This Panama Beach Township Offers Luxury Living Under $1,500 a Month
Editor’s Note: This story appeared on Live and Invest Overseas.
The beaches between Punta Chame and Rio Hato are in my backyard. There are several of them, each with a different personality. The area they are in is known as the arco seco, or dry arch.
What is so special about arco seco? While most areas of Panama receive 100 inches of annual rainfall, arco seco receives less than 55 inches. This gives us better weather and sunset days on the beach.
You can choose the beaches here…
Punta Chame is perfect for kite surfing. Playa Serena is great for walking and swimming. Playa Teta has a unique vibe that feels somewhat Caribbean. Playa Rio Mar is known for great surfing. Playa Farallon has a pristine white sand beach and decent public facilities, including restrooms and showers.
And that’s just one of the many on offer.
Cheapest stay in Coronado
In the heart of the area between Punta Chame and Rio Hato is Coronado. It was among the first resorts in Panama and is a popular destination for expats, tourists, and tourists.
Coronado is about 55 kilometers from Panama City. The drive takes about 90 minutes. There is also a good bus service.
The cost of living here varies, and while it may not boast the lowest cost of living for expats, the area offers affordable options and attractive price points for high-end living in beachfront resorts and custom homes.
Rental rates range from $400 to $1,500 per month, depending on what you want. Variables that determine this maximum range include location, size, age, construction type and style, etc.
My wife and I live in a beach area, where our monthly rent and utilities are under $1,100. We have beach and mountain views from our windows, and the beach is an eight-minute walk from our front door.
We have many food options, including organic options. Restaurants that specialize in Panamanian food are usually very affordable. We also enjoy shopping and dining just 10 minutes by car.
Ours is a quiet community during the week. Most of the owners here are weekenders. We are among the few full-time residents. This is common among many beach resorts in our area.
Health care and services
Areas in and around Coronado offer many shopping, health clinic, veterinarian, restaurant, pharmacy, and professional service options. We also have Clinica Hospital San Fernando 15 minutes from our apartment.
As for the cost of regular health care and other services, we paid $40 for a routine dental cleaning in Coronado, $35 in Panama City, and a small fee of $20 in nearby El Valle de Anton.
Local clinics charge between $10 and $25 for a regular visit. My wife and I only paid $50 to see the experts. The quality of health care is equal to, and in some cases better than in the States. Additionally, many doctors speak English.
Electricity can range from $50 to $150 monthly for a two-bedroom apartment depending on your usage and location.
Community life here includes outdoor happy hours, church groups, volunteer groups, trivia nights, boot camp workout groups, movie nights, hikes, and more.
Whether you’re looking for vibrant beach towns, a quiet stretch of sand, or easy access to modern conveniences, this sun-drenched region delivers.
