Comparison
Santo Domingo vs Panama City: cost of living compared
On an average lifestyle in a 1-bed apartment, Panama City costs 56% more than Santo Domingo: $1,740 against $1,117 a month, a difference of $623.
Data period: Q1–Q2 2026Status: modeled estimate
Category by category
One person, 1-bed apartment, average lifestyle.
| Category | Santo Domingo | Panama City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | $560 | $950 | +$390 |
| Groceries | $210 | $295 | +$85 |
| Transport | $50 | $55 | +$5 |
| Utilities | $65 | $100 | +$35 |
| Internet | $32 | $35 | +$3 |
| Coworking | $100 | $150 | +$50 |
| Entertainment | $100 | $155 | +$55 |
| Total per month | $1,117 | $1,740 | +$623 |
The category that separates the two cities most is rent: $560 in Santo Domingo and $950 in Panama City, which is $390 of the $623 gap. Santo Domingo has an equal or lower estimate in every category.
Other households and lifestyles
| Scenario | Santo Domingo | Panama City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frugal · Room | $513 | $805 | +$292 |
| Frugal · 1-bed apartment | $768 | $1,220 | +$452 |
| Average · 1-bed apartment | $1,117 | $1,740 | +$623 |
| Comfortable · 1-bed apartment | $1,583 | $2,397 | +$814 |
| Average · Family apartment | $1,572 | $2,400 | +$828 |
| Comfortable · Family apartment | $2,138 | $3,287 | +$1,149 |
Currency and exchange rates
Dominican Republic uses the Dominican peso; figures are converted to dollars at the exchange rate of the data period.
Panama uses the US dollar, so there is no exchange-rate risk for people earning in dollars.
A lower cost is not the same as a better fit. These figures do not measure housing quality, climate, safety or work opportunities.
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Santo Domingo or Panama City?
In our data, Santo Domingo has the lower estimated total in the main scenario: $1,117 against $1,740 a month. Cost is not the whole decision: climate, visas, work and neighborhood matter too.
How much is rent in Santo Domingo and Panama City?
A 1-bed apartment is estimated at $400 to $780 in Santo Domingo, and $700 to $1,300 in Panama City, depending on lifestyle.