoy outdoor activities, and it’s still only about an hour from the beach.
Utilities costs in Panama
Utilities in Panama City are also cheaper than in Jacksonville, averaging about 35% less for basic utilities and 19% less for internet plans. Despite its lower prices, Panama is known for having reliable utility systems, especially when compared to other parts of Latin America.
| Utility | Panama City | Jacksonville | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| *Basic housing utilities | $122.30 | $190.86 | -35.9% |
| Internet | $49.54 | $61.85 | -19.9% |
| Monthly cell phone plan | $29.88 | $42.92 | -30.4% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Panama City and Jacksonville (March 2025)
*Based on the combined cost of electricity, water/sewer, and trash for a 915 square foot apartment as of March 2025
Food costs in Panama
If you love fresh produce, you’ll love living in Panama. Apples, oranges, tomatoes, lettuce, and other produce are typically 28% to 35% cheaper in Panama City than in Jacksonville. You’ll also find lower costs on staples like bread, rice, cheese, and meat. And if you like to go out to eat, you can expect to pay 33% to 50% less than you would in the U.S. Pretty much the only food item that’s more expensive in Panama is milk.
| Food | Panama City | Jacksonville | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast food meal | $8.00 | $11.50 | -30.4% |
| 3-course meal at a mid-range restaurant | $55.00 | $83.00 | -33.7% |
| Gallon of milk | $6.91 | $4.45 | +55.2% |
| 1 dozen eggs | $2.83 | $4.52 | -37.4% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Panama City and Jacksonville (March 2025)
Transportation costs in Panama
Panama has a robust public transportation system served by buses, taxis, private cars, and a metro. If you want to drive around on your own, its four major expressways make it easy to get to any part of the country. Best of all, transportation tends to be much less expensive in Panama. While you’ll spend a little more on gas, taxis, public transportation, and even new cars are all much cheaper than you’ll find in the US.
| Transportation Mode | Panama City | Jacksonville | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-way public transit ticket | $0.42 | $2.00 | -78.8% |
| Monthly public transit pass | $22.50 | $57.23 | -60.7% |
| Cost of one gallon of gas | $3.49 | $3.37 | +3.8% |
| *Cost to buy a new car | $21,133.33 | $25,027.03 | -15.6% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Panama City and Jacksonville (March 2025)
*Based on the cost of Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort or equivalent new vehicle as of March 2025
Education costs in Panama
If you’re planning on bringing your entire family to Panama, rest assured that there are plenty of international schools in the country. That being said, private education costs can vary. While a private preschool/kindergarten can be 63% cheaper in Panama, costs for international primary schools are 23% more expensive in Panama City than in Jacksonville.
| Type of Education | Panama City | Jacksonville | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-day private preschool/kindergarten (monthly) | $476.00 | $1,312.50 | -63.7% |
| International primary school (annual) | $13,733.33 | $11,133.33 | +23.4% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Panama City and Jacksonville (March 2025)
Panama’s visa & immigration requirements
Panama offers several visa options for Americans, with three in particular standing out if you want to live in the country for the long term.
The Friendly Nations visa is available to citizens of the United States and other countries considered “friendly” to Panama. This visa is available to Americans who invest $200,000 or more in Panamanian real estate, make a $200,000+ deposit in a Panamanian bank, or get a work permit and employment from a company located in Panama. You can work in Panama with this visa.
The Pensionado visa is designed for retirees. To qualify, you need to have proof of dependable income of $1,000 per month (typically from annuities or pensions). The pensionado visa offers many benefits for older adults, including discounts on entertainment, public transportation, utilities, medical care, and more. It’s one of the world’s best visas for retirees.
Finally, Panama’s Remote Worker Visa lets remote workers spend up to 18 months working in Panama. Whether you work as a freelancer or for a company that allows remote work, you can qualify for this visa if you earn over $36,000 per year.
Moving to Panama from the US
Whether you’re retiring in Panama or planning on living in Panama as a remote worker, pulling off this move requires several steps. For starters, you’ll need to apply for the right visa for your living situation, look for housing, and buy airline tickets.
One of the hardest parts of an international move to Panama is figuring out how you’ll ship your belongings. With the right moving companies on your side, however, this step can become a lot easier.
Top international moving companies
Hiring a full-service moving company is well worth the cost. Quality international movers are well-versed in tracking and logistics for international moves, and can also help you with tasks like coordinating customs requirements.
If you’re interested in working with full-service movers for your move to Panama, here are our top picks based on their services, pricing, and customer feedback:
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Shipping your vehicle to Panama
Shipping your car overseas isn’t for everyone, but it’s a must if you want full control over how you’ll get around in Panama. Some international movers, like JK Moving, can also help coordinate auto shipping.
If your international mover doesn’t handle vehicle shipments, you’ll need to choose a qualified international car shipping company instead.
The following are our top picks for shipping your vehicle to Panama based on availability, pricing, and customer satisfaction:
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Tips for moving to Panama from the US
Moving to Panama from the U.S. requires careful planning. Following a moving abroad checklist and starting your prep work well in advance will go a long way in helping you have a smooth move:
- Start your visa application first. You shouldn’t finalize your plans to move until your Panamanian visa has been approved. Check the requirements and gather all documents for the visa you wish to apply for. Once you’ve figured this out, you can begin moving forward with the rest of your moving plans.
- Connect with local expat groups. Panama has a large U.S. expat community. Try to connect with expat groups online to get more information and recommendations about the cities you’re considering. Plus, members of these groups could become new friends when you move to Panama.
- Research housing options. Whether you plan to buy or rent, start your research early. Remember, gaining Panamanian residency through a real estate investment requires a minimum $200,000 investment with a Friendly Nations visa.
- Downsize. Downsizing before an international move is always a good idea because of the cost and logistics of international moves. This is especially true of bulky items like furniture. That being said, quality furniture in Panama can be expensive. Research the cost of furniture items you’d need to replace to compare it with shipping expenses.
- Work with professional movers. Professional movers can handle everything from packing and logistics to helping with customs requirements. An international move will always be complicated, but the right movers can take a lot off your plate.
FAQ
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