Best Cities in Central America for Expats: A Comprehensive Guide

Central America offers a diverse array of destinations for expatriates seeking sunshine, vibrant culture, and a lower cost of living. From mountain retreats to beachside towns and colonial cities, the region provides options to suit nearly any lifestyle preference. This guide explores the top expat-friendly cities in Central America, complete with cost of living breakdowns, local information, and practical insights to help you make an informed decision about your next move.

1. Boquete, Panama

Population: 25,000
Size: 488 km²
Currency: Panamanian Balboa (PAB) and US Dollar (USD)
Best time to visit: January to April (dry season)

Nestled in the western highlands of Panama at an elevation of 1,200 meters, Boquete has become one of Central America’s premier expat destinations. The town’s spring-like climate year-round (average 70°F/21°C) has earned it the nickname “land of eternal spring” and provides a welcome escape from the tropical heat found in many parts of Central America.

Boquete is surrounded by lush mountains, including the dormant Volcán Barú, Panama’s highest peak. The Caldera River flows through town, creating a picturesque setting that has attracted a substantial community of North American and European retirees.

The area is renowned for its coffee production, with some of Panama’s most celebrated coffee farms located on the surrounding slopes. Outdoor activities abound, including hiking, bird watching (the region is home to over 500 bird species including the resplendent quetzal), white water rafting, and golf at the Valle Escondido resort.

The established expat community offers numerous social clubs, volunteer opportunities, and weekly markets where locals and foreigners mingle freely.

Average Monthly Cost of Living:

• Single person: $1,200-$1,800
• Couple: $1,800-$2,600
• Family of 4: $2,800-$3,800

2. Grecia, Costa Rica

Population: 18,000 (town); 85,000 (canton)
Size: 395 km² (canton)
Currency: Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
Best time to visit: December to April (dry season)

Located in Costa Rica’s Central Valley, Grecia sits at an elevation of approximately 1,000 meters, providing comfortable temperatures that typically range from 16-27°C (60-80°F) year-round. Just an hour’s drive from San José, this charming town offers the perfect balance of rural tranquility and urban accessibility.

Grecia is known for its cleanliness (often cited as the cleanest town in Costa Rica) and its distinctive red metal church in the central plaza. The surrounding countryside features coffee plantations, sugar cane fields, and lush forests, with many expats choosing to live in the hills above town to enjoy panoramic valley views.

The local economy combines agriculture with light industry and tourism, creating a stable environment that hasn’t been overdeveloped. The expat population tends to be older, with many retirees drawn to the area’s affordable healthcare, relaxed pace of life, and proximity to modern medical facilities in nearby San José.

The Saturday farmers’ market (feria) is a social hub where expats and locals gather to shop for fresh produce and socialize. Numerous residential developments cater specifically to foreigners, offering turnkey options for those new to the country.

Average Monthly Cost of Living:

• Single person: $1,300-$1,900
• Couple: $2,000-$2,800
• Family of 4: $3,000-$4,000

3. Granada, Nicaragua

Population: 120,000
Size: 53 km²
Currency: Nicaraguan Córdoba (NIO)
Best time to visit: December to April (dry season)

Founded in 1524, Granada is one of the oldest European-established cities in the Americas and perhaps the most charming colonial city in Central America. Its colorful Spanish colonial architecture, pedestrian-friendly historic center, and location on the shores of Lake Nicaragua make it a visual feast and practical place to settle.

The city’s historic district features well-preserved buildings with interior courtyards, many of which have been converted into boutique hotels, restaurants, and homes for expats. Despite its old-world charm, Granada offers modern amenities including reliable internet, quality healthcare options, and international food markets.

Granada’s cost of living is among the lowest for expat destinations in Central America, allowing residents to enjoy historic surroundings at a fraction of what similar lifestyles would cost elsewhere. The large expat community supports numerous cafes, language exchange meetups, and charitable initiatives.

The city’s location provides easy access to outdoor adventures, including kayaking among Las Isletas (an archipelago of 365 small islands in Lake Nicaragua), hiking Mombacho Volcano, and day trips to the Pacific beaches just 45 minutes away.

