Cost of Living: Miami vs Panama City (2026)

Panama City is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $1059/month there vs $3010/month in the other city (Numbeo data).

Miami is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Miami has a rate of 6.10 per 100,000 and Panama City has 12.47 per 100,000.

Panama City edges ahead 57 to 48. Miami 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.

Miami: no specific remote work visa. Panama City: Panama Pensionado Visa (easy to get, Permanent (renewable every 2 years)). See each city's profile page for full requirements.

Miami is warmer in summer (90°F vs 84°F). Panama City has milder summers, which suits those who prefer cooler weather. Climate preference is personal — use the weather section above to compare seasons.

Miami is easier for street-level English (100/100) than Panama City (32/100). That's the score that matters for doctors, landlords, and bureaucracy. Office English can still run higher than street English in both cities.

A 1-bedroom in the centre: $1059/month in Panama City, $3010/month in Miami (Numbeo). That's 65% cheaper rent in Panama City.

Miami scores 7.8/10 on the EIU Democracy Index vs 6.8/10 for Panama City. Both are functional democracies, though the gap matters if you're planning to stay long enough to care about local politics.

Miami scores higher on our composite healthcare index (79/100 vs 68/100 for Panama City). That score combines clinical outcomes (IHME), universal coverage (WHO), and resident perception (Numbeo) — not just whether hospitals exist but whether the system actually works for settlers.