⚖️ City comparison
San Francisco vs Panama City
Thinking of leaving San Francisco for Panama City? Here is how life in Panama City, Panama compares with San Francisco on cost, weather, safety, internet, and what it takes to stay.
The short version
- Panama City is 60% cheaper: $2,114 vs $5,272 a month all-in for one person.
- Rent is lower in Panama City: $1,270 vs $3,643 for a 1-bedroom in the centre.
- San Francisco has more pleasant weather: 8 pleasant months a year vs none in Panama City, which is hot or humid all year.
- Panama City is warmer: highs average 24°F more across the year (coldest-month high 84°F vs 57°F in San Francisco; hottest 90°F vs 71°F).
- Residents rate Panama City safer: a safety index of 54 vs 40 out of 100 (Numbeo survey).
- Internet is faster in San Francisco: 364 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 | 🇵🇦 Panama City | 🇺🇸 San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| ⭐ Fit score (default weights) | 67 | 51 |
| 💰 All-in / month | $2,114 | $5,272 |
| 🏠 1BR rent, centre | $1,270 | $3,643 |
| 🛒 Living costs, no rent | $844 | $1,629 |
| ☀️ Pleasant months | 0 | 8 |
| 🌡️ Highs, coldest–hottest month | 84–90°F | 57–71°F |
| 🛡️ Safety | 54/100 (residents) | 40/100 (residents) |
| 📶 Internet, median download | 290 Mbps | 364 Mbps |
| 🌬️ Air, PM2.5 per year | 3.3 µg/m³ | 4.6 µg/m³ |
| 🗣️ English | Low (EF) | Official language |
| 🏥 Healthcare access (WHO) | Very high | Very high |
| 👩 Women's safety & rights | Moderate | High |
| 🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ equality | Low | High |
| ✈️ Flight to the US (est.) | ~3h to Miami | In the US |
| 🕘 US work-hour overlap | 8 h | 6 h |
| 🗓️ Visa-free stay (US passport) | 90 days | You live here |
| 🛂 Nomad visa | Short-Stay Remote Worker Visa | Not needed |
| 🧾 Tax if resident | 🟢 Friendly · Local income only, top 25% | US tax as now |
Best months to be there
🇵🇦 Panama City
6 best months
🇺🇸 San Francisco
3 best months
Colour is each month's typical temperature; ticked months are the most comfortable. Full detail: Panama City climate · San Francisco climate.
Data last updated · Source: Numbeo cost data, measured climate history, Ookla, UNODC/Numbeo safety and curated visa research
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