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

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Kovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in Panama
Kovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in Panama

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

Cost of Living Category Estimated Cost
Apartment Rental (1 bedroom in city center) $350 - $500 per month
Apartment Rental (1 bedroom outside of city center) $250 - $400 per month
Apartment Purchase Price (per square meter in city center) $1,000 - $1,500
Apartment Purchase Price (per square meter outside of city center) $800 - $1,200
Public Transportation (Monthly Pass) $30 - $50
Gasoline (1 liter) $0.80 - $1.00
Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage for 85m2 Apartment) $60 - $100 per month
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) $40 - $60 per month
Groceries (Milk, Bread, Eggs, Fruits, Vegetables, Chicken, Beef, etc. for a family of four) $400 - $600 per month
Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant $5 - $10
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course $30 - $50
Private Preschool Tuition (Monthly) $200 - $400
Private Elementary School Tuition (Yearly) $2,000 - $4,000
Private Middle School Tuition (Yearly) $2,500 - $5,000
Private High School Tuition (Yearly) $3,000 - $6,000
Please note that these are estimated costs and actual costs may vary. The cost of living in Las Tablas is generally lower than in many other parts of the world, but it can still vary greatly depending on your lifestyle and spending habits. For example, if you choose to eat out at restaurants frequently or if you choose to send your children to private schools, your cost of living will be significantly higher. On the other hand, if you choose to cook at home and send your children to public schools, your cost of living will be significantly lower. It's also worth noting that the cost of healthcare in Panama is generally lower than in many other countries, which can also affect your overall cost of living.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Las Tablas

"I suppose for normal people (unlike me) you'd best have a couple thousand dollars per month," said one expat living in Las Tablas.

"The cost of living in Las Tablas is considered to be relatively low compared to many other locations. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite affordable. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water is also reasonably priced. Groceries in Las Tablas are also inexpensive, with local markets offering fresh produce, meat, and other staples at lower prices than in many Western countries. Eating out at local restaurants is also quite affordable, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costing significantly less than in many other countries. Transportation costs are also low in Las Tablas. Public transportation is widely available and affordable, and the cost of gasoline is lower than in many other countries. Healthcare in Las Tablas is also reasonably priced, with both public and private healthcare options available at a fraction of the cost of similar services in many Western countries. Overall, the cost of living in Las Tablas, Panama is quite affordable, making it an attractive option for expats and retirees looking for a lower cost of living," wrote a member in Las Tablas.

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

"I've been living in Las Tablas for a few years now and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but it does require some adjustments. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in the U.S., but it's not without its challenges. For instance, you might have to give up some of the luxuries you're used to, like eating out at high-end restaurants or shopping for designer clothes. But if you're willing to embrace the local lifestyle, you can live quite comfortably. For housing, I'd recommend looking in neighborhoods like El Cocal or Santo Domingo. These areas are more affordable, with rents typically ranging from $300 to $500 a month for a decent-sized apartment or small house. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Villa Lourdes or El Palmar are more upscale and therefore more expensive, so you might want to avoid those if you're on a tight budget. Groceries are also relatively cheap here, especially if you shop at local markets. I spend about $200 a month on groceries, but I cook most of my meals at home. If you prefer to eat out, there are plenty of affordable local restaurants where you can get a meal for under $5. Utilities like electricity and water are also cheaper than in the U.S. I pay around $50 a month for both. Internet and cable TV can be a bit more expensive, around $80 a month, but it's still manageable within the $1,500 budget. Transportation is another area where you can save money. Public transportation is very affordable, and since Las Tablas is a small town, you can get around easily on foot or by bike. If you prefer to have a car, gas is cheaper than in the U.S., but keep in mind that maintenance and insurance costs can add up. Healthcare is another factor to consider. Panama has a good healthcare system and medical costs are much lower than in the U.S. However, if you want to have access to private healthcare, you might want to consider getting health insurance, which can cost around $100 a month. In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy, like going to the beach, hiking, or exploring the local culture and history. However, if you're into high-end entertainment like theater or concerts, you might have to cut back on those. Overall, living in Las Tablas on $1,500 a month is doable, but it requires some adjustments and a willingness to embrace the local lifestyle. It's a beautiful place with a lot to offer, and I've found that the benefits far outweigh the sacrifices," commented an expat living in Las Tablas.

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

"I've been living in Las Tablas for a few years now and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in many parts of the US or Europe. For instance, you can rent a nice two-bedroom house in a decent neighborhood for around $500 to $600 a month. If you're looking for something more upscale, you might have to pay around $1,000 a month, but that's still quite affordable compared to what you'd pay in a major city in the US. In terms of neighborhoods, I'd recommend looking at places like El Cocal or El Palmar. They're both relatively close to the city center and have a good mix of locals and expats. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Villa Lourdes or Santa Librada tend to be a bit more expensive, so you might want to avoid them if you're on a tight budget. Food and groceries are also quite cheap here. You can get fresh fruits and vegetables at the local markets for a fraction of what you'd pay in the US. Eating out is also quite affordable. A meal at a decent restaurant will cost you around $10 to $15. As for utilities, you can expect to pay around $100 a month for electricity, water, and gas. Internet and cable TV will cost you another $50 to $60 a month. Of course, there are some sacrifices you'll have to make. For instance, while you can find most of the things you need here, some imported goods can be quite expensive. Also, while healthcare in Panama is generally good and affordable, you might have to travel to Panama City for certain specialized treatments. But overall, I'd say that living in Las Tablas is quite comfortable and affordable. You just need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. But once you get used to it, I'm sure you'll love it here," said one expat living in Las Tablas.

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

"I've been living in Las Tablas for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is not only possible, but you can live quite comfortably. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in many parts of the U.S. or Europe. For instance, you can rent a nice, modern apartment in the city center for around $500 to $700 a month. If you prefer a house, you can find a decent one for about $800 to $1,000 a month. The neighborhoods around the city center are quite affordable and safe. I would recommend looking at properties in El Cocal or Villa Lourdes. They are both close to the city center and have a good mix of locals and expats. On the other hand, if you're looking for something more upscale, you might want to consider the neighborhoods of Playa Uverito or El Palmar. These are beachfront communities with larger, more luxurious homes. However, the cost of living there is significantly higher. You could easily spend $2,000 a month or more on rent alone. When it comes to utilities, you can expect to pay around $100 a month for electricity, water, and gas. Internet and cable TV packages are also quite affordable, usually around $50 a month. Groceries are also reasonably priced. You can get fresh, local produce at the markets for a fraction of what you'd pay in the U.S. Eating out is also quite affordable. A meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost you around $10 to $15. Transportation costs are also low. You can get around town in a taxi for a few dollars, and if you decide to buy a car, gasoline is cheaper than in the U.S. Healthcare is another area where you can save a lot. The quality of healthcare in Panama is good, especially in the larger cities. A visit to a doctor will cost you around $20, and a comprehensive health insurance plan will cost you around $100 a month. Of course, there are some sacrifices you'll have to make. For one, you'll be living in a smaller city, so you won't have access to the same level of amenities as in a large U.S. or European city. Also, while many people in Las Tablas speak English, it's not as widely spoken as in Panama City, so you might need to brush up on your Spanish. But overall, I've found that the lower cost of living and the laid-back lifestyle more than make up for these minor inconveniences. So yes, you can definitely live comfortably on $5,000 a month in Las Tablas, Panama," commented an expat living in Las Tablas.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


Kovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in Panama
Kovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in Panama

Kovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in Panama
Kovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in Panama

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