Average Monthly Cost of Living:

• Single person: $800-$1,300
• Couple: $1,200-$1,800
• Family of 4: $1,800-$2,600

4. Coronado, Panama

Population: 15,000
Size: 52 km²
Currency: Panamanian Balboa (PAB) and US Dollar (USD)
Best time to visit: January to April (dry season)

Located on Panama’s “Gold Coast,” just an hour’s drive from Panama City, Coronado has transformed from a weekend beach destination for wealthy Panamanians to a full-fledged expat community. This gated beach town offers the convenience of resort-style living with the practicalities needed for daily life.

Originally developed in the 1970s, Coronado has evolved into a self-contained community with commercial centers, medical facilities, and recreational options. The black and white sand beaches stretch for miles, while the area’s microclimate receives less rainfall than many parts of Panama.

The town features golf courses, equestrian facilities, and beach clubs, creating an active lifestyle for residents. Practical amenities include multiple supermarkets (including the expat-favorite El Rey), hardware stores, and banking services, eliminating the need for frequent trips to the capital.

The established expat community hosts regular events, charity fundraisers, and social gatherings. Housing options range from high-rise condominiums with ocean views to single-family homes in gated communities.

Average Monthly Cost of Living:

• Single person: $1,500-$2,200
• Couple: $2,200-$3,000
• Family of 4: $3,200-$4,400

5. Atenas, Costa Rica

Population: 27,000 (town); 28,000 (canton)
Size: 127 km² (canton)
Currency: Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
Best time to visit: December to April (dry season)

Reportedly endorsed by National Geographic as having “the best climate in the world,” Atenas boasts the perfect balance of warm days and cool nights. Located in Costa Rica’s Central Valley at an elevation of around 700 meters, the town experiences average temperatures of 22-27°C (72-80°F) year-round.

Despite being just 30 minutes from Juan Santamaría International Airport, Atenas maintains a distinctly rural feel. Coffee plantations dot the surrounding hills, and the central park with its iconic church serves as the community’s gathering place.

The expat community in Atenas tends to integrate well with locals, creating a more authentic Costa Rican experience than some of the more tourist-heavy destinations. Many foreigners are attracted by the opportunity to live more sustainably, with small farms (fincas) and eco-friendly housing options available in the surrounding countryside.

The town itself provides essential services including banks, medical clinics, and supermarkets, while more extensive shopping and healthcare facilities are easily accessible in nearby Alajuela or San José.

A popular Friday farmers’ market and the Atenas Coffee Cooperative offer opportunities to enjoy local produce and world-class coffee directly from producers.

Average Monthly Cost of Living:

• Single person: $1,400-$2,000
• Couple: $2,100-$2,900
• Family of 4: $3,100-$4,100

6. Antigua, Guatemala

Population: 45,000
Size: 9 km²
Currency: Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ)
Best time to visit: November to April (dry season)

Antigua is a UNESCO World Heritage site that captivates visitors with its Spanish Baroque architecture, cobblestone streets, and dramatic setting among three volcanoes. Founded in the early 16th century, the former capital of Guatemala retains its colonial charm while offering modern amenities sought by expatriates.

The city’s elevation of 1,500 meters provides comfortable temperatures year-round, typically ranging from 15-25°C (60-78°F). Despite being just 45 minutes from Guatemala City and its international airport, Antigua feels worlds away from urban bustle.

The expat community includes a mix of retirees, digital nomads, and entrepreneurs who have opened restaurants, language schools, and boutique hotels. The city is a center for Spanish language education, with numerous schools offering immersion programs.

Antigua is famous for its Holy Week (Semana Santa) celebrations, considered among the most elaborate in the world. During this time, colorful sawdust carpets (alfombras) cover the streets, and processions wind through the city.

The surrounding area offers coffee farm tours, volcano hikes, and day trips to Lake Atitlán. Within the city, expats enjoy a sophisticated dining scene, art galleries, and shopping for high-quality Guatemalan textiles and crafts.

Average Monthly Cost of Living:

• Single person: $1,200-$1,800
• Couple: $1,800-$2,500
• Family of 4: $2,600-$3,800

7. Panama City, Panama

Population: 880,000 (city); 1.5 million (metro area)
Size: 275 km² (city)
Currency: Panamanian Balboa (PAB) and US Dollar (USD)
Best time to visit: January to mid-April (dry season)

As the most cosmopolitan city in Central America, Panama City offers urban living comparable to major global cities but at a fraction of the cost. Its stunning skyline along the Pacific Ocean has earned it the nickname “Miami of the South,” while its position at the entrance to the Panama Canal makes it a center for international commerce.

