What I Actually Spend Living on the Beach in Panama

What does it actually cost to live on the beach in Panama? My real monthly budget is $2,275 as a retiree living in Nueva Gorgona. I'm Cate, a grandmother, retired health educator and travel advisor who moved from Florida to Panama. If you're thinking about moving to Panama or retiring in Panama, this is what living in Panama actually costs — not the numbers you read online, but what I pay every month. MY HOUSING: $1,150 rent + $140 HOA + $107 life insurance = $1,397/mo. Life insurance is required here when you take a mortgage past age 70 — most people don't know that until they start looking. CITY VS BEACH: In Panama City I rented for $1,450/mo for a year. Now on the beach in Nueva Gorgona my housing is about the same, but the lifestyle is completely different. WHAT'S IN THE $2,275: groceries, car + auto insurance, electricity, cable, streaming, phone, and the everyday surprises of the Panama cost of living — like no mail service, bringing your own grocery bags, and paying $50 shipping for my cat Slate's food. If you want to retire in Panama, knowing the real cost before you move is the single most important step. 💬 I'd love to hear from you — what surprised you most about the cost of living in Panama? Tell me in the comments. Here's a list of my monthly expenses: Mortgage. 1150 HOA. 140 Life Insurance. 107 Auto Insurance. 68 Electricity. 68 Cable. 42 Streaming Services. 55 Phone. 85 Auto Expenses. 125 Wiring Fees. 35 Food. 325 Tax & Insurance. 75 ________ 2275 0:00 Introduction to expat life 0:28 Cost of beach living 0:40 Experience in Panama City 1:18 Buying a beach condo 2:13 Utility and communication 3:23 Grocery and dining habits 4:07 Transportation and transfers 5:13 Optional costs and wrap up