Cost of Living in Volcan
Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Volcan 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 | Volcan |
Apartment Rentals | Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Volcan 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 Volcan 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 Volcan is relatively inexpensive. A one-way bus ticket costs around $0.50. Taxis are also available and the cost of a ride depends on the distance traveled. A taxi ride from the city center to the airport costs around $20. |
Groceries | The cost of groceries in Volcan is relatively low. A loaf of bread costs around $1.50, a liter of milk costs around $2.00, and a dozen eggs costs around $2.50. Fruits and vegetables are also relatively inexpensive, with a kilogram of apples costing around $2.00 and a kilogram of potatoes costing around $1.50. |
Restaurants | The cost of eating out in Volcan is relatively low. A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around $10 per person. A meal at a fast food restaurant costs around $5 per person. A cup of coffee costs around $1.50. |
Utilities | The cost of utilities in Volcan is relatively low. The average monthly cost for electricity is around $30, while the average monthly cost for water is around $15. The average monthly cost for internet is around $30. |
Private School Tuition | The cost of private school tuition in Volcan varies depending on the school and the grade level. Preschool tuition costs around $200 per month, elementary school tuition costs around $400 per month, middle school tuition costs around $500 per month, and high school tuition costs around $600 per month. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Volcan
"Volcan is known for its affordable cost of living. Rent for a small apartment in the town can be quite inexpensive, especially when compared to prices in larger cities. Utilities such as electricity, water, and internet are also reasonably priced. Groceries in Volcan are affordable, with local markets offering fresh produce, meat, and dairy products at lower prices than in many other countries. Eating out at local restaurants is also quite cheap, with meals often costing just a few dollars. Healthcare in Volcan is also affordable, with both public and private healthcare options available. Public healthcare is free for residents, while private healthcare costs can vary depending on the type of treatment or procedure. Transportation costs in Volcan are low, with affordable public transportation options available. Gasoline prices are also relatively low, making car ownership a feasible option for many residents. Overall, the cost of living in Volcan, Panama is quite low, making it an attractive option for retirees and others looking to live in a beautiful, affordable location," said one expat living in Volcan.
Can I live in Volcan on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Volcan for a while now, and I can tell you that it is possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. I recommend looking into areas like Paso Ancho, Cuesta de Piedra, or Nueva California. These neighborhoods are a bit more budget-friendly compared to more expensive areas like Volcan Baru or Bambito.When it comes to housing, you'll likely need to rent a smaller place or share a house with roommates to keep costs down. You can find decent houses or apartments for around $500 to $700 a month, but you might have to compromise on things like modern appliances or a large yard.For transportation, owning a car can be expensive due to gas prices and maintenance costs. I suggest using public transportation, like buses or taxis, which are relatively cheap and reliable. If you need a car occasionally, consider renting one for a day or two.Eating out can also add up quickly, so I recommend cooking at home as much as possible. Local markets offer fresh produce at reasonable prices, and you can find affordable grocery stores like Romero or Super Baru for other essentials.As for entertainment and leisure activities, you'll need to be mindful of your spending. Instead of going to high-end restaurants or bars, try exploring local eateries and cantinas where you can enjoy a meal or drink for a fraction of the price. There are also plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy, like hiking, visiting local parks, or attending community events.In terms of healthcare, it's essential to have health insurance, as medical costs can be high for expats. Look into local insurance providers or international plans that cover you in Panama. Also, consider using public healthcare facilities for minor issues, as they tend to be more affordable than private clinics.Overall, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Volcan, Panama is achievable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, cutting back on transportation and dining costs, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work and enjoy your time in this beautiful country," commented an expat living in Volcan.
Can I live in Volcan on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Volcan for a while 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. However, there are some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll need to be mindful of where you choose to live. Some neighborhoods can be quite expensive, so I'd recommend looking for a place in areas like Paso Ancho or Cuesta de Piedra, which are more affordable and still offer a good quality of life. I'd avoid neighborhoods like Volcancito or Jaramillo, as they tend to be pricier.When it comes to utilities, you'll find that electricity can be quite expensive, especially if you're using air conditioning. To save on costs, I'd recommend using fans instead and taking advantage of the cool mountain climate. Water and gas are relatively cheap, so you shouldn't have any issues there.Groceries can also be a significant expense, but you can save money by shopping at local markets and buying fresh produce. Imported goods can be pricey, so try to stick to local products whenever possible. Eating out can be affordable if you stick to local restaurants and avoid touristy spots.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Owning a car can be expensive due to maintenance and fuel costs, so I'd recommend using public transportation or even walking or biking when possible. Taxis are also relatively cheap if you need to get somewhere quickly.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of affordable options in Volcan. You can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the beautiful surroundings without spending much money. There are also local events and festivals that you can attend for free or at a low cost.In conclusion, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Volcan, Panama is achievable if you're willing to make some sacrifices and be mindful of your spending. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being conscious of your utility usage, shopping smartly, and taking advantage of low-cost entertainment options, you can enjoy a good quality of life without breaking the bank," said one expat living in Volcan.
Can I live in Volcan on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Volcan for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. In fact, you might be surprised at how far your money can go here. There are some sacrifices you'll have to make, but overall, I think you'll find it to be a great place to live.First, let's talk about housing. There are plenty of affordable neighborhoods in Volcan where you can find a nice house or apartment for a reasonable price. I'd recommend looking in areas like Paso Ancho, Bambito, or Nueva California. These neighborhoods are safe, have a good sense of community, and are close to shops and other amenities. On the other hand, I'd avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Volcan Baru or Cerro Punta, as they tend to cater more to tourists and can be quite pricey.As for utilities and other expenses, you'll find that they're generally quite affordable in Volcan. Electricity and water bills are usually lower than what you'd pay in the US or Europe, and internet service is reliable and reasonably priced. You might have to sacrifice a bit on the speed of your internet connection, but it should be more than sufficient for everyday use.Groceries and eating out are also quite affordable in Volcan. There are several supermarkets and local markets where you can find fresh produce, meats, and other staples at reasonable prices. Eating out at local restaurants is also quite cheap, although you might have to adjust your expectations when it comes to the variety of cuisine available. You'll find plenty of Panamanian and Latin American dishes, but options for international cuisine might be more limited.One sacrifice you might have to make is in terms of entertainment and shopping. Volcan is a small town, so you won't find the same variety of stores, malls, and entertainment options that you might be used to in a larger city. However, there are still plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, like hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the beautiful surrounding countryside.In terms of transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive in Panama due to import taxes and high gas prices. However, public transportation is affordable and fairly reliable, so you might consider using buses and taxis to get around instead.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Volcan on $5,000 a month is not only possible but quite comfortable. You'll have to make some adjustments and sacrifices, but the lower cost of living, beautiful surroundings, and friendly community make it well worth it," commented an expat living in Volcan.
About the Author
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.
Additional Information:
- Health Care in Volcan
- The Essential Guide to Volcan
- Cost of Living in Volcan
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Panama
- Best Places to Live in Panama
- Real Estate in Panama
- Panama's Pensionado Discounts
- Pros and Cons of Living in Panama 2024
- 2024 Guide to Moving to Panama
- More Advice about Retiring in Panama
- Members Talk about the Cost of Living in Panama