βοΈ City comparison
Miami vs Panama City
Thinking of leaving Miami for Panama City? Here is how life in Panama City, Panama compares with Miami on cost, weather, safety, internet, and what it takes to stay.
The short version
- Panama City is 51% cheaper: $2,114 vs $4,278 a month all-in for one person.
- Rent is lower in Panama City: $1,270 vs $2,821 for a 1-bedroom in the centre.
- Miami has more pleasant weather: 1 pleasant months a year vs none in Panama City, which is hot or humid all year.
- Panama City is warmer: highs average 4Β°F more across the year (coldest-month high 84Β°F vs 75Β°F in Miami; hottest 90Β°F vs 89Β°F).
- Residents rate Panama City safer: a safety index of 54 vs 47 out of 100 (Numbeo survey).
- Internet is faster in Miami: 365 vs 290 Mbps median download.
- To live in Panama City you'd need a visa: Panama offers the Short-Stay Remote Worker Visa ($3,000/mo), and 90 days visa-free to look around first.
Side by side
| Measure | πΊπΈ Miami | π΅π¦ Panama City |
|---|---|---|
| β Fit score (default weights) | 52 | 67 |
| π° All-in / month | $4,278 | $2,114 |
| π 1BR rent, centre | $2,821 | $1,270 |
| π Living costs, no rent | $1,457 | $844 |
| βοΈ Pleasant months | 1 | 0 |
| π‘οΈ Highs, coldestβhottest month | 75β89Β°F | 84β90Β°F |
| π‘οΈ Safety | 47/100 (residents) | 54/100 (residents) |
| πΆ Internet, median download | 365 Mbps | 290 Mbps |
| π¬οΈ Air, PM2.5 per year | 4.9 Β΅g/mΒ³ | 3.3 Β΅g/mΒ³ |
| π£οΈ English | Official language | Low (EF) |
| π₯ Healthcare access (WHO) | Very high | Very high |
| π© Women's safety & rights | High | Moderate |
| π³οΈβπ LGBTQ+ equality | High | Low |
| βοΈ Flight to the US (est.) | In the US | ~3h to Miami |
| π US work-hour overlap | 7 h | 8 h |
| ποΈ Visa-free stay (US passport) | You live here | 90 days |
| π Nomad visa | Not needed | Short-Stay Remote Worker Visa |
| π§Ύ Tax if resident | US tax as now | π’ Friendly Β· Local income only, top 25% |
Best months to be there
πΊπΈ Miami
6 best months
π΅π¦ Panama City
6 best months
Colour is each month's typical temperature; ticked months are the most comfortable. Full detail: Miami climate Β· Panama City climate.
Data last updated Β· Source: Numbeo cost data, measured climate history, Ookla, UNODC/Numbeo safety and curated visa research
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