The Panama Podcast
Welcome to The Panama Podcast: From Dreaming to Doing! Imagine trading your “someday” for today—living the life you've always dreamed of in a tropical paradise. That’s exactly what your host, Melissa Darnay, has been doing since 2012. And now, she’s here to show you how you can do the same!
Get ready for your weekly escape filled with sunny Panama inspiration, laugh-out-loud expat adventures, and insider secrets that’ll make your move to Panama smoother and more exciting. Melissa is not just an expat—she’s the CEO of Choose Panama, a luxury real estate company, and she’s passionate about helping people like you find your dream property and live their best life in paradise.
Whether you’re curious about living in Panama, investing in its booming real estate market, or simply looking for ways to make the most of your expat life, this podcast is for you. With interviews from expats, local professionals, and experts in everything from law to healthcare, you’ll have all the tools you need to start living your tropical fairytale.
So, what are you waiting for? Dive into The Panama Podcast and let’s make your “someday” a reality!
The Panama Podcast
$2,000/Month in Panama Gets You THIS Much
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Can you really live in Panama on $2,000 a month?
In this episode of The Panama Podcast: From Dreaming to Doing, I break down the real cost of living in Panama for a retired American couple living on Social Security. If you’ve been wondering whether you can afford to retire abroad—or if your retirement income will go further outside the U.S.—this video gives you a clear, honest look at the numbers.
We cover a complete $2,000/month Panama budget, including:
✔ HOA and housing costs (mortgage-free living)
✔ Property taxes and insurance in Panama
✔ Utilities, groceries, and transportation
✔ Healthcare costs in Panama for expats
✔ Dining out, entertainment, and lifestyle
✔ Emergency travel fund back to the U.S.
You’ll also see a powerful comparison of $2,000 in the United States vs $2,000 in Panama, and why so many retirees are choosing Panama as their Plan B for a more affordable, enjoyable lifestyle.
This video is part of a series where I break down what it really costs to live in Panama at different budget levels:
👉 $2K, $4K, and $6K per month
If you’re considering:
retiring in Panama
moving to Panama from the USA
living abroad on Social Security
buying property in Panama
or creating a more affordable retirement lifestyle
…this video is for you.
Ready to explore your options?
Book a free consultation with our team:
👉 https://www.choosepanama.com/contact
Download my free guide: Panama Uncorked
👉 https://www.choosepanama.com/free-book.html
Watch next:
▶ Living in Panama on $4,000/month (The Sweet Spot)
▶ Living in Panama on $6,000/month (Luxury Lifestyle)
Panama offers:
lower cost of living than the United States
affordable, high-quality healthcare
strong expat communities
no hurricanes
U.S. dollar-based economy
easy residency options for retirees
If you’re looking for a place where your money goes further—and your lifestyle improves—Panama might be the answer.
TIMELINE:
0:00 - Intro
2:09 - HOA
2:35 - Property Tax & Insurance
3:14 - Utilities
3:34 - Groceries
4:12 - Transportation
4:38 - Healthcare
5:20 - Dining Out
5:54 - Misc.
6:15 - $2K in Panama Vs. the US
6:58 - The $2k Lifestyle
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Thank you for listening to this episode of The Panama Podcast. If you like it, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review.
To get a copy of your FREE e-book, go to: https://www.choosepanama.com/free-book.html
Stay tuned for more stories of adventure, relocation, and life in Panama. For more information, resources, and to connect with our community, visit our website at www.ChoosePanama.com. Until next time ... Cheers!