Finding Friends In Panama
Arriving in Panama and getting situated can be an overwhelming experience for some people. Getting your bearings straight, figuring out...
Top Destinations:
Whether you’re looking for fun and sun, a peaceful retirement, or the chance to earn some extra income, you’ve got a real world of opportunity open to you… In short, we’ve done our best to narrow down your best options, but only you can decide the right country for you.
Best For:
How Much Will It Cost You To Live Overseas?
The only honest answer is, we have no idea. And neither does anyone else. The only one who can answer that question is you.
Follow Us:
Join our Weekly Newsletter
Overseas Property Alert
Sign up for our weekly newsletter to receive expert insights on the best international real estate investment opportunities.
Upcoming Events
Access Colombia Workshop
Live And Invest In Portugal Conference
International Property Summit
VIRTUAL
MARCH 27, 2025
ALBUFEIRA, PORTUGAL
APR. 09-11, 2025
PANAMA CITY, PANAMA
JUNE, 2025
Contact Our Events Team
Reach us with your questions by email at: events@liveandinvestoverseas.com
Unlock The World
Overseas Havens Reports
Conference Kits
Lahardan Books
Top Destinations:
Whether you’re looking for fun and sun, a peaceful retirement, or the chance to earn some extra income, you’ve got a real world of opportunity open to you… In short, we’ve done our best to narrow down your best options, but only you can decide the right country for you.
Best For:
How Much Will It Cost You To Live Overseas?
The only honest answer is, we have no idea. And neither does anyone else. The only one who can answer that question is you.
Follow Us:
Join our Weekly Newsletter
Overseas Property Alert
Sign up for our weekly newsletter to receive expert insights on the best international real estate investment opportunities.
Upcoming Events
Access Colombia Workshop
Live And Invest In Portugal Conference
International Property Summit
VIRTUAL
MARCH 27, 2025
ALBUFEIRA, PORTUGAL
APR. 09-11, 2025
PANAMA CITY, PANAMA
JUNE, 2025
Contact Our Events Team
Reach us with your questions by email at: events@liveandinvestoverseas.com
Unlock The World
Overseas Havens Reports
Conference Kits
Lahardan Books
LIVE AND INVEST IN PANAMA9>
WORLD’S #1 RETIREMENT HAVEN IN THE AMERICAS
Simply sign up to receive the FREE daily e-letter, Overseas Opportunity Letter plus our In Focus: Panama newsletter and we’ll immediately email you our editors’ latest research report… absolutely FREE
We Value Your Privacy! We will not share your email address with anyone else, period.
Home » Best Countries To Live, Invest, And Retire Overseas » Panama: Everything You Need To Know In 2025 » Aguadulce, Panama
Aguadulce, Panama, offers country living with a relaxed pace, affordable cost of living, and friendly locals. Known for its sugar cane production, it's a small town with growing appeal among expats seeking a quieter, budget-friendly lifestyle.
Learn more about this and other countries in our free, daily Overseas Opportunity Letter. Simply enter your email address below and we’ll send you our FREE REPORT: Panama: The #1 Retirement Haven In The Americas
Aguadulce is a Panamanian town located in the province of Coclé and it’s known for its agricultural production, particularly its sugar cane fields and processing plants. It’s a small but important town.
This is home to the largest and oldest sugar company in Panama, Azucarera Nacional SA (ANSA).
Many people know Aguadulce as that annoying little town along the Pan-American Highway where traffic becomes congested…
As you approach Aguadulce, you start to share the road with more than just other cars… Along with people, horses, bicycles, and mopeds, you might find yourself behind a truck carrying cattle to the slaughterhouse or loaded to the brim with building materials…
It’s a misconception that traffic is all there is to this town. The other misconception is that the only attraction here is the Spanish colonial architecture.
The lifestyle in Aguadulce, Panama, is similar to that of the southwestern United States: slow-paced country living where everybody knows each other, and nobody is in any hurry to get anywhere.
Driving is calmer here than in Panama City.
Honking is rare and only happens to say hello to someone. If you want to move faster, get a bicycle. You’ll find more bikes here than cars on the road.
Reviewed By Kathleen Peddicord
Kathleen is the Live and Invest Overseas Founding Publisher. She has more than 30 years of hands-on experience traveling, living, and buying property around the world.
Start Your New Overseas Life Today
A world full of fun, adventure, and profit awaits! Sign up for our free daily e-letter, Overseas Opportunity Letter, and we’ll send you a FREE report on the 10 Best Places To Retire In Style Overseas Today 2024
We Value Your Privacy! We will not share your email address with anyone else, period.
1. Bus: It’s the cheapest and easiest method of transportation in Panama City. Your journey to Aguadulce begins at Albrook Mall, home to the Gran Terminal Nacional De Transporte. One-way bus fare is about US$10 per person; jubilado (or retiree) get discounts on their tickets.
2. Car: Renting a vehicle and driving around Panama is the preferred method for most tourists. And, if you’re retiring to Panama and wish to settle in Aguadulce, you may choose to own a car.
Aguadulce is a 3 hours and 20 minutes car ride from Panama City. The Pan-American Highway goes directly through Aguadulce. In short, you can’t miss it.
3. Flying: The closest airport to Aguadulce is the Alonso Valderrama Airport in Chitré.From there you would need to take a bus, rent a car, or hire a taxi to get to Aguadulce.
Most importantly, when you make plans to go to Aguadulce consider traveling sometime during the week, and when it’s not rush hour.
Traffic can be a nightmare if you find yourself trying to head out of Panama City anywhere between 4pm to 8pm.
Get Your Free Panama Report Today!
Simply enter your email address below and we'll send you our FREE REPORT - Live And Invest In Panama: The #1 Retirement Haven In The Americas.
There is a small group of expats in Aguadulce but growing. You might bump into them while shopping or eating at one of the local restaurants. They’re friendly and willing to share general knowledge and information with you, but they don’t have a formal meeting place and mostly keep to themselves…
One of the reasons expats are being drawn to Aguadulce is the low cost of living. Housing, food, and other expenses are very affordable compared to other parts of Panama.
Plus, expats and retirees are also drawn here because of the slow pace of life.
Anyone looking for a more relaxed lifestyle at an affordable price can be sure to find it in Aguadulce.
Learning conversational Spanish is important here. Because Aguadulce isn’t a popular tourism site, English is scarcely spoken here.
Perhaps even more important than Spanish would be to learn Panamanian terms. Words get shorted and contractions that may or may not sound like the original form of the word get created.
Aguadulce isn’t the most visited place in Panama. Still, there are things to do here.
Spend Time Outdoors
If you live outside of town and own a ranch or horses, you are free to spend the day horseback riding and getting to know the area. Plus, you might even find ranch owners who may be willing to “rent” a horse and show you around.
Hiking, walking, running, cycling, swimming, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, bird watching… the list goes on and on. You are only limited by what you don’t want to do.
Volunteering
Volunteer to help at a local school. Aguadulce is an active participant in the Panamá Bilingüe program, an after-school program that teaches English to Panamanian public-school students.
Local churches are always seeking volunteers to help with community projects and events. You could plant a tree and help get Panama to its goal of a million trees planted.
San Juan Bautista Church
The San Juan Bautista Church was built in the 18th century. This is one of the main landmarks in Aguadulce. It has a unique blend of Spanish colonial and indigenous architectural styles.
El Copé National Park
El Copé National Park is about 50 minutes away from Aguadulce. Head over and spend your day on the hiking trails, birdwatching, and taking in the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
Go To The Beach
Aguadulce has several beaches nearby. Popular options are Farallón Beach, Santa Clara Beach, and Playa Blanca. All of them offer a change from your day-to-day activities at a comfortable distance of no more than one hour and 30 minutes.
Aguadulce is much more affordable than other places in the country. A couple could retire quite comfortably to Aguadulce on a budget of about US$1,250.
In addition, to a slower pace of life, Aguadulce also offers a very affordable cost of living.
