Skyline of Bocas del Toro
Cost of Living: 100 20,000

Bocas del Toro, 1, Panama

A Caribbean archipelago paradise, a top eco-tourism destination with stunning beaches and vibrant coral reefs.

Updated July 19, 2026
Cost of Living 100

Below Average vs Panama Avg (100)

Housing Index 120

Above Average

Median Income $40,000

Household income

Unemployment 6.0%

Job market health

Bocas del Toro vs Panama Average

Cost of Living
Bocas del Toro: 100
Panama Avg: 100
Housing Index
Bocas del Toro: 120
Panama Avg: 100
Income Tax
Bocas del Toro: 25%

Taxes

  • Income Tax: 25.0%
  • VAT: 7.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: $40,000
  • Unemployment: 6.0%
  • Population: 20,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 180/year
  • Summer High: 86°F
  • Winter Low: 72°F

Housing

  • Median Home: $250,000
  • 1BR Rent: $900/mo

Cost of Living

Bocas del Toro's cost of living index is 100 (Panama average = 100).

CategoryBocas del ToroNational AverageDifference
Overall1001000.0%
Housing120100+20.0%

Data source: INEC Panama / Numbeo, 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price$250,000
Median Rent (1BR)$900/mo
Median Rent (2BR)$1,125/mo
Price per Sq Ft$166

Data source: Encuentra24 / Numbeo, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

$
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$90,000 down
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Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Bocas del Toro:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity$30Based on ~300 kWh/month typical Panamanian household usage
Heating & CoolingN/AEstimated based on local climate. electric or gas heating
Cooling (AC)$26Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Water$15Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)$35Broadband average
Garbage / Trash$10Private service
Total Utilities$116Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: ASEP, ENSA, Cable Onda 2025

Best Neighborhoods

Downtown Bocas del Toro

The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: $1,080/mo.

Bocas del Toro Heights

Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: $990/mo.

East Bocas del Toro

Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: $810/mo.

West Bocas del Toro

Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: $855/mo.

Remote Work Score

Bocas del Toro scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
100
Rent
$900
Sunny Days
180
Tax
25%
Unemployment
6.0%
Climate
86°F / 72°F

Climate

Bocas del Toro has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January92°F72°F2.5"
April71°F87°F2.8"
July86°F61°F1.5"
October66°F90°F2.2"

Taxes

  • Income Tax: 25%
  • VAT: 7%
  • Property Tax: ~1.2% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 6.0%.

Crime & Safety

Crime rates in Bocas del Toro per 100,000 residents:

90.0
Violent Crime
300.0
Property Crime
11.3
Homicide

City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.

Data source: UN Office on Drugs and Crime

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Bocas del Toro, 1, Panama?

The cost of living index in Bocas del Toro is 100, which is Lower the Panama national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Bocas del Toro?

The median home price in Bocas del Toro is $250,000. The housing index is 120.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Bocas del Toro is approximately $900/mo.

Does Bocas del Toro, 1 have income tax?

Bocas del Toro is in 1, which has an income tax rate of 25%.

What is the climate like in Bocas del Toro?

Bocas del Toro enjoys approximately 180 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 86°F, while winter lows can drop to around 72°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: INEC Panama / Numbeo, 2026
  • Housing Data: Encuentra24 / Numbeo, 2026
  • Income & Employment: INEC Panama Labour Force Survey, 2024
  • Utilities ASEP, ENSA, Cable Onda 2025

Data last updated: July 19, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.