How Much Does an Apartment Cost in Panama City 2026?

The average price of a 2-bedroom apartment in Panama's premium zones in 2026 is approximately $150,000-$250,000. However, the range is wide: from $50,000-$80,000 in El Cangrejo to $400,000-$800,000 in Punta Pacifica. One-bedroom apartments average $80,000-$150,000, while 3-bedrooms range from $200,000 to $500,000+ in premium zones.

Prices vary based on: corporate demand, land scarcity, infrastructure, proximity to water, expected investment ROI, building age, amenity count, and transit access. Other factors include panoramic views, zone security, and the demographic composition of potential tenants.

In El Cangrejo you can find a 1-bedroom apartment of 45-50 sqm between $50,000-$80,000. These are the most affordable in the premium-zone market. If you want 2 bedrooms, the cheapest are in Obarrio and Bella Vista, between $100,000-$150,000. Always verify year built, monthly HOA fee, and building condition.

Beyond the price, the buyer should budget an additional 4-6%: 2% transfer tax (Fiscal Code), notary 0.5-1%, Public Registry $100-500, independent attorney 1-2%, and if there is a mortgage, origination fee 0.5-2% plus mandatory life and fire insurance. For a $200,000 price, typical closing costs range from $8,000 to $12,000.

The cadastral value is determined by the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) through official appraisal and is used as the basis for property tax (Law 66 of 2017). It tends to be below market price because it is not updated as frequently as the market. To calculate transfer tax, the higher of cadastral value or sale price is used; that is why the tax often ends up calculated on the agreed price.