Here’s a breakdown of the cost of living in Aguadulce…
Expenses | Cost | Notes |
---|---|---|
Mortgage | – | Not included here as too variable. |
HOA Fees | – | |
Property Taxes | 0.5% to 0.7% | On properties over US$120,000 Corporations are exempt. (Many gringos have corporations as part of their residency). |
Transportation | US$60 | Depending on how much you use your car and how much fuel it takes. |
Gas | US$6.50 | Per tank for cooking. |
Electricity | US$70 | Per month average with air conditioning. |
Water | US$10 | Depending on usage. |
Cell Phone | US$70 | US$5 per recharge cards. |
Internet, Cable TV, Landline | US$52 | Más Móvil 1,000 Megas Wi-Fi 204 Cable Channels 200 Minutes Landline |
Household Help | US$80 | One day-long visit per week, US$20 per visit. |
Entertainment | US$100 | Eating out twice a week at a local restaurant and drinks twice a week at a nearby watering hole. |
Groceries | US$400 | Basic items for a couple. |
Medical Appointment | US$50 | For a checkup with a specialized doctor or a private clinic visit; basic checkup in a public hospital will range from US$10 to US$25. |
TOTAL | US$898.50 | Doesn’t include mortgage or property tax fees. |
Expense | Monthly Costs | Notes |
---|---|---|
Rent | US$350 | Furnished, two-bedroom, comfortable house. |
Transportation | US$60 | Depending on how much you use your car and how much fuel it takes. |
Gas | US$6.50 | Per tank for cooking. |
Electricity | US$70 | Per month average with air conditioning. |
Water | US$10 | Depending on usage. |
Cell Phone | US$70 | US$5 per recharge cards. |
Internet, Cable TV, Landline | US$52 | Más Móvil 1,000 Megas Wi-Fi 204 Cable Channels 200 Minutes Landline |
Household Help | US$80 | One day-long visit per week, US$20 per visit. |
Entertainment | US$100 | Eating out twice a week at a local restaurant and drinks twice a week at a nearby watering hole. |
Groceries | US$400 | Basic items for a couple. |
Medical Appointment | US$50 | For a checkup with a specialized doctor or a private clinic visit; basic checkup in a public hospital will range from US$10 to US$25. |
TOTAL | US$1,248.50 |
Expense | Monthly Costs | Notes |
---|---|---|
Rent | US$200 | Most basic kind of rental. |
Transportation | US$40 | Only using your car when strictly necessary. |
Gas | US$6.50 | Per tank for cooking. |
Electricity | US$30 | Without air conditioning. |
Water | US$8 | Depending on usage. |
Cell Phone | US$70 | US$5 per recharge cards. |
Internet, Cable TV, Landline | US$52 | Más Móvil 150 Megas Wi-Fi 199 Cable Channels 200 Minutes Landline |
Entertainment | US$56 | Eating out once a week at a local restaurant. |
Groceries | US$200 | Basic items for a couple at shopping at local vendors. |
TOTAL | US$662.50 |
Among downsides to Aguadulce are that unemployment is high here, especially among the younger generation. The poor education system coupled with a lack of job opportunities creates an atmosphere of petty crime.
Stealing is usually a crime of opportunity. Leaving a bicycle unattended outside is like placing a sign on it saying, “Please take me,” which is exactly what someone will eventually do.
Homeowners install fences with razor wire along the top. Windows and patios usually have bars on them. Unlike other places in the country, people even lock their doors here.
You’ll find many nice, safe neighborhoods in Aguadulce, but common sense and simple safety precautions are always needed.
Aguadulce has a warm and humid climate year-round.
Temperatures typically stay at 72°F. It’ll rarely go lower than that but might reach up to 93°F.
The warmer season in Aguadulce runs from February to April. And, the coolest season runs from June to December.
When in need of medical attention, there is Rafael Estévez Hospital as well as other facilities.
Given the population, there are plenty of doctors available who can manage a broad spectrum of illnesses. Ambulance service is also available here.
