Nestled in the verdant highlands of Panama’s Chiriquí Province, Boquete is a small town with a big reputation.
This charming mountain retreat attracts thousands of retirees each year, most notably from North America.
For those seeking a slower pace of life, breathtaking natural surroundings, and a tight-knit community, Boquete is an alluring destination. With its temperate weather, vibrant expat culture, and relatively low cost of living, Boquete offers an idyllic alternative to the hustle and bustle of life in the U.S. or Canada.
Here, you can trade snow shovels and high heating bills for hiking trails and afternoons spent sipping world-renowned coffee.
But what’s it really like to retire here?
Let’s look at the ins and outs of life in Boquete…
The quickest way to get to Boquete from Panama City is a flight from Tocumen International Airport to Enrique Malek International Airport in David. The flight lasts about 40 minutes and costs about $120 round-trip with Copa Airlines. Wingo is a new airline that’s started flying to David from Panama City for about $40 one-way.
Once in David, you can travel to Boquete in a taxi, rental car, or bus. The buses to Boquete leave from Terminales David Panamá (David’s main bus terminal) and costs about $2. The trip takes about an hour. A taxi will cost you around $30.
Alternatively you can drive or take a bus from Panama City which can take anywhere from six to nine hours.
Boquete is home to a thriving and diverse expat community, many of whom have traded corporate careers or snowy winters for a new chapter in the tropics. The influx of North American retirees has transformed this once sleepy agricultural town into a hub of international activity, where English is widely spoken, and cultural blending is the norm.
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Expats in Boquete tend to be active and engaged. From hiking groups to weekly get-togethers, there’s no shortage of ways to stay social and make friends. The Tuesday Morning Market at TapOut is a hotspot for expats, offering locally made crafts, fresh produce, and a chance to catch up with neighbors. The Boquete Library is another gathering point for community events, workshops, and lectures.
Volunteer opportunities abound, as many expats are passionate about giving back to their adopted home.
Organizations like Amigos de Animales, which provides spay and neuter services for local pets, and the Rotary Club, which supports educational and infrastructure projects, are always looking for helping hands.
But the social life isn’t limited to altruistic endeavors.
Boquete’s restaurant and café scene is alive with chatter, particularly at popular expat hangouts like Sugar & Spice, Big Daddy’s Grill, and The Rock Restaurant.
Happy hours, live music, and game nights are staples of the local social calendar.
You’ll also find that social media is a great place to start getting to know your fellow expats. Join Facebook groups such as Expats in Boquete, Boquete Community Group, and Chiriqui Expats Community to get your questions answered or simply start networking.
One of Boquete’s strongest selling points is its affordability. It’s true that it isn’t the bargain it used to be some 15 years ago but compared to the rising costs of living in North America, Boquete offers retirees a chance to stretch their dollars further without sacrificing quality of life.
Housing is a significant expense for most retirees, and Boquete provides options to suit a variety of budgets. Rentals are a popular choice for newcomers, with furnished one-bedroom homes available for as little as $800 per month.
For those looking to buy, property prices range widely depending on location and amenities. A modest two-bedroom home can cost about $150,000, while luxury properties in gated communities like Valle Escondido may run closer to $500,000.
Daily expenses are equally manageable. Groceries, particularly locally grown produce, are inexpensive. The Tuesday Market and Mercado Artesanal—where local farmers have stands—offer everything from ripe avocados to organic honey at a fraction of North American prices.
Dining out is also a treat for the budget-conscious, with meals at local restaurants averaging $5 to $15. If you’d like to dine somewhere a bit fancier, expect your meal to go up to about $30 per person.
Health care, another major concern for retirees, is both high-quality and affordable in Panama. Routine doctor visits often cost between $20 to $40, and many expats opt for private health insurance, which is cheaper than in the United States.
Prescription medications are generally available at lower prices, and pharmacies often stock generic equivalents of popular drugs.
For entertainment and leisure, Boquete delivers exceptional value. Yoga classes and guided tours are reasonably priced, while many outdoor activities—such as hiking, birdwatching, or visiting local waterfalls—are either free or cost $10 or less.
All in all, a couple could live comfortably in Boquete on a budget of about $2,000 per month though this can vary significantly due to the lifestyle choices you make…
If you choose to live the same as you did back home, you budget may even go up. Imported goods can be found here, but they’ll cost you a pretty penny.
The more you adopt the local way of life, the lower your monthly budget will become.
Sincerely,
Adriana Valdez E.
Contributor, Panama Letter