The city blends ultra-modern areas like Punta Pacifica and Costa del Este with the historic charm of Casco Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring colonial architecture, hip restaurants, and boutique hotels. This diversity gives expats options ranging from high-rise luxury condos to renovated historic buildings.

Panama City excels in infrastructure, with reliable high-speed internet, good public transportation, potable tap water in most areas, and a new metro system. The banking sector is sophisticated, catering to international clients with services in English and other languages.

The city serves as a hub for Copa Airlines, providing direct flights to major cities throughout the Americas and making international travel convenient. World-class healthcare is available at facilities like Hospital Punta Pacifica (affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medicine) and Centro Médico Paitilla.

Panama’s Pensionado visa program offers significant discounts and benefits for retirees, while the territorial tax system means most foreign income isn’t taxed, creating favorable conditions for expatriates.

Average Monthly Cost of Living:

• Single person: $1,800-$2,500
• Couple: $2,600-$3,500
• Family of 4: $3,800-$5,200

8. Jaco, Costa Rica

Population: 10,000
Size: 140 km²
Currency: Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
Best time to visit: December to April (dry season)

Located on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast, Jaco is the closest beach town to San José, making it both a weekend getaway for Costa Ricans and a popular expat destination. The 2.5-mile long gray sand beach is a major draw, particularly for surfers who come for the consistent waves.

Jaco balances tourism and residential living, with enough amenities to support daily life while maintaining its beach town vibe. The main street runs parallel to the beach and is lined with restaurants, bars, shops, and tour operators.

The expat community is diverse, including retirees, digital nomads, and business owners who have opened restaurants, surf schools, and vacation rentals. The atmosphere is more developed and energetic than some of Costa Rica’s more secluded beach towns.

The surrounding area offers numerous activities, including sport fishing, zip-lining through the rainforest, and day trips to Manuel Antonio National Park. The nearby Carara National Park is known for its scarlet macaw population and biodiversity.

While Jaco has a reputation for its nightlife, many expatriates choose to live in quieter areas just outside town, such as Playa Hermosa to the south or the hillside communities that offer ocean views and cooler temperatures.

Average Monthly Cost of Living:

• Single person: $1,500-$2,100
• Couple: $2,200-$3,000
• Family of 4: $3,200-$4,300

9. Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Population: 6,000
Size: 123 km² (district)
Currency: Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
Best time to visit: December to April (dry season)

Once a quiet fishing village, Tamarindo has evolved into one of Costa Rica’s most developed beach towns and a surfing hotspot. Located in Guanacaste province on the Pacific coast, the town features a 3.5-kilometer white sand beach and consistent waves that cater to surfers of all levels.

Tamarindo strikes a balance between development and natural beauty. While the main streets offer restaurants, boutiques, and nightlife venues, the surrounding areas include protected estuary habitats, nesting grounds for leatherback turtles, and the Las Baulas National Marine Park.

The expat community is substantial and diverse, with North Americans, Europeans, and South Americans establishing businesses and homes. This international influence is evident in the wide range of dining options, from Costa Rican sodas (local diners) to high-end international cuisine.

The town experiences a distinct dry season from December to April, when the landscape turns golden and days are reliably sunny. During the green season, afternoon showers revitalize the tropical foliage while mornings typically remain clear for outdoor activities.

Housing options range from luxury beachfront condos to more affordable apartments and homes in the surrounding hills. Long-term rentals become significantly more economical than short-term vacation properties.

Average Monthly Cost of Living:

• Single person: $1,700-$2,300
• Couple: $2,400-$3,200
• Family of 4: $3,500-$4,600

10. Bocas del Toro, Panama

Population: 16,000 (archipelago)
Size: 430 km² (archipelago)
Currency: Panamanian Balboa (PAB) and US Dollar (USD)
Best time to visit: February to March, September to October (less rainfall)

This archipelago of nine main islands and hundreds of islets offers Caribbean living with a distinctive flair. Bocas Town on Isla Colón serves as the main hub, with colorful wooden buildings on stilts lining the waterfront, many housing restaurants, bars, and small hotels.

The expat community in Bocas del Toro tends to be eclectic, drawn by the laid-back lifestyle and natural beauty rather than modern amenities or infrastructure. The islands attract surfers, divers, yogis, artists, and those looking to disconnect from mainstream society.

