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Cost of Living: Atenas vs Panama City (2026)

Costa Rica vs Panama — relocation comparison

TL;DRPanama City is safer — homicide rate 12.5 vs 17.7 per 100k. Atenas scores 8.3 vs 6.8 on democracy. Neither city will test your commitment to owning a coat.
54
Livability Score
🇨🇷 Atenas
Costa Rica
Full profile
49
Livability Score
🇵🇦 Panama City
Panama
Full profile
Atenas edges ahead 54 to 49. Panama City isn't far behind — it depends what matters to you.
🔒
Safety
Panama City
12.5 homicides per 100k
🗳️
Democracy
Atenas
8.3/10 EIU index
☀️
Weather
27°C vs 29°C summers
🗣️
English
Atenas
higher proficiency score
Atenas
Metric
Panama City
17.7 / 100k
🔒
Homicides
12.5 / 100k
27°C
☀️
Summer high
29°C
18°C
❄️
Winter low
24°C
Internet speed
31 Mbps
🌬️
Air quality (PM2.5)
14 μg/m³
8.3 / 10
🗳️
Democracy
6.8 / 10
30/100
🗣️
Street English
32/100
$31k
💼
GDP per capita
$41k
-0.4% · Practically frozen
📈
Inflation
0.7% · Practically frozen
54 / 100
🏅
Livability Score
49 / 100

The Short Version

  • Summers are slightly warmer in Panama City (29°C vs 27°C).
  • Panama City is safer by homicide rate (12.5 vs 17.7 per 100k).
  • Atenas scores higher on democracy (8.3 vs 6.8 / 10 EIU).

Atenas vs Panama City — Common Questions

Which is safer, Atenas or Panama City?

Panama City is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Atenas has a rate of 17.75 per 100,000 and Panama City has 12.47 per 100,000.

Should I move to Atenas or Panama City?

Atenas edges ahead 54 to 49. Panama City isn't far behind — it depends what matters to you. See the full comparison above for rent, safety, internet speed, climate, and democracy scores to decide which city fits your priorities.

Which has better weather, Atenas or Panama City?

Panama City is warmer in summer (29°C vs 27°C). Atenas has milder summers, which suits those who prefer cooler weather. Climate preference is personal — use the weather section above to compare seasons.

Don't agree? Take the quiz and see what fits you.

Factor in your salary, family size, weather preferences, and deal-breakers.