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15+ years of experience in Panama's real estate sector. 

Before making a long-term real estate commitment, many expats choose to rent short-term and explore the country firsthand. This smart strategy allows you to experience the diverse lifestyles Panama has to offer—from high-rise city living to serene mountain retreats and beachside escapes.

Here’s a breakdown of Panama’s best regions to rent in before you buy—each offering a unique lifestyle and expat appeal.

1. Panama City: Urban Convenience Meets Global Access

Best For: Digital nomads, professionals, entrepreneurs

Panama City offers world-class infrastructure, international dining, vibrant nightlife, and the best healthcare in the country. Renting here gives you immediate access to expat networks, business hubs, and English-speaking services.

Popular Rental Areas: San Francisco, El Cangrejo, Punta Pacifica, and Casco Viejo

2. Costa Verde: Suburban Comfort with City Proximity

Best For: Families and commuters

Just 30 minutes from Panama City, Costa Verde in La Chorrera is a rapidly developing suburb. It blends gated communities, shopping malls, green spaces, and modern schools—ideal for families wanting a quieter lifestyle without sacrificing access to urban amenities.

Why Rent Here First: Test the daily commute, assess school options, and explore new residential projects.

3. Coronado & Surrounding Beach Towns: Pacific Coast Living

Best For: Retirees, beach lovers, weekenders

Coronado is the anchor of Panama’s Pacific beach corridor, known for its expat-friendly atmosphere, golf courses, and supermarkets with imported goods. Nearby towns like Gorgona, San Carlos, and Rio Mar offer quieter, more affordable rental options.

Why Rent Here First: Experience the coastal lifestyle across seasons, especially the hot dry season (Dec–April).

4. Chiriquí Province: Cool Climates and Mountain Charm

Best For: Nature lovers, retirees, remote workers

The mountain town of Boquete is a favorite among retirees for its spring-like climate and active expat community. David, the province’s capital, offers more urban amenities and better affordability.

Why Rent Here First: Explore mountain vs. valley living, and see how you adjust to cooler, less tropical weather.

5. Coco Beach: Boutique Beachfront Living

Best For: Investors and luxury seekers

Located near Puerto Armuelles in Chiriquí, Coco Beach is an emerging hotspot with beachfront condos and eco-conscious developments. It's more secluded than Coronado, offering tranquility and growing investment potential.

Why Rent Here First: Gauge the area's pace, access to services, and infrastructure for full-time living or seasonal stays.

6. Yuma: Authentic Local Living (Hidden Gem)

Best For: Adventurers and budget-conscious expats

Yuma offers a more authentic Panamanian experience, with fewer expats and lower costs. Renting here gives you a deep cultural immersion and insight into a slower, more traditional lifestyle.

Why Rent Here First: Assess comfort with language barriers, transportation, and access to essentials before committing.


Final Thoughts

Each region in Panama offers something unique—and renting first gives you the time and flexibility to find the perfect match. Whether you prefer urban energy, mountain serenity, or beachfront bliss, short-term rentals help you experience the best of Panama without the pressure of immediate purchase.

Ready to start exploring? Browse short-term rentals across Panama at ChiQWorld and find your perfect match before you buy.

ChiQ World
Post by ChiQ World
The ChiQWorld Editorial Team brings over 15 years of hands-on experience in Panama’s real estate market. As part of the ChiQ Group of Companies—including Gatun Lake Construction, ChiQ Invest, Reside Panama, and Raíz Panama—we combine local expertise with an international perspective to guide buyers, investors, and expats through every step of the journey. Our mission is to help you discover the best of Panama through trustworthy insights, curated listings, and eco-conscious living. Whether you're seeking a dream home, planning a relocation, or looking to invest in one of Latin America’s most promising destinations, ChiQWorld is here to help you make informed, confident decisions.

Comments

As part of the ChiQ Group—which includes Gatun Lake Construction, ChiQ Invest, Reside Panama, and Raiz Panama—we provide local expertise in construction, property development, sustainable living, and relocation services.

Testimonials from our clients

At ChiQWorld, we believe real estate is more than just property—it's about creating a lifestyle. Whether you're investing, relocating, or looking for your dream home, our clients are at the heart of everything we do.

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The FRESH System allows for consistent airflow throughout the day and supplemented by air conditioning in the bedrooms the house is comfortable. The design is modern and inviting and as a friend visiting expressed, “this place is an epic beach house!

Hamby's

From USA living in Cambutal
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Working with ChiQ Group has been highly satisfactory from both an operational and strategic standpoint. They demonstrate strong capabilities in planning and executing the works in our projects, particularly supporting us in the development of Yuma Mountain Community. Their structured approach, clear objectives, and high quality standards, position them as a key and reliable player in the Panamanian real estate market.

Juan Escalona

Panama Portfolio
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We stayed in one of the ChiQWorld houses in Yuma and absolutely fell in love with the place. The combination of nature, comfort, and total peace is something you don’t find often. Perfect spot for a quiet getaway, and still not too far from the city. Woke up to mountain views every morning.

Fernanda Serna

Rental Yuma 44
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I had the loveliest stay at one of the ChiQWorld homes in the beautiful Yuma Mountain Community, and I’m already dreaming about going to another of their homes!

Evelyn De Icaza

Rental Yuma Villa
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The Villa was an excellent build and came out Beautiful. The Finish work was outstanding. My background was in Construction building Homes in Florida and I can say that the Villa they built here in Coco Beach I would be proud to live in. Excellent and Professional Company you could trust.

Michael Stephens

From USA living in Coco Beach

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