Estimates, not advice. Figures are modelled from public sources and stated assumptions, not independently audited. Use them as a guide, not as the sole basis for a decision. Full disclaimer.

PAB to CRC salary comparison

What a PAB 48,000 salary in Panama City is worth in San José?

After income tax and social contributions, PAB 48,000 gross leaves PAB 37,170 in Panama City. The same gross salary, converted at today's rate, is ₡21,815,383 in San José, where take-home is ₡18,444,661 and annual savings after typical living costs reach ₡6,504,661. Once local price levels are taken into account, that pay buys about 26% less in San José than in Panama City.

Panama City, Panama

Income tax is charged on gross pay at 0%, 15% and 25%, while CSS and education insurance take another 11% without reducing the tax base. The economy is dollarised, so there is no currency mismatch for USD earners, but prime rents are high relative to local salaries.

San José, Costa Rica

Salary tax is 0% on the first ₡918,000 a month, then 10% to 25%, with CCSS contributions of 10.83% deducted before tax. Rents have risen with foreign investment and tourism, and car ownership, private schooling and imported goods carry a premium.

Panama City

Panama · PAB

1 PAB = 1.000 PAB

Gross / yr

Anchor

Tax: 22.6%

PAB 3,098 / mo

27.3% rate

PAB 847 / mo

= Gross

Monthly Cashflow AllocationPAB 4,000 gross

PAB 847Net Savings

PAB 903Tax & Social

City Perks

CSS Health

30 Days

14wk Maternity

CSS Pension

13th Month

Tax-Free 11k

Job Stability

Free School

San José

Costa Rica · CRC

1 PAB = 454.5 CRC

Gross / yr

Tax: 15.5%

₡1,537,055 / mo

35.3% rate

₡542,055 / mo

-26.3% vs Anchor

Monthly Cashflow Allocation₡1,817,949 gross

₡542,055Net Savings

₡280,894Tax & Social

City Perks

CCSS Health

2 Weeks

4mo Maternity

CCSS Pension

Aguinaldo

First Bracket

National Parks

Free School

Related salary comparisons

City: Panama · Costa Rica. Estimates use published tax schedules, World Bank purchasing power parities, and daily FX rates.