The area receives significant rainfall (over 3,000mm annually), creating lush landscapes but also infrastructure challenges. The wet climate has shaped local architecture, with structures built on stilts and designed to withstand the elements.

Numerous beaches offer different experiences, from the surfing waves at Bluff Beach to the calm waters of Starfish Beach. Dolphin Bay provides reliable sightings of bottlenose dolphins, while snorkeling at Coral Cay reveals vibrant underwater ecosystems.

Transportation between islands is primarily by water taxi, creating a uniquely maritime lifestyle. While basic services are available on Isla Colón, many residents make occasional trips to David or Panama City for more extensive shopping or healthcare needs.

Average Monthly Cost of Living:

• Single person: $1,200-$1,800
• Couple: $1,800-$2,500
• Family of 4: $2,700-$3,700

11. Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

Population: 100,000 (around the lake in various towns)
Size: 130 km² (lake)
Currency: Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ)
Best time to visit: November to May (dry season)

Often described as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, Lake Atitlán is surrounded by three towering volcanoes and a dozen Maya villages, each with its distinct character. The lake itself sits at an elevation of 1,560 meters, creating a temperate microclimate despite being in tropical Central America.

The expat community is spread among several towns around the lake, with Panajachel serving as the main transportation hub and commercial center. San Pedro La Laguna attracts a younger, bohemian crowd with its Spanish schools and nightlife, while San Marcos La Laguna has become a center for yoga, meditation, and holistic healing.

Santa Cruz La Laguna and Jaibalito offer more secluded living, accessible primarily by boat. The village of San Juan La Laguna is known for its textile cooperatives and traditional Maya culture.

The area’s indigenous heritage remains vibrant, with traditional clothing, languages, and customs continuing despite centuries of external influence. This cultural richness, combined with the dramatic natural setting, creates an intellectually and visually stimulating environment for expatriates.

Water transportation is central to life at the lake, with lanchas (public boats) serving as the primary connection between communities. Most expats rent houses or apartments, though some have built homes or established businesses such as hotels, restaurants, or retreat centers.

Average Monthly Cost of Living:

• Single person: $900-$1,400
• Couple: $1,400-$2,000
• Family of 4: $2,100-$3,000

12. Utila, Honduras

Population: 4,000
Size: 41 km²
Currency: Honduran Lempira (HNL)
Best time to visit: March to June, September to October (between rainy seasons)

The smallest of Honduras’ Bay Islands, Utila has gained fame as one of the most affordable places in the world to get PADI-certified in scuba diving. This has created a unique expat ecosystem that blends dive instructors, marine researchers, digital nomads, and those simply seeking an authentic Caribbean island experience without the high costs associated with better-known destinations.

The island is surrounded by the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest coral reef system in the world. This marine environment supports exceptional biodiversity, including regular sightings of whale sharks, the largest fish in the ocean.

Utila Town consists primarily of a single main street along the waterfront, packed with dive shops, small hotels, restaurants, and bars. Most businesses and homes rely on rainwater collection systems and private generators (though municipal electricity is available but sometimes unreliable).

The expat community is surprisingly diverse for such a small island, with Europeans, North Americans, and Australians mixed with native islanders who speak English with a Caribbean accent, a legacy of the island’s British colonial history.

Housing on Utila ranges from simple rooms above dive shops to elaborate homes on the hills or private cays off the main island. Long-term rentals are substantially discounted compared to tourist rates, making sustainable living possible on modest budgets.

Average Monthly Cost of Living:

• Single person: $900-$1,500
• Couple: $1,400-$2,100
• Family of 4: $2,100-$3,200

13. Corozal, Belize

Population: 10,000
Size: 45 km²
Currency: Belize Dollar (BZD)
Best time to visit: December to April (dry season)

Located just 9 miles from the Mexican border, Corozal offers a quiet alternative to Belize’s more tourist-oriented destinations. The town sits on Corozal Bay, part of the larger Chetumal Bay shared with Mexico, providing scenic water views without the higher costs associated with Belize’s cayes and beaches.

The expat community in Corozal tends to be older and primarily North American, with many drawn to the area’s affordability and proximity to Mexican amenities across the border in Chetumal. English is the official language of Belize, eliminating language barriers that exist in other Central American countries, though many locals also speak Spanish and Kriol.