Caja de Seguro Social (CSS) is Panama’s social security fund. Created in 1941, it supplies services to 84% of Panama’s population, administering the social insurance system for the entire country.
Most importantly, in Aguadulce, the CSS provides the medical service for the entire district.
As a non-Panamanian you’ll be required to pay (cash) for all medical services rendered at a CSS facility. Plus, CSS charges are the lowest in the country.
Even without insurance, you’ll pay what most expats consider a pittance compared to the cost in your home country.
On the eastern side of Aguadulce District, Penonomé is the closest place for other health care options.
On the western side of the district, you’re closer to Chitré and Santiago. Both are about 30 minutes away and have state of-the-art facilities.
Reviewed By Kathleen Peddicord
Kathleen is the Live and Invest Overseas Founding Publisher. She has more than 30 years of hands-on experience traveling, living, and buying property around the world.
Start Your New Overseas Life Today
A world full of fun, adventure, and profit awaits! Sign up for our free daily e-letter, Overseas Opportunity Letter, and we’ll send you a FREE report on the 10 Best Places To Retire In Style Overseas Today 2024
We Value Your Privacy! We will not share your email address with anyone else, period.
Aguadulce is a good place to retire if you’re looking for a place that offers a low cost of living, a relaxed lifestyle, and friendly locals. However, it doesn’t have a large expat community yet, but it’s growing.
Generally speaking, Aguadulce is safe. However, petty theft is common here. Above all, we recommend you always lock your house and car doors when leaving, always keep your personal items on you, and don’t wear anything flashy that might attract unwanted attention.
Aguadulce is known as an agricultural area. Its main products are sugar cane and salt.
A couple can live comfortably in Aguadulce on a budget of US$1,300. It’ll all depend on your lifestyle choice.
Arriving in Panama and getting situated can be an overwhelming experience for some people. Getting your bearings straight, figuring out...
Last week the entire Panama-based Live And Invest Overseas team and I welcomed a crowd of your fellow readers to...
Our 2025 Overseas Retirement Index has just been released. It ranks and rates 14 locations around the world ideal for...
Costa del Este is Panama City’s most exciting neighborhood. It stands out for being the only master-planned community in the...
We Value Your Privacy! We will not share your email address with anyone else, period.
As seen in
© 2008 – Live and Invest Overseas™ – All Rights Reserved.
Sign up to receive the FREE daily e-letter, Overseas Opportunity Letter and we’ll immediately email you our editors’ latest research report…
BEST PLACES TO RETIRE
FREE REPORT:
Sign up for FREE and learn how to live the good life on a modest budget, find bargain property, and more. Plus, check out our free report on the 10 BEST PLACES TO RETIRE.
RETIRE OVERSEAS AND LIVE LIKE ROYALTY
Top Countries
Budgets
Affordable
Resources
Real Estate
Overseas Property Alert
How To Become Independently Wealthy And Fund The Lifestyle Of Your Dreams
Buying Real Estate For Cashflow
Discover tips and strategies used by global property investing veterans
Explore Our Latest Posts
Learn how to invest and purchase property abroad…
Conferences
ACCESS COLOMBIA WORKSHOP
LIVE AND INVEST IN PORTUGAL CONFERENCE
INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY SUMMIT
Contact Our Events Team:
Toll-Free U.S. and Canada:
1 (888) 627 8834
From Outside North America:
1 (443) 599 1221
Working Hours
Monday – Friday 08:00 am – 17:00 pm EST.
Reach us with your questions by email at: events@liveandinvestoverseas.com
Store
Overseas Havens Reports
Conference Kits
Lahardan Books
Subscriptions
Free Report
THE 10 BEST PLACES TO RETIRE IN 2025
Sign up to receive the FREE daily e-letter, Overseas Opportunity Letter and we’ll immediately email you our editors’ latest research report…
We Value Your Privacy! We will not share your email address with anyone else, period.
Follow Us:
© 2008 - Live and Invest Overseas - All Rights Reserved.