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Cost of Living in Las Lajas 2024 | Expat Exchange
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Cost of Living in Las Lajas

By Betsy Burlingame

Panama Legal Business (PANLEB)
Panama Legal Business (PANLEB)

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Las Lajas helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Apartment Rentals Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Las Lajas is around $400 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around $600 per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around $300 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around $500 per month.
Apartment Purchases The cost of purchasing an apartment in Las Lajas varies depending on the size and location. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost around $50,000, while a three-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost around $80,000. A one-bedroom apartment outside the city center can cost around $40,000, while a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center can cost around $60,000.
Transportation Public transportation in Las Lajas is relatively inexpensive. A one-way bus ticket costs around $0.50. Taxis are also available and the cost of a ride is around $2.00. If you own a car, gasoline costs around $2.50 per gallon.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Las Lajas is relatively inexpensive. A loaf of bread costs around $1.00, a dozen eggs costs around $2.00, and a gallon of milk costs around $3.00. Fruits and vegetables are also relatively inexpensive, with a pound of apples costing around $1.00 and a pound of tomatoes costing around $1.50.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Las Lajas is relatively inexpensive. A meal at a fast food restaurant costs around $5.00, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around $15.00. A meal at a high-end restaurant costs around $30.00.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Las Lajas is relatively inexpensive. The average cost of electricity is around $50 per month, while the average cost of water is around $20 per month. The average cost of internet is around $30 per month.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Las Lajas varies depending on the school and the grade level. Preschool tuition is around $200 per month, elementary school tuition is around $400 per month, middle school tuition is around $500 per month, and high school tuition is around $600 per month.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Las Lajas

"The cost of living in Las Lajas is considered to be relatively low compared to many other locations. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is affordable, while outside the city center, it is even cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage is also quite reasonable. Groceries in Las Lajas are inexpensive, with local markets offering fresh produce at lower prices. Eating out at an inexpensive restaurant is also quite affordable. Transportation costs are low, with inexpensive public transportation and reasonably priced gasoline. Healthcare in Las Lajas is also affordable, with both public and private healthcare options available at reasonable prices. Overall, the cost of living in Las Lajas, Panama is quite low, making it an attractive option for those looking to live in a tropical paradise on a budget," said one expat living in Las Lajas.

Can I live in Las Lajas on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Las Lajas for a while now, and I can tell you that it is possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you will have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. I recommend looking into areas like Playa Las Lajas, which is a bit more budget-friendly compared to the more expensive neighborhoods like Coronado or Punta Pacifica.When it comes to housing, you might have to settle for a smaller apartment or house, but you can still find decent options within your budget. I currently live in a two-bedroom apartment that costs me around $600 a month, and it's quite comfortable. You can also find cheaper options if you're willing to live in a more local neighborhood, but keep in mind that the quality of housing might not be as high as you're used to.As for utilities, they can be quite affordable if you're mindful of your usage. My monthly bills for electricity, water, and internet usually come to around $150. However, if you're used to having air conditioning running all the time, you might need to cut back on that to save on electricity costs.Groceries can be relatively cheap if you shop at local markets and avoid imported products. I usually spend around $300 a month on groceries, but I cook most of my meals at home and try to eat local produce as much as possible. Eating out can be affordable too, especially if you stick to local restaurants and avoid touristy areas.Transportation costs can vary depending on your needs. If you have a car, gas prices are reasonable, but you'll need to factor in maintenance and insurance costs. I personally use public transportation, which is quite cheap and reliable, and it costs me around $50 a month.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, you might have to cut back on some of the more expensive options. However, there are plenty of affordable things to do in Las Lajas, like going to the beach, hiking, or exploring local parks. I usually allocate around $200 a month for entertainment and miscellaneous expenses.Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Las Lajas is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and be willing to make some sacrifices. It's a beautiful place to live, and the lower cost of living can be worth it if you're willing to adapt to a more modest lifestyle," commented an expat living in Las Lajas.

Can I live in Las Lajas on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Las Lajas for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. However, there are some sacrifices you might have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll need to choose a neighborhood that's more affordable. I'd recommend looking into areas like Playa Las Lajas, which is a bit more budget-friendly compared to some of the more upscale neighborhoods like Coronado or Punta Pacifica. In Playa Las Lajas, you can find decent rental properties for around $500 to $800 per month, depending on the size and location.As for utilities, you can expect to pay around $100 to $150 per month for electricity, water, and gas. Internet and cable TV packages can range from $50 to $100 per month, depending on the provider and the plan you choose.When it comes to groceries, you'll find that local markets and smaller grocery stores are more affordable than the larger supermarkets. I usually spend around $300 to $400 per month on groceries, but this can vary depending on your eating habits and preferences.Eating out can be quite affordable in Las Lajas, with local restaurants and street food vendors offering meals for as low as $3 to $5. However, if you prefer dining at more upscale restaurants, you can expect to pay around $15 to $25 per meal.Transportation costs are relatively low, with local buses charging around $0.50 per ride and taxis charging around $2 to $5 for short trips within the city. If you plan on traveling outside of Las Lajas, you might want to consider renting a car, which can cost around $20 to $40 per day, depending on the type of vehicle and rental company.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of affordable options in Las Lajas, such as visiting the beach, hiking in the nearby mountains, or exploring the local markets. However, if you're interested in more expensive activities like golfing or attending concerts and events, you might need to budget accordingly.Overall, living in Las Lajas on a $3,000 per month budget is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing and lifestyle choices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, shopping at local markets, and enjoying the many low-cost activities available, you can live comfortably and enjoy your time in this beautiful Panamanian town," said one expat living in Las Lajas.

Can I live in Las Lajas on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Las Lajas for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. However, there might be some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll want to consider the neighborhood you choose to live in. Some of the more affordable neighborhoods in Las Lajas include areas like Playa Hermosa and Las Lajas town itself. These areas offer a more local experience and have lower rental prices compared to the more upscale neighborhoods like Playa Las Lajas or Boca Chica. You can find a decent house or apartment in these affordable neighborhoods for around $800 to $1,200 a month.On the other hand, if you're looking for a more luxurious living experience, you might want to consider neighborhoods like Coronado or Boquete. These areas are known for their expat communities and high-end amenities, but they also come with a higher price tag. Rent in these neighborhoods can range from $1,500 to $3,000 a month, depending on the size and location of the property.In terms of transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive in Panama due to high import taxes and gas prices. To save money, you might want to consider using public transportation or even purchasing a bicycle or scooter for getting around town. This will not only help you save money but also give you a chance to explore the local culture and scenery.As for groceries and dining out, you'll find that local markets and smaller restaurants are more affordable than larger supermarkets and high-end dining establishments. By shopping at local markets and eating at smaller, family-owned restaurants, you can save a significant amount of money on your monthly expenses.One sacrifice you might have to make is in terms of entertainment and leisure activities. While there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in Las Lajas, such as hiking, surfing, and fishing, you might find that there are fewer options for nightlife and cultural events compared to a larger city. However, this can also be an opportunity to explore new hobbies and interests, as well as immerse yourself in the local culture.Overall, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Las Lajas is definitely achievable, but it will require some adjustments and sacrifices in terms of housing, transportation, and entertainment. By being mindful of your spending and embracing the local lifestyle, you can make the most of your experience in this beautiful Panamanian town," commented an expat living in Las Lajas.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


Panama Legal Business (PANLEB)
Panama Legal Business (PANLEB)

Panama Legal Business (PANLEB)
Panama Legal Business (PANLEB)

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SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
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