Escape Artist
  • Features
    • Interview
    • Expat News
    • Field Notes
    • Trending
  • Your Plan B
    • Finance
    • Real Estate
    • Second Citizenship
    • Digital Nomad
    • Healthcare
  • Destinations
    • Europe
      • France
      • Germany
      • Italy
      • Portugal
      • Scandinavia
      • Spain
      • United Kingdom
      • Rest of Europe
    • Central America
      • Belize
      • Costa Rica
      • El Salvador
      • Guatemala
      • Honduras
      • Nicaragua
      • Panama
    • Others
      • Africa
      • Asia
      • Australia
      • North America
      • South America
      • Middle East
      • Rest of the World
  • Travel Tips
    • Know Before You Go
    • Packing List
    • Food + Culture
    • Health + Wellness
  • Subscribe
Escape Artist
  • Features
    • Interview
    • Expat News
    • Field Notes
    • Trending
  • Your Plan B
    • Finance
    • Real Estate
    • Second Citizenship
    • Digital Nomad
    • Healthcare
  • Destinations
    • Europe
      • France
      • Germany
      • Italy
      • Portugal
      • Scandinavia
      • Spain
      • United Kingdom
      • Rest of Europe
    • Central America
      • Belize
      • Costa Rica
      • El Salvador
      • Guatemala
      • Honduras
      • Nicaragua
      • Panama
    • Others
      • Africa
      • Asia
      • Australia
      • North America
      • South America
      • Middle East
      • Rest of the World
  • Travel Tips
    • Know Before You Go
    • Packing List
    • Food + Culture
    • Health + Wellness
  • Subscribe
👤

THE NUMBER ONE SOURCE FOR BUILDING A LIFE ABROAD

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
  • Your Plan B

Why Retire in Panama?

  • BY EA Editors
  • June 13, 2017
Total
0
Shares
0
0
0

Why Retire in Panama?

Panama is one of the best retirement havens in the world, thanks to its low cost of living, good health care, and a growing economy. With many retirees looking for somewhere outside of the United States to live, where their retirement dollars can be stretched much further, it’s no wonder that retiring in Panama is getting so much attention. Here are some reasons why Panama is a great place to settle for retirement.

 

Cost of Living

The cost of living in most Latin American countries is usually much lower than it is in the United States, so the fact that this is a plus for Panama is not surprising. However, the national currency in Panama is the U.S. dollar, which gets this country some extra points. Not only can you live abroad comfortably in Panama for $1,200 per month or less, but you can do so without worrying about the hassle of exchange rates.

 

Growing Economy

Panama has the third-largest economy in Latin America after Costa Rica and Guatemala because of their tourism industries. As a result, it has a modern infrastructure, perfect for those of us who would miss the skyscrapers of the big city if we moved away. The roads and public transportation are modern and always being expanded and improved. There are even reliable internet, cable, and phone services in this country – just as reliable as they are in the United States. The water is even drinkable. Panama City is the most developed city in the region.

 

Healthcare

Healthcare in Panama is held to high standards, with Panama City hosting Punta Pacifica Hospital, the only hospital in all of Latin America that is managed by Johns Hopkins. Most of the doctors in the city speak English fluently – and to top it all off, the care is still much more affordable than it is in the United States. Local Panama health insurance, for example, only costs about $100 per month or less!

 

Retiree Perks

There has been an influx of American retirees into Panama for the last several years. As a result of this, you can find plenty of retirement communities in this country, and basically any product or service you’re used to accessing in the States. The additional perks make this aspect of the retirement life in Panama even better.

Panama has what’s called the pensionado program – a program consisting of benefits and discounts offered exclusively to retirees. The benefits include 50 percent off of restaurant meals, in-country airfares, medications, and even closing costs on your new home.

 

Shopping

Panama is known for its world-class shopping. The stores are very similar to those in the United States. For example, the Riba Smith grocery chain resembles many of the large grocery stores in which you’re probably used to shopping in the U.S. You’ll find most (if not all) of your favourite brands there, so no need to get homesick for food.

The more exciting shopping, though, is in the shopping malls. These feature brand name stores from around the world that we’re used to seeing back home, like Tommy Hilfiger, Zara, Hermes, Tiffany, Anne Klein, Nine West, Levi’s, and Cartier. When it comes to the shopping scene in Panama, there isn’t much to be left wanting. Remember, too, that prices are much lower in this country, so you might feel a little freer to shop at will.

 

Location, Location, Location!

Located on the southern border of Costa Rica, and on the northern border of Colombia, Panama is located so close to the United States that a flight to Miami is only 2 and a half hours. If you’re worried about staying close to home when you retire, Panama could be just the right place.

 

Investment Opportunities

Panama is growing, and it has the economy to prove it. That means the market is doing exceptionally well, too. The best part is Panama’s real estate market. There is an abundance of choices and great deals right now – and although prices are still relatively low, they’re rising, so your investment would be a strong one. If you’re looking for a place where your dollar doesn’t just stretch further, but investment opportunities help to ensure that you aren’t going to have to work anymore, take a look at this country’s thriving market.

 

Subscribe

Weather

Again, something you may find in other Latin American countries, the weather in Panama is perfect for warm weather lovers. There is a wet and dry season, but never a cold season. You’ll experience 80 – 90-degree weather year-round in many areas, or you can go to cooler areas for a climate that stays around 60 – 70 degrees. You couldn’t ask for better options than retiring in Panama!

Want to learn how you and your family can get a visa to live and retire in Panama? Fill in the form HERE and someone from our Panama office will contact to schedule a call.

Here is probably the most extensive ebook on Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Eliminating Your Taxes, Protecting Your Assets And Regaining Privacy Over Your Life And Investments. It is called The Ultimate Guide To Going Offshore.  Visit our bookstore to purchase it today!

I hope you enjoyed reading this article: Why Retire in Panama? If you have any questions, please contact our office HERE.

I’ve included some great articles for you to read, enjoy!

The Panama Pensionado Visa

Panama Friendly Nations Reforestation Visa

Interested in a Panama Residence?

Retiring In Panama: 8 Things Expats Need to Know

Top 16 Reasons to Move To Panama

 

 

Contact Author

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name*
Please let us know what's on your mind. Have a question for us? Ask away.

Stay Ahead on Every Adventure! 

Stay updated with the World News on Escape Artist. Get all the travel news, international destinations, expat living, moving abroad, Lifestyle Tips, and digital nomad opportunities. Your next journey starts here—don’t miss a moment! Subscribe Now !

Why Retire in Panama?

Panama is one of the best retirement havens in the world, thanks to its low cost of living, good health care, and a growing economy. With many retirees looking for somewhere outside of the United States to live, where their retirement dollars can be stretched much further, it’s no wonder that retiring in Panama is getting so much attention. Here are some reasons why Panama is a great place to settle for retirement.

 

If you'd like to read the full story, simply enter your email to subscribe to our newsletter.

For even more expert insights, unmissable resources, and exclusive invites, explore our premium subscription offers here.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.


OR

Subscribe Now

Already a Subscriber? Click here to login

Subscription required

You've reached your limit of free articles. For full access to Escape Artist, and all of our insights on travel, moving abroad, and the digital nomad life, click here to Subscribe.

Already a Subscriber? Log in here

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Related Topics
  • Caribbean
  • Central America
  • cost of living
  • expats
  • finding a home
  • local customs and etiquette
  • safety and security
  • sightseeing
Previous Article
  • Panama

Investing Abroad in Panama

  • BY EA Editors
  • June 13, 2017
View Post
Next Article
  • Your Plan B

Perks of Retirement in Panama

  • BY EA Editors
  • June 13, 2017
View Post
You May Also Like
A yellow tram 28 on a cobbled street in Lisbon, Portugal, a popular place to start the clock on citizenship by residence.
View Post
  • Plan B
How to Turn One Year Abroad Into a Lifetime of Options
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • November 4, 2026
Colorful houses and old wooden sailing boats on Nyhavn in Copenhagen, Denmark, one of the best countries to raise a family
View Post
  • Plan B
The Best Places to Raise a Family Overseas
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • November 4, 2026
Porto old town and the Luís I Bridge over the Douro River, Portugal
View Post
  • Portugal
Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal: An Honest Guide for Americans
  • BY Isha Sesay
  • November 3, 2026
A young girl rests on a bright yellow balcony beside a striped deck chair.
View Post
  • Nicaragua
What Growing Up in Nicaragua Taught Me About Healthcare in America
  • BY Amanda Cobb
  • October 29, 2026
Mount Rundle and the Vermilion Lakes near Banff, Alberta, Canada
View Post
  • Canada
Moving to Canada From the US? The Honest Pros and Cons
  • BY Isha Sesay
  • October 27, 2026
A smiling man sits on a giant painted seashell sculpture on the beachfront in Da Nang at night.
View Post
  • Vietnam
Could Da Nang & Hoi An Be the Best Places on Earth to Live?
  • BY Norm Bour
  • October 26, 2026
A blue crater lake among green hills on São Miguel in the Azores, one of the best islands for expats in Europe.
View Post
  • Plan B
Could You Really Live on an Island? These Destinations Make It Possible
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • October 23, 2026
The old tuna fishery and sea stacks at Scopello, Sicily. Italy is one of the countries that pay you to move, through one-euro homes and village grants.
View Post
  • Plan B
The Countries Paying You to Move There in 2026
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • October 21, 2026
Trending Posts
  • Don't Leave Your Kids Broke 1
    • Plan B
    Don’t Leave Your Kids Broke
    • October 27, 2026
  • A smiling man sits on a giant painted seashell sculpture on the beachfront in Da Nang at night. 2
    • Vietnam
    Could Da Nang & Hoi An Be the Best Places on Earth to Live?
    • October 26, 2026
  • A blue crater lake among green hills on São Miguel in the Azores, one of the best islands for expats in Europe. 3
    • Plan B
    Could You Really Live on an Island? These Destinations Make It Possible
    • October 23, 2026
  • A young girl rests on a bright yellow balcony beside a striped deck chair. 4
    • Nicaragua
    What Growing Up in Nicaragua Taught Me About Healthcare in America
    • October 29, 2026
  • Porto old town and the Luís I Bridge over the Douro River, Portugal 5
    • Portugal
    Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal: An Honest Guide for Americans
    • November 3, 2026
Liyongo Webinar
Know Before You Go
  • Dancers in embroidered huipil dresses and flower headdresses perform a traditional Yucatecan dance. 1
    • Mexico
    Discover the Charm of Valladolid in Mexico
    • November 2, 2026
  • A young girl rests on a bright yellow balcony beside a striped deck chair. 2
    • Nicaragua
    What Growing Up in Nicaragua Taught Me About Healthcare in America
    • October 29, 2026
  • A smiling man sits on a giant painted seashell sculpture on the beachfront in Da Nang at night. 3
    • Vietnam
    Could Da Nang & Hoi An Be the Best Places on Earth to Live?
    • October 26, 2026
  • Aerial view of Casa Libélula, a red-roofed home with terraced gardens in the Malacatos Valley, the finished result of building a house in Ecuador. 4
    • Ecuador
    The House in Ecuador That Google Translate Built
    • October 19, 2026
  • Aerial view of a white-sand beach and turquoise Indian Ocean water beside a forested stretch of Zanzibar coast, with two boats moored offshore 5
    • Zanzibar
    The Extraordinary Appeal of Zanzibar
    • October 12, 2026
Learn More
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
Why Subscribe

The newly imagined Escape Artist brings you fresh content with a global focus, and sharp, up-to-the-minute coverage of the joys, challenges, and opportunities of life abroad.

For a limited time, we’re offering a special discount on all subscription deals, so be sure to lock-in these incredible savings and start receiving top-notch travel and expat content today!

Sign up for the EA Newsletter

Get important news delivered directly to your inbox and stay connected!

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Escape Artist
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookies Policy
  • Disclaimer

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

Escape Artist

The Newsletter for a
Life Beyond Borders

Practical insights and real stories for those building a life abroad, trusted by 75,000 readers worldwide.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.