Panama City vs Santiago: cost of living for digital nomads
Panama City, Panama and Santiago, Chile, line by line from the catalogue: what a month costs, rent, food, coworking, safety and internet. Every figure links back to its source on the city page.
The short version
- Panama City and Santiago cost about the same per month ($1,800).
- Santiago scores higher on safety (8/10 vs 7/10).
- Internet is faster in Santiago: 200 Mbps typical against 100 Mbps.
- Panama City is tropical; Santiago is mediterranean.
Panama City wins 1 of the measured lines; Santiago wins 2.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Panama City or Santiago?
Panama City and Santiago cost about the same per month for a remote worker, both around $1,800.
Which city is safer, Panama City or Santiago?
Santiago scores higher on safety: 8/10 against 7/10 for Panama City.
Which has faster internet, Panama City or Santiago?
Santiago has faster typical internet: 200 Mbps against 100 Mbps in Panama City.
| Line | Panama City | Santiago |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $1,800 | $1,800 |
| Rent | $850 | $850 |
| Food | $460 | $460 |
| Transport | $50 | $50 |
| Coworking | $140 | $140 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 100 | 200 |
| Climate | tropical | mediterranean |
| City size | metro | metro |
| Setting | coast | inland |
| Nomad score (out of 10) | 8/10 | 7/10 |
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Costs are typical monthly figures for one person in USD, from the sources named on each city page; safety and internet are the catalogue's own ratings. Cost figures verified (Eastern Time): Panama City November 1, 2026, Santiago November 5, 2026.