New York
Panama City

New York vs Panama City — Cost of Living Comparison

New York
United States
VS
Panama City
Panama
Estimated average living costs are ~68% lower in Panama City

New York

$4,200

avg. monthly cost

Population

8,336,817

Safety

55/100

Quality

62/100

Cost
100
Safety
55
Life
62

Panama City

$1,350

avg. monthly cost

Population

880,691

Safety

50/100

Quality

58/100

Cost
45
Safety
50
Life
58

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~68% lower in Panama City

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

New York

$4,200

estimated per month

Panama City

$1,350

estimated per month

Difference

-67.9%

Monthly savings

$2,850

Yearly savings

$34,200

Figures shown are estimated averages for general comparison purposes only and may not reflect individual spending patterns.

Cost Comparison by Category

Monthly averages side by side

Estimated Salary Equivalency (Informational)

What you'd need to earn for the same lifestyle

This calculation provides an estimated comparison based on average living costs and does not represent financial or employment advice.

$/year (USD)

$24,107

-$50,893/year (USD)

Salary equivalency figures are illustrative estimates only and should not be used for employment, negotiation, or financial planning decisions.

Detailed Category Breakdown

Item-by-item price comparison across 7 categories

ItemNew YorkPanama CityDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$3,450.00$900.00
-73.9%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$2,200.00$580.00
-73.6%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$6,500.00$1,650.00
-74.6%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$3,800.00$1,050.00
-72.4%
ItemNew YorkPanama CityDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$25.00$7.00
-72.0%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$110.00$35.00
-68.2%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$12.00$7.00
-41.7%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.45$1.40
-3.4%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$4.20$1.80
-57.1%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$5.50$1.10
-80.0%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$4.80$2.40
-50.0%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$14.50$5.20
-64.1%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$6.20$2.80
-54.8%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$2.10$1.00
-52.4%
ItemNew YorkPanama CityDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$132.00$25.00
-81.1%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$2.90$0.35
-87.9%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$3.50$1.50
-57.1%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$2.20$0.75
-65.9%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.05$0.95
-9.5%
ItemNew YorkPanama CityDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$190.00$100.00
-47.4%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$55.00$20.00
-63.6%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$68.00$35.00
-48.5%
ItemNew YorkPanama CityDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$250.00$35.00
-86.0%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$200.00$45.00
-77.5%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$55.00$10.00
-81.8%
ItemNew YorkPanama CityDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$95.00$40.00
-57.9%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$18.00$5.50
-69.4%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$5.50$3.50
-36.4%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$9.00$3.50
-61.1%
ItemNew YorkPanama CityDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$55.00$50.00
-9.1%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$42.00$35.00
-16.7%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$95.00$75.00
-21.1%

Category values are aggregated estimates and may vary by neighborhood, lifestyle, and market conditions.

Frequently asked questions: New York vs Panama City

Is New York or Panama City more expensive?
New York is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 100 compared with 45 for Panama City.
How much cheaper is Panama City than New York?
Living in Panama City is around 55% cheaper than New York, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between New York and Panama City?
New York scores 100 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while Panama City scores 45 — where New York City equals 100.