Best Places for Digital Nomads to Live in Panama

Nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Panama offers digital nomads a rich blend of culture, adventure, and affordability. Whether you're looking for a vibrant city scene or a tranquil coastal town, Panama has plenty of options to suit various lifestyles. Here are seven top destinations that digital nomads are raving about.

Boquete

Nestled in the Chiriqui Highlands, Boquete is a town known for its natural beauty and outdoor pursuits. Digital nomads love its mild climate, which makes working from home a pleasure. The town is also famous for its hiking trails, waterfalls, and rivers. A must-visit is the El Refugio de las Quetzales Nature Reserve, home to the resplendent quetzal, the national bird of Panama.

Cost of Living: Renting a furnished apartment in a safe and central neighborhood costs around $500 to $700 per month. Groceries for one person for a week range from $50 to $70. Dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant with one drink costs around $15 to $20.

Nomad Tip: Don't miss the Boquete Jazz & Blues Festival held annually in January. This three-day event attracts both locals and tourists alike, making it an excellent opportunity to network and enjoy great music.

El Valle de Antón

El Valle de Antón is a picturesque town situated in a volcanic crater. Its temperate climate and beautiful scenery make it an ideal place for digital nomads seeking a change of pace. The town offers a variety of cultural attractions, including museums, art galleries, and historical sites. A popular spot is the Agua Fresca Waterfall, where you can take a refreshing dip.

Cost of Living: The cost of living in El Valle is relatively low. Expect to pay around $400 to $600 per month for a furnished apartment in a safe neighborhood. Groceries for one person for a week cost around $35 to $50. Dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant with one drink costs around $10 to $15.

Nomad Tip: Make sure to visit the El Eduardo Pines Butterfly Farm, which is home to over 1,500 species of butterflies. It's a short drive from El Valle and is a must-see for nature lovers.

Panama City

Panama City, the capital of Panama, is a bustling metropolis that offers digital nomads a rich cultural experience. The city is home to numerous museums, galleries, and historical sites, including the Panama Canal Museum and the Biodiversity Museum. Digital nomads can also take advantage of the city's vibrant nightlife and diverse culinary scene.

Cost of Living: Renting a furnished apartment in a safe and central neighborhood costs around $800 to $1,200 per month. Groceries for one person for a week range from $70 to $100. Dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant with one drink costs around $20 to $30.

Nomad Tip: Don't miss the Biomuseum, a unique and interactive museum dedicated to the natural history of Panama. It's located in the Amador Causeway and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

Bocas del Toro

Bocas del Toro is a group of islands located on the Caribbean coast of Panama. The islands offer a laid-back, tropical lifestyle that digital nomads find appealing. The town is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine life. Digital nomads can spend their days working from the comfort of their own beachside villa.

Cost of Living: The cost of living in Bocas del Toro is relatively low. Expect to pay around $400 to $600 per month for a furnished apartment in a safe neighborhood. Groceries for one person for a week cost around $35 to $50. Dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant with one drink costs around $10 to $15.

Nomad Tip: Don't miss a trip to Isla Bastimentos, where you can visit the Red Frog Beach and the Sloth Sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to over 100 rescued sloths and offers guided tours to learn more about these fascinating creatures.

Coclé del Mar

Coclé del Mar is a coastal town located in the Coclé province of Panama. It's known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and laid-back atmosphere. Digital nomads can rent a beachside villa or apartment and work from the comfort of their own space. The town also offers a variety of recreational activities, including surfing, fishing, and hiking.

Cost of Living: The cost of living in Coclé del Mar is relatively low. Expect to pay around $400 to $600 per month for a furnished apartment in a safe neighborhood. Groceries for one person for a week cost around $35 to $50. Dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant with one drink costs around $10 to $15.

Nomad Tip: Don't miss a visit to the Punta Chame Beach, which offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and is a popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing.

David

David is the second-largest city in Panama and is located in the Chiriqui province. It's a bustling commercial hub and offers digital nomads a rich cultural experience. The city is home to numerous museums, galleries, and historical sites, as well as a diverse culinary scene and vibrant nightlife.

Cost of Living: Renting a furnished apartment in a safe and central neighborhood costs around $500 to $800 per month. Groceries for one person for a week range from $40 to $60. Dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant with one drink costs around $10 to $15.

Nomad Tip: Don't miss a visit to the Renacimiento Park, which offers beautiful gardens, a lake, and a variety of recreational activities, including a mini-golf course and a skate park.

Santa Catalina

Santa Catalina is a small coastal town located on the Pacific coast of Panama. It's known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and excellent surfing conditions. Digital nomads can rent a beachside villa or apartment and work from the comfort of their own space. The town also offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and snorkeling.

Cost of Living: The cost of living in Santa Catalina is relatively low. Expect to pay around $400 to $600 per month for a furnished apartment in a safe neighborhood. Groceries for one person for a week cost around $35 to $50. Dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant with one drink costs around $10 to $15.

Nomad Tip: Don't miss a visit to the Coiba National Park, which offers beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine life. The park is a short boat ride from Santa Catalina and is a must-see for nature lovers.

Where to Stay & Eat: In Boquete, consider staying in the Alto Boquete neighborhood, which offers beautiful views of the town and the surrounding mountains. For dining, try the Fusion Restaurant, which offers a unique blend of international flavors. In El Valle, consider staying in the El Valle town center, which offers easy access to shops, restaurants, and attractions. For dining, try the El Quetzal Restaurant, which offers delicious traditional Panamanian dishes.