Islands in Guna Yala, Panama
Cost of living in San Blas Islands
How much a month costs in San Blas Islands
For one person, including rent. A comfortable month costs about $1,500–2,500 ($1,500–2,500).
Prices in San Blas Islands
Typical 2026 ranges in USD, rounded. US$ at the 03 Oct 2026 exchange rate.
| Item | USD | US$ |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Hostel dorm bed (night) | $25–60 | $25–60 |
| Mid-range hotel room (night) | $60–150 | $60–150 |
| Food and drink | ||
| Local meal or street food | $6–12 | $6–12 |
| Mid-range restaurant, per person | $12–25 | $12–25 |
| Cappuccino | $2–4 | $2–4 |
| Local beer, 0.5 l in a bar | $2–4 | $2–4 |
Value for money: 47/100
A value score of 47/100 means San Blas Islands gives more quality of life per dollar than 46% of the 1,319 places we cover. Quality here scores 67/100. It's the 5th most affordable of 6 places we cover in Panama.
| Quality factor | Score |
|---|---|
| Safety | |
| Air quality | |
| Internet | |
| Healthcare | |
| Weather | |
| Friendly locals | |
| English |
Cost of living across Panama
One person, comfortable lifestyle, including rent.
| Place | Comfortable month | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Catalina | $1,200–1,800 | 72/100 |
| Boquete | $1,300–2,000 | 67/100 |
| Bocas del Toro | $1,500–2,300 | 44/100 |
| Pedasí | $1,500–2,300 | 52/100 |
| San Blas Islands | $1,500–2,500 | 47/100 |
| Panama City | $2,000–3,000 | 25/100 |
Cheaper alternatives to San Blas Islands
Similar safety, lower cost, in Mexico & Central America.
| Place | Country | Comfortable month |
|---|---|---|
| Ometepe | Nicaragua | $679–1,140 |
| León | Nicaragua | $679–1,140 |
| Guanajuato | Mexico | $988–1,540 |
| Granada | Nicaragua | $815–1,360 |
| Utila | Honduras | $894–1,420 |
Quick answers
How much money do you need per month in San Blas Islands?
About $900–1,300 on a lean budget, $1,500–2,500 for a comfortable month and $3,000–5,000 for a luxury one, rent included.
How much does food cost in San Blas Islands?
A local meal is $6–12 ($6–12); a mid-range restaurant is $12–25 ($12–25) per person.
Is Panama expensive?
Prices in Panama are about 45% of US price levels (World Bank PPP).
More about San Blas Islands
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Sources
- ExchangeRate-API open rates
- World Bank: PPP conversion factor
- Panama Tourism Authority (ATP)
- Air Panama
Prices are SoloSquare estimates for 2026, reviewed against official and operator prices where available. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.