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Have you been looking for the best place to live, warm weather, and low cost of living? You’re not alone. All over the world, people are packing up and relocating to places that offer both. But where should you go?
The debate on this matter often centers around two popular contenders: California, the USA, and Panama City. Both locations have advantages and drawbacks, making them attractive in different ways—but figuring out which one is right for you can be a challenge. In this article, I’ll discuss the pros and cons of each location to help you decide where to live if your goal is to enjoy warm weather with low costs.
Overview of California Cost of Living
Living in California can be expensive. As someone looking for a cost-effective place to live, it’s essential to consider the high cost of rent, taxes, and everyday necessities like groceries. In terms of weather, California does offer plenty of sunny days, particularly in the south. However, you may still need to spend money on beachside activities or plane tickets.
California’s average rent prices are higher than most states—studio apartments typically run around $1,500 a month, and a small one-bedroom can cost upwards of $2,000. You’ll also encounter higher taxes than other U.S. states, particularly regarding sales and income tax. On top of all that, if you’re looking for affordable eats, you may have to dig deep—groceries and meal delivery services (like DoorDash) can quickly break your budget if you’re not careful.
Overview of Panama’s Cost of Living
The cost of living in Panama is significantly lower than that in California. From basic needs like housing to the cost of living out your “rich nomad” dreams, you’ll get more bang for your buck here. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in the center of Panama City averages around $460 a month in rent. In comparison, a one-bedroom apartment in San Francisco costs you an average of $3,700 monthly!
In addition to rent being more affordable, the quality of living and lifestyle is much higher than what you’d find in California. There’s plenty to do in Panama City, from shopping at popular malls with world-class retail stores to visiting lush green parks and exploring unique food markets that offer regional dishes like empanadas and ceviches. You can also take advantage of a variety of activities outdoors, like whitewater rafting and surfing at some of the best beaches on the Pacific Ocean coast!
Furthermore, everything costs less than half what it does in California, from taxes to insurance fees and medical services. Regarding healthcare expenses and medical bills, affordability is unmatched compared to golden state rates. The quality and affordability make Panama an excellent choice for “rich nomads” looking for a place where their money goes further—without skipping out on warm weather or quality entertainment options.
Comparing Taxes in California and Panama
Although California and Panama are both incredible places to live, taxes can make a real difference in your budget.
The tax structure is different in each country, so if you’re looking for ways to minimize your tax burden, consider each of these qualities.
In California, the income tax rate can reach as high as 13.3%, but it depends on your money. In addition, the state has sales taxes that vary by city and county, but they can add up quickly. Property taxes are similarly high, with many counties having rates of 1-2% or even higher.
In Panama, on the other hand, income taxes max out at a flat 25% rate regardless of your earnings. There are also no sales taxes in Panama whatsoever—significant savings! Property taxes here are also much lower than in California, ranging from 0.5 to 2%.
While both locations have their perks and drawbacks regarding taxation—and ultimately must be weighed against what you intend to gain from living there—it’s clear that Panama takes the cake regarding low taxes!
Factors to Consider When Looking for a Warm Weather Destination With a Low Cost of Living
As a budding wealthy nomad, you must consider a few things before deciding between California and Panama. In both places, the warm weather is a given, but essential differences in the cost of living can shape your decision.
Price of Basic Necessities
Panama has an advantage over California in terms of the cost of basic necessities like food and housing. In Panama City, rents are around 30% cheaper than in San Francisco for comparable housing, and prices for food and goods are about 25-30% lower. However, that does not mean that everything is dirt cheap in Panama—luxury items like imported goods tend to be about the same price as in California, if not more expensive.
Tax Rates & Regulations
Taxes are another major factor when deciding between these two destinations. California has some of the highest taxes in the U.S., while Panama is considered one of the most tax-friendly countries worldwide. This is due to their social regulations, such as their territorial tax system, which exempts any income inside the country from taxation.
At this point, it’s time to weigh both destinations against each other and see which gives you better value for money based on your budget and preferences. These two factors will help you make an informed decision about where to live as a wealthy nomad!
Housing Costs Between California and Panama
California and Panama are great options if you’re looking for great weather and an even better cost of living. But if you’re considering buying a home or simply renting one, it’s worth looking at the housing costs between these two locations.
Here’s the deal: In California, the median home cost sits around $552,000. In contrast, in Panama, it can be as low as $150,000—that’s nearly four times lower!
But let’s say you decide to rent instead. In California, you can expect to pay around $1,830 monthly for a one-bedroom apartment. On the other hand, in Panama, you only need around $600 a month for your rent and utilities. So Panama is a better option to save on big-ticket items like housing costs.
Cost Comparison of Groceries & Household Necessities
If your primary concern is the cost of living, comparing California and Panama couldn’t be more straightforward. Panama is more affordable in almost every category of groceries and household necessities.
Groceries & Household Necessities
When I moved to Panama, one of the first comparisons I made was groceries. I was blown away by how much lower prices were—and the quality of the food was excellent, too! Generally, you can assume that everyday necessities like meat and vegetables are about 25–30% cheaper than in California. And if you want to shop at stores like Walmart or Albertsons, you can expect to pay even less.
But here’s the thing: if you want to go shopping for imported goods like chips, cereals, and other snacks, then you will have to pay a premium because they’re more expensive in Panama than they are in California. So if you plan on eating many of those snacks while living in either place, factor that into your budget.
No matter which places you choose to live, make sure that it fits your budget—knowing all this information will help ensure that wherever you decide to call home is the right fit for your lifestyle and your wallet.
Pros and Cons of Living in California Compared to Panama
When comparing California to Panama in terms of the cost of living, there are both pros and cons to each place.
First, let’s look at California: Everyone knows the Golden State is expensive — especially regarding housing prices. But if you can manage to find a place that won’t break the bank (which isn’t always easy), you can enjoy the benefits of living in a stunningly beautiful part of the world with year-round sunshine, access to some of the trendiest cities and towns in the U.S., and a strong job market.
Now, let’s look at Panama: If you’re looking for warmer climates, you can’t beat this tropical paradise. Panama offers long stretches of white sand beaches, lush rainforest terrain, and warm temperatures year-round — all at a fraction of what it would cost to live in California. In addition, Panama is often highlighted as one of the best countries for doing business due to its advanced economy and supportive tax laws.
So, if you’re trying to decide where to live for warm weather and low cost — consider both pros and cons when looking at California versus Panama.
Transportation Costs in California and Panama
If you’re looking for somewhere warmer with a lower cost of living, transportation is something to consider. Unfortunately, gas prices can be pretty high in California—especially compared to Panama.
For the most part, you’ll be driving in California, but public transportation is an option if you’re in cities like San Francisco or Los Angeles. It may help save some money on gas, depending on where you live—but it will cost more than taking a bus in Panama.
Regarding car ownership and repair costs, even if you got an older used car in California (which could run you around $2-3k), the maintenance and insurance costs can still be expensive. On the other hand, Panama drives old cars for the most part, and that means parts are much cheaper. So if you buy a car down there (around $1k), most repairs are not too costly, and insurance is nearly free.
Public transportation will be much cheaper in Panama than in California if you stick to buses or shared taxis (called “Diablos Rojos”). Due to their excellent access to buses and Diablos Rojos, you also won’t need a car if you live in cities like David or Panama City.
A Guide for Finding the Perfect Combination for Your Lifestyle and Budget
If you’re looking for the perfect combination of warm weather and low living cost, consider California and Panama. Both offer excellent potential to find a fantastic place to live.
As I explored these regions, I noticed specific characteristics that make them stand out in cost, climate, and lifestyle. So, to help you find the perfect combination here’s a guide:
California Cost of Living
California is known for its high cost of living, which can strain even those with a well-paying job. The state has some of the highest taxes in the United States but also boasts some of the most desirable places to live. Whether it’s San Francisco or Los Angeles, you will find something unique when making a home in California.
Panama Cost of Living
Panama has one of the lowest living costs in Central America. It remains an excellent choice for budget-conscious people who want to experience tropical climates or retire comfortably on an ex-pat pension or Social Security check. The country offers cheaper food, housing, and medical care than California. However, fashionable neighborhoods and modern amenities are still available at much lower prices than you would find in California.
So if you’re looking for the perfect combination of warm weather and a low-cost lifestyle, consider California and Panama before deciding where to make your home!
“Panama continues to lead economic growth in the region and the estimates of the IMF, WB and ECLAC for the year 2023 is 4.2%. Among the activities that drive the growth dynamism of the country are: the maritime and logistics complex: Panama Canal Authority, ports, railways, airports and infrastructure works such as the road expansion and Metro Line 3 to Panama West.“
-Ministerio de Economía y Finanzas, 2023.
In conclusion, deciding where to live depends on the individual’s needs and preferences. California offers a more prosperous culture and access to the U.S., but the cost of living is higher. Panama offers a lower living cost but fewer amenities and a more relaxed atmosphere.
If given a chance to live in California or Panama, my pick would be Panama. The cost of living is significantly lower, the weather is excellent, and I enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. Plus, I’m an outsider and have never been to Panama.
Whether it’s California or Panama, the important thing is finding the best place to live that fits your lifestyle and goals. Now that you know the benefits and comparisons between California and Panama, you can decide which suits you best.
