JackieR Life Abroad

09/14/2026

What does it actually cost to live in Panama in 2026? I priced out three towns
for one woman living on her own — Panama City, David and Boquete — and the
numbers are not what the relocation videos suggest.

Panama City: $2,450/month, renting, no car
Boquete: $2,100/month, including running a car
David: $1,700/month, including running a car

Full breakdown of rent, food, utilities, transport and healthcare in each town,
plus who each place actually suits.

WHERE THESE NUMBERS COME FROM
I spent two weeks in Panama City in 2024 and kept my receipts. The David and
Boquete figures are reported by residents and long-term expats, not observed by
me, and I say so in the video. All prices are updated to 2026 and shown in U.S.
dollars, because Panama uses the dollar.

COMING NEXT
Panama Visa Rules Changed — What Retirees Need to Know in 2026. Healthcare,
the October 15 deadline, and who actually thrives down there. Subscribe so it
finds you.

MY SUNDAY LETTER
Life Abroad Coffee Break — same numbers, same honesty, none of the highlight
reel. https://jackierlifeabroad.com/join

PLANNING GUIDES
https://jackierlifeabroad.com

I'm JackieR. I moved abroad on my own at 71 and I make videos for women over 55
who are considering, planning, or already living an international life.


://jackierlifeabroad.com/join?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=panama_costs_2026&utm_content=Description

08/25/2026

https://youtu.be/LTYIaOpDsa4?si=zP5dij4SH9p9vtVU

One week ago the earth started shaking under my apartment in Cali, ...

08/17/2026

The ground shook here in Cali a few weeks ago.

I was on the patio with my coffee, listening to the birds like I do every morning. And in those first few seconds, I realized something uncomfortable.

I knew exactly where my passport was.

I had no idea what I was actually supposed to do.

Not panic — do.

That's the gap I want to close for you this week. Issue 9 of the Coffee Break is called "When the Ground Shakes, Be Ready — Not Afraid," and it's the conversation I wish someone had had with me before that morning.

Inside this week:

☕ What to actually do in the first 60 seconds
☕ The three things every expat should have ready before anything happens
☕ Why "be prepared" doesn't have to mean "be afraid"
☕ A preview of The Traveler's 23 Safety Tips Guide

Here's what I've learned at 73, two years into this life: fear is what fills the space where a plan should be. Once you have the plan, the fear has nowhere to sit.

The Coffee Break is free, and it lands in your inbox every week. Real costs, honest lessons, no scare tactics.

👉 jackierlifeabroad.com/join

08/10/2026

A Few Hours After the Cali Earthquake… Here’s What Happened A few hours after the earthquake in Cali, Colombia, I wanted to give you an update.

I’m safe, but it was a frightening experience. There are cracks in the building, my condo door was jammed after the quake, and residents initially evacuated and gathered outside.

Most people have returned to the building, but I’m staying alert and prepared to leave again if necessary.

Living abroad comes with incredible experiences — and sometimes unexpected moments like this. Today, safety comes first.

Thank you to everyone who has checked on me. ❤️

08/02/2026

Sunday reminds me that peace isn’t the absence of challenges—it’s the presence of faith in the middle of them.

Today, I’m choosing gratitude over worry, hope over fear, and faith over uncertainty.

Wishing everyone a blessed and peaceful Sunday. ❤️

07/31/2026

$30.000 for lunch?! 😳 Don't panic — that's about $7.50.

When I moved to Cali at 71, Colombian money was the thing that tripped me up most. All those zeros made every little purchase feel enormous. Then I learned one simple trick and shopping with cash finally made sense. 🙌

Here's the cheat code:
💵 Drop the last 3 zeros
➗ Divide by about 4
✅ That's your price in US dollars

Watch the full video for the rest — the bills and coins you'll actually use, the "mil" market shortcut, and why you should always keep small bills on you.

📌 Save this for your Colombia trip or move, and send it to someone who's dreaming about life abroad.

📄 Free printable Cash Cheat Sheet is on my website — link in bio.

Plan. Prepare. Thrive. 🌅

Hashtags:

07/31/2026

I spent some time today listening, learning, and joining a live conversation. One thoughtful conversation led to several wonderful new connections here on Facebook.

It was a reminder that social media isn't just about posting—it's about participating.

If you're new here, welcome! I'm Jackie, and I help people—especially women over 60—build the confidence to retire and live abroad.

Tell me... where are you joining me from?

07/28/2026

Guide 107 – 6–12 Month Relocation Planner

Moving abroad doesn't happen overnight—it happens one decision at a time.

Guide 107 – 6–12 Month Relocation Planner helps you turn the dream into a calm, month-by-month plan with practical checklists, a document tracker, and a moving-budget worksheet.

Instead of wondering what to do next, you'll know exactly what to do each month as you prepare for your move abroad.

🌎 Learn more at jackierlifeabroad.com

07/27/2026

After living in both Cali, Colombia and Mérida, Mexico, I compared my actual monthly expenses—and the difference surprised even me.

In this video, I break down what I spend on:
🏠 Rent
🛒 Groceries
🍽️ Dining out
🚖 Uber & transportation
🏥 Private healthcare
💊 Prescriptions

For my lifestyle, Cali averages about $1,200 a month, while Mérida is closer to $1,500.

If you're retired, planning to retire abroad, or simply wondering how far your money can go, this comparison may help you decide which city is the better fit.

🎁 Get my FREE Spanish Cheat Sheets, Safety Guide, and Coffee Break Newsletter at https://jackierlifeabroad.com

Question: If you had to choose today, would you pick Cali or Mérida, and why? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

07/26/2026

Sunday Coffee Break. Join the Community.