Corozal Town features a central square with a clock tower, surrounded by modest shops, restaurants, and services. While not as developed as some expatriate havens, it offers the essentials for comfortable living including supermarkets, banks, and medical clinics. More extensive healthcare and shopping options are available in Chetumal, Mexico.

The cost of living in Corozal is among the lowest for coastal communities in Belize, with housing particularly affordable compared to Ambergris Caye or Placencia. Many expats choose to live in developments such as Consejo Shores or 4 Mile Lagoon, which offer waterfront properties with established expatriate neighbors.

Belize’s Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) program provides tax incentives for eligible retirees, allowing them to import household goods and even vehicles duty-free.

Average Monthly Cost of Living:

• Single person: $1,100-$1,700
• Couple: $1,700-$2,300
• Family of 4: $2,600-$3,500

14. Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

Population: 2,000
Size: 10 km² (town)
Currency: Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
Best time to visit: February to April, September to October (drier periods)

Located on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast near the Panamanian border, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca offers a distinctly different vibe from the country’s Pacific beach towns. The area’s Afro-Caribbean heritage is evident in the local cuisine, music, and architecture, creating a multicultural atmosphere that many expatriates find refreshing.

The region is known for its stunning beaches, each with its own character: Playa Negra with its black sand, Playa Cocles for surfing, Punta Uva for swimming and snorkeling, and Manzanillo for its untouched natural beauty within a wildlife refuge.

Puerto Viejo attracts a younger and more bohemian expat crowd than many Central American destinations, with sustainable living, yoga, surfing, and organic farming being common interests. The expat community includes many Europeans and North Americans who have opened yoga studios, organic chocolate businesses, eco-lodges, and farm-to-table restaurants.

The surrounding area contains exceptional biodiversity, with the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge and Cahuita National Park protecting coral reefs, sloths, monkeys, and nesting sea turtles. The indigenous BriBri people maintain their culture in nearby territories, offering opportunities to learn about traditional cacao farming and medicinal plants.

The town receives significant rainfall (over 3,000mm annually), creating lush vegetation but also infrastructure challenges. Most roads in the area are unpaved, and power outages can occur during storms.

Average Monthly Cost of Living:

• Single person: $1,200-$1,800
• Couple: $1,800-$2,500
• Family of 4: $2,700-$3,700

15. San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

Population: 15,000
Size: 40 km²
Currency: Nicaraguan Córdoba (NIO)
Best time to visit: December to April (dry season)

Set on a horseshoe-shaped bay on Nicaragua’s Pacific coast, San Juan del Sur has evolved from a sleepy fishing village to a surf destination and expatriate haven. The town retains its colorful, low-rise character despite development, with the towering statue of Christ of the Mercy (Cristo de la Misericordia) overlooking the bay from a nearby hilltop.

The expat community includes a mix of retirees, digital nomads, surf enthusiasts, and entrepreneurs who have opened restaurants, hotels, and real estate businesses. The town offers a balance of authentic Nicaraguan culture and international influences, with local sodas (small restaurants) coexisting with sushi bars and Italian bistros.

The main draw for many is the surrounding coastline, featuring dozens of beaches with world-class surfing conditions. Playa Maderas, Playa Hermosa, and Playa Remanso each offer different wave experiences within a short drive from town. Shuttle services connect these beaches to San Juan del Sur, making car ownership optional for residents.

The town has a reputation for its nightlife and Sunday Funday pool crawl, but many expatriates choose to live in quieter developments on the outskirts or in the hills overlooking the bay, where ocean views and cooling breezes enhance the quality of life.

Nicaragua’s low cost of living allows expatriates to enjoy beachside living at a fraction of what similar lifestyles would cost in neighboring Costa Rica or Panama.

Average Monthly Cost of Living:

• Single person: $900-$1,400
• Couple: $1,300-$1,900
• Family of 4: $2,000-$2,900

16. Caye Caulker, Belize

Population: 2,000
Size: 8 km²
Currency: Belize Dollar (BZD)
Best time to visit: December to April (dry season)

A small limestone coral island off the coast of Belize, Caye Caulker embodies the “Go Slow” philosophy proclaimed on signs throughout the island. With no cars, just golf carts and bicycles, this laid-back destination offers Caribbean living at a more affordable price point than neighboring Ambergris Caye.

