List Only

How much are apartment rentals in Panama or Costa Rica?

How much are apartment rentals in Panama or Costa Rica? Also, is it necessary to have a car?

Public Comments

1. depends, some apartments are way cheaper than the USA. some apartments are basically attracting foreign people from "rich" countries, thinking that everyone from developed countries are rich, so they put the price similar to a United States price. anyways Costa Rica is a little more expensive then panama, but it is safer, less poverty, 97% literacy rate, 18% poverty [one of the lowest in latin america], and less drug trafficking then panama. safer then panama of course.
2. O dont agree with the former answer Panama is safe ! I had more problems in Costa Rica with people. I only met nice friendly people in Panama, even hitchhiked a few times ! You dont need a car, but I dont know why you ask. Are you going to back pack ? There are a lot of buses in each country. Big buses, small buses ...no problem, you can get around. When you rent a car, you probably gonna be stopped over by the police (in Costa Rica) because you are a foreigner. They like to get money from you ... even if you didnt do anything wrong. Just give them 10 $ and go ( or refuse and tell them to take you to the policestation...tey never do :) ) The hostels...cheapest you can find (depending where you are ) in Costa Rica is about $7 , in Panama the cheapest ones are around $10. Appartments for a longer period.... from a agency (USA) expensive...wouldnt do that if I were you.....from locals ...about 90$-150$ a month.
3. Hi, we lived in both cities, currently in San Jose Costa Rica. For a given standard of living you find housing is cheaper but otherwise the cost of living higher in Costa Rica. Too many Gringos ;) San Jose weather if far better than Panama where its humid and the traffic is just nuts. Car Hire- Panama a Toyota yaris is $700 a month with all insurance.. Same scenario in Costa Rica is $1000 a month. When you ask if its necessary to have a car, the answer depends on what you plan to get up to. Driving in Panama city is a good test of your nerves... Of course in both countries having a car helps you get around outside of the downtown area. Panama taxis are cheap, but, the buggers often refuse to take you if they dont want to go there! They are also hard/ next to impossible to find at peak times and when it rains. Once you live there for a while you gather a list of taxis you trust. Same in San Jose.. but, living here without a car would be tough. A Garmin GPS in either place is not an option, its a god send. We rented a high end loft in Panama for $2500 a month, fully furnished. You dont have to pay that much. There is a great area to live called El Cangrejo ... easy walks to night life, bars, restaurants.. that would be my pick if i went back. In San Jose most foreigners are in Escazu, apartments run from $1700 and up. If you are ok with moving out of the expat hot zone you can rent comfortably for $1000 a month.. it really depends on your plan, length of stay and what you want to do. We would be happy to help you out some more if you have some specific questions. Cheers