Beyond Panama City: The 5 Best Communities for Expats Prioritizing Lifestyle and Affordability
Most of those who consider relocating to Panama are drawn by the slower pace of life and the lower cost of living. And while Panama City is probably at the top of your list, it’s certainly not your only option.
Many of the friendliest and most affordable communities are scattered across the mountains, beaches, and islands outside the capital and might suit you better than the urban environment ever could.
1. Boquete: One for the Nature Enthusiasts
Boquete is a town that travelers often talk about, especially those who love spending time outdoors. It’s a place where you can relax, but still be adventurous.
The comfortable, year-round temperatures are a welcome break from the usual tropical heat of Panama, so spending more time outside is easier. The mountainous backdrop is beautiful and very fitting for all the coffee farm tours, waterfall hikes and general exploring you can do here.
The housing can be a little pricier than in other rural areas, but rentals and homes are still very reasonable by international standards.
2. Coronado: Beach Life with a Touch of Big-City Convenience
Coronado is the go-to choice for expats who want to be near the ocean without having to give up their usual conveniences.
This Pacific coastline stretches out beautifully and offers plenty of opportunities to unwind, yet Panama City sits just 1.5 hours away whenever you need what a capital can provide. This short distance is also a plus if you ever want to take a Panama Canal cruise.
Coronado is surprisingly well equipped with supermarkets, medical clinics, restaurants and golf courses, which means most weeks you won’t actually need to make that drive to the city. The large English-speaking expat community here is an added bonus.
3. Pedasí: The Quiet Fishing Village
This small fishing village on the Azuero Peninsula has a friendly, close-knit feel, and the surrounding coastline is unforgettable.
Life moves slowly here: there’s a small town square, colorful low houses, fishermen bringing in the catch each morning and empty beaches in every direction. Property prices have started to climb as word gets out, but you can still buy or rent for far less than in the more popular areas.
The expat community here is still small, though that’s changing as more people discover what an authentic lifestyle looks like in this part of Panama.
4. El Valle de Antón: Affordable Mountain Living
El Valle de Antón is definitely one of Panama’s more unique places to live. The entire community is tucked inside the crater of an extinct volcano, which gives it character from the start.
Like Boquete, the temperatures are a lot milder here, which is great if hiking, running and cycling are your thing. And when it comes to the weekends, you can look forward to lively markets, artisan stalls and plenty of eco-friendly activities. It’s what gives the town its down-to-earth vibe.
Housing is also a pleasant surprise, and the prices are often even lower than in Boquete.
5. Bocas del Toro: The Caribbean On a Budget
If you’ve ever imagined yourself living on a tropical island, Bocas del Toro is where you want to be.
It’s pretty much everything you would expect from the Caribbean, including the ocean, brightly-painted buildings and a laid-back atmosphere. Water sports are also big, so it’s ideal if you’re into diving, surfing or paddleboarding.
This setting might lead you to believe that property prices are overly high, but this isn’t the case, and you’ll have more housing options than you might realize. It should be noted that the expat community does tend to be a bit younger here.
Finding Your Place In Panama’s Patchwork
Panama has no shortage of personality, and many expats don’t realize just how many other relocating options they have beyond Panama City. Regardless of which town appeals to you, Panama will always be one of those places where you’ll have easy access to a completely different way of life.
As you explore different communities, you’ll notice that many expats bring their own stories, cultures, and even lifestyle expressions with them — whether it’s food, fashion, or personal identity. If you’re curious how people embrace cultural differences respectfully, you may enjoy this thoughtful piece on lessons from real-life interactions with dreadlocks wearers. It’s a reminder that living abroad often means learning from the people around you.