The island is divided by a narrow channel called “The Split,” which was created by Hurricane Hattie in 1961 and now serves as a popular swimming spot with an adjacent beach bar. The main village occupies the southern portion of the island, consisting of unpaved streets lined with colorful wooden houses, small hotels, restaurants, and dive shops.

The expat community tends to be well-integrated with locals, creating a social fabric that blends different backgrounds while maintaining Belizean hospitality. English is the official language, making transition easier for North Americans and Britons, though locals also speak Kriol and Spanish.

The island sits near the Belize Barrier Reef, providing world-class snorkeling and diving opportunities, including the famous Blue Hole. Daily boat trips take visitors to swim with nurse sharks and stingrays at Shark Ray Alley or explore the coral gardens of Hol Chan Marine Reserve.

Despite its small size, the island offers adequate amenities for daily life, including grocery stores, bakeries, and medical services. More extensive healthcare and shopping require trips to Belize City or Chetumal, Mexico.

Average Monthly Cost of Living:

• Single person: $1,300-$1,900
• Couple: $2,000-$2,600
• Family of 4: $3,000-$3,900

17. Playa Venao, Panama

Population: 300
Size: 5 km² (immediate area)
Currency: Panamanian Balboa (PAB) and US Dollar (USD)
Best time to visit: December to April (dry season)

Once a remote surfing spot accessible only by dirt road, Playa Venao has developed into a small but growing community catering to surf enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking a simpler lifestyle. Located on Panama’s Azuero Peninsula about a 5-hour drive from Panama City, this horseshoe-shaped bay offers consistent waves suitable for all skill levels.

The area has seen careful development in recent years, with boutique hotels, hostels, and residential projects designed to complement rather than dominate the natural landscape. Most businesses are concentrated along the beach, while residential areas extend into the surrounding hills.

The expat community is small but diverse, including surf instructors, eco-lodge owners, retirees, and younger couples pursuing alternative lifestyles. The remoteness of the location tends to attract those with a pioneering spirit who value natural beauty over urban conveniences.

Despite its growth, Playa Venao remains untouched by large-scale commercial development. The nearest town with significant services is Pedasí, about 30 minutes away, which itself is a charming expatriate destination with a small-town feel.

The surrounding area offers opportunities to explore traditional Panamanian culture in nearby villages, visit Isla Iguana Wildlife Refuge with its pristine beaches, or venture deeper into the Azuero Peninsula, known as Panama’s “folklore province” for its preservation of traditional customs and festivals.

Average Monthly Cost of Living:

• Single person: $1,300-$1,900
• Couple: $2,000-$2,700
• Family of 4: $3,000-$4,000

18. Chitré, Panama

Population: 80,000
Size: 90 km²
Currency: Panamanian Balboa (PAB) and US Dollar (USD)
Best time to visit: January to April (dry season)

As the capital of Herrera Province on Panama’s Azuero Peninsula, Chitré offers an authentic Panamanian living experience away from major tourist routes. The city is often described as one of the best places to live in Panama for those seeking to immerse themselves in local culture while still enjoying modern amenities.

Chitré features a well-developed infrastructure including supermarkets, banks, government offices, and the Santiago Barraza Regional Hospital. The central area maintains its traditional character with a main plaza, cathedral, and low-rise buildings, while newer commercial developments have emerged on the city’s outskirts.

The expatriate population is smaller than in many Central American destinations, consisting primarily of retirees and business owners who appreciate the city’s combination of affordability, safety, and authentic cultural experience. This smaller foreign presence means that proficiency in Spanish is more important here than in some more tourist-oriented locations.

The surrounding region is known for its pottery production, particularly in the village of La Arena, and its cattle ranching heritage celebrated during the annual Feria de San Sebastián de Ocú. The nearby beaches of El Rompío and Villa Romana provide weekend getaway options, though they’re less developed than Panama’s Pacific beaches near the capital.

Chitré experiences a distinct dry season from December to April, when the surrounding countryside turns golden. During the green season, the landscape transforms with lush vegetation, though afternoon thunderstorms are common.

Average Monthly Cost of Living:

• Single person: $1,000-$1,500
• Couple: $1,500-$2,100
• Family of 4: $2,300-$3,300

Comparison of Central American Expat Destinations