Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared on Live and Invest Overseas.
The beaches between Punta Chame and Rio Hato are in my backyard, so to speak. There are several of them, each with a unique personality. The area they are in is known as the arco seco, or the dry arch.
What’s so special about the arco seco? While many areas of Panama get 100 inches of annual rain, the arco seco gets below 55 inches. This gives us better weather and sunnier days at the beach.
You can take your pick of beaches here …
Punta Chame is ideal for kite-surfing. Playa Serena is great for walking and swimming. Playa Teta has a distinct vibe that feels somewhat Caribbean. Playa Rio Mar is known for good surfing. Playa Farallon has a clean white sand beach and decent public facilities, including bathrooms and showers.
And that’s just some of the many on offer.
Affordable living in Coronado
At the heart of the area that spans Punta Chame and Rio Hato lies Coronado. It was among Panama’s first resort developments and is a popular spot for expats, tourism, and vacationers.
Coronado is about 55 miles from Panama City. The drive takes around 90 minutes. There’s also a good bus service.
Cost of living here varies, and while it may not boast the absolute lowest cost of living for expats, this area does provide affordable options and attractive price points for upscale living at beachfront resorts and in custom homes.
Rental rates range from $400 to $1,500 per month, depending on what you’re looking for. Variables that dictate this big range include location, size, age, construction type and style, etc.
My wife and I live in a beach resort community, where our monthly rent and utilities are just under $1,100. We have beach and mountain views from our windows, and the beach is an eight-minute walk from our front door.
We have tons of food choices, including organic options. Restaurants that specialize in typical Panamanian food are often very affordable. We also enjoy shopping and dining a mere 10 minutes away by car.
Ours is a quiet community during the week. Most owners here are weekenders. We’re among a handful of full-time residents. This is common among the many beach resorts in our area.
Health care and amenities
The areas in and around Coronado provide lots of retail, health clinic, veterinarian, restaurant, pharmacy, and professional service options. We also have a Clinica Hospital San Fernando 15 minutes from our apartment.
In terms of routine health care expenses and other services, we’ve paid $40 for a routine dental cleaning in Coronado, $35 in Panama City, and as little as $20 in nearby El Valle de Anton.
Local clinics charge between $10 and $25 for general visits. My wife and I have paid a mere $50 to see specialists. Quality of health care is equivalent to, and in some cases better than, the States. Additionally, many clinicians speak English.
Electricity can range from $50 to $150 monthly for a two-bedroom apartment depending on your usage and location.
Social life here includes expat happy hours, church groups, volunteer groups, trivia nights, boot camp workout groups, movie nights, hiking, and more.
Whether you’re seeking vibrant beach towns, quiet stretches of sand, or easy access to modern amenities, this sun-drenched region delivers it all.
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