A central one-bedroom rents for about $800–825 a month, a figure three separate 2026 sources agree on. One mid-range estimate puts a single person’s monthly budget at about $1,610 including rent. Panama uses the US dollar.
Rent
Rent is the biggest cost, and the one where sources agree best.
- The Rio Times (2026): one-bedroom in the centre $825 on average (range $700–1,000); outside the centre $700; three-bedroom in the centre $1,567; outside $1,300.
- Nomada (May 2026): $800 for a central one-bedroom.
- Casa Solution, a local estate agency: about $800.
Bills
- The Rio Times: basic utilities $58, mobile plan $26, home internet $43 a month.
- Casa Solution: electricity about $40, water and rubbish $20, internet $50–100.
- Nomada: $100 for electricity, water and fast internet together.
Food and eating out
The Rio Times lists milk at about $1.80 a litre, eggs at $2.55 a dozen, chicken at about $3.42 a pound and beef at $7 a pound; a cheap restaurant meal at $6.50 and a mid-range dinner for two at about $40. Monthly grocery estimates differ: $280 for one person (Nomada) and $400 for a couple "buying the best" (Casa Solution).
See also Grass-fed beef, farm milk and fresh produce around BoqueteA monthly budget
Nomada’s mid-range budget for one person comes to $1,610 a month: $800 rent, $280 groceries, $100 utilities, and the rest on eating out, transport and coworking.
How far to trust these numbers
Every figure here is an estimate. The Rio Times bases its numbers on 40 price entries from nine contributors and calls that a very small base; Nomada describes its figures as editorial estimates; Casa Solution is an estate agency. Ask neighbours, and if you live here, help us improve these numbers.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to live in Boquete?
One mid-range estimate for a single person is about $1,610 a month, including about $800 rent for a central one-bedroom.
How much is rent in Boquete?
About $800–825 a month for a central one-bedroom in 2026, and about $700 outside the centre.
What currency does Panama use?
The US dollar, alongside the balboa, which is on a par with it.