Is El Cangrejo Expensive?

Panama City, Panama

+2% vs Panama City avg

Living in El Cangrejo, Panama City

El Cangrejo is a relatively affordable area in Panama City, with a cost of living index of 43.1 — that is +2% compared to the Panama City average. At #10 of 19, it is below the city average in cost. Estimated rent for a one-bedroom apartment here is around $1,020/month, compared to a range of $680 in San Miguelito to $1,300 in Punta Pacífica.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

For a typical resident of El Cangrejo, housing takes up roughly 43% of monthly expenses. Food and groceries account for about 16%, while transportation costs around 9%. To live comfortably here — meaning rent stays at or below 30% of gross income — you would need an annual salary of approximately $40,800 before tax.

Typical Salaries in El Cangrejo

Salaries in El Cangrejo reflect the local cost of living. Based on the neighborhood COLI of 43.1:

After tax and deductions of 19.6% in Panama, take-home pay for someone earning $40,800 would be roughly $32,803/year. Use the salary converter to calculate an exact figure for your situation, including expat-specific tax adjustments.

Key Stats

43.1
COLI Index
1.02x
vs City Avg
$1,020
Est. 1BR Rent
#10
of 19 Areas
19.6%
Total Deductions

Tax & Deductions in El Cangrejo

Estimated annual deductions on a $32,325 salary in El Cangrejo, Panama City (local employee).

Income Tax
10%
CSS
9.8%
Total Deductions: 19.6%
Est. Take-Home: $25,975/yr

Rates shown are for a local employee. Use the salary converter for expat calculations.

Salary Equivalents

What a $75,000 USD salary in El Cangrejo would need to be elsewhere:

City Currency Equivalent
New York USD $32,325
London GBP £27,818
Dubai AED AED 161,747

Other Neighborhoods in Panama City

Neighborhood COLI Multiplier vs Avg
Punta Pacífica 55.0 1.30x +30%
Costa del Este 52.9 1.25x +25%
Marbella 48.6 1.15x +15%
Casco Viejo 47.4 1.12x +12%
Obarrio 46.5 1.10x +10%

View all 19 neighborhoods in Panama City →

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Compare El Cangrejo

El Cangrejo vs Punta Pacífica El Cangrejo vs San Miguelito

Similar Neighborhoods Worldwide

Neighborhoods with a similar cost of living to El Cangrejo:

Montmartre (18th), Paris Alésia (14th), Paris Poblenou, Barcelona Sant Antoni, Barcelona Zhujiang New Town East, Guangzhou EUR, Rome

Frequently Asked Questions

Is El Cangrejo expensive in Panama City?

El Cangrejo is near the city average for Panama City. Costs are about +2% vs the average, making it a mid-range neighborhood.

How does El Cangrejo compare to the Panama City average?

The cost of living in El Cangrejo is near the Panama City average. With a multiplier of 1.02x, everyday expenses including rent, food, and transportation are +2% compared to the city baseline.

Data Sources: Cost of living indices based on crowd-sourced price data and official statistics. Tax calculations follow 2026 rates. Sources include OECD Better Life Index. Figures are estimates and may vary based on individual circumstances.