Moving to Panama City, FL in 2023? Complete Moving Guide

This is a complete guide for Moving to Panama City, FL.
Get all the information you need to know about moving to Panama City, FL.

Why should you consider moving to Panama City Florida?

Although Panama City is a year-round destination for tourists, it is now a place to call home. This small town of about 30,000 people keeps attracting young adults because of its pleasant climate, pure waterways, breathtaking shoreline, and abundant wildlife.

If you’re considering moving to Panama City and wondering if it’s the right place for you, this guide contains all you need to know to make the right decision.

Read on to find out if moving to Panama City FL is the right choice for you.

facts of Panama City

Quick facts to know before moving to Panama City Florida

  • Panama City’s average one-way commute time takes 20.4 minutes
  • Panama City Florida averages 237 sunny days per year
  • Panama City’s winter low in January is 42 degrees
  • Panama City’s summer high in July is around 90 degrees
  • On average, Panama City gets 0 inches of snow per year
  • The cost of living in Panama City is lower than the U.S. average

Is Panama City Florida a good place to live?

Living in Panama City is really pleasant! Young adults or teenagers who are just starting their careers have plenty of employment options. Higher education is easily accessible through Gulf Coast State College or the local campus of FSU, among other schools.

How much do you need to live in Panama City?

Without rent, a family of four is expected to spend $2,519.7 per month. Without rent, a single person's projected monthly expenses are 702.0 dollars. Seattle is 46.3% more expensive than Panama City (without rent). In comparison to Seattle, the average rent in Panama City is 64.7% less.

Why move to Panama City Florida?

People can engage in a wide range of activities there throughout the year, including sports, entertainment, fishing, and the arts. Together with these, Panama City offers reasonable housing and a welcoming atmosphere for raising a family.

Is Panama City like Miami?

It has earned the moniker "Miami of Central America" for its fast-paced, practical, modern, stylish, and dynamic lifestyle. It is extremely simple to see why when you look at Panama City's skyline.

What is Panama City Florida known for?

Water sports lovers can enjoy all four seasons in Panama City. The crystal-clear waters of St. Andrews Bay are perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and kiteboarding, and there are world-class beaches nearby. Several charters provide tours for scuba diving and snorkeling, as well as inshore and offshore fishing

What’s the population of Panama City Florida?

Panama City’s population is 31,877 people. The city stretches across 41 miles making it the 130th largest city in Florida. Panama City is nestled in Bay County Florida and the city is the county seat of Bay County, Florida.

  • Panama City has a population density of 910 people per square mile
  • The median age in Panama City is 39.8years
  • 38 years is the median age for males and 41.2 years for females
  • Panama City Florida is currently declining at a rate of -1.1% annually
  • Panama City’s population has decreased by -3.22% since the last census

How fast can you commute in Panama City Florida?

Panama City’s average one-way commute time takes 20.4 minutes. That’s lower than the U.S. average of 26.4 minutes. You’ll spend less than 30 minutes commuting to work if you move to Panama City, FL. Less time on the road means less stress and having more time for other things.

Here’s how people in Panama City, Florida gets to work:

  • About 78.9.% of Panama City’s residents drive their own car alone
  • Around 12.3% of Panama City residents carpool with others
  • Up to 2.0% of Panama City residents work from home
  • About 2.2% of Panama City residents take mass transit

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What’s the weather like in Panama City, Florida?

Panama City Florida averages 237 sunny days per year. The United States average is 205 sunny days. If the weather is one of the key things you’d like to consider before moving to Panama City FL, the following is a quick snapshot of the weather:

  • Panama City’s summer high in July is around 90 degrees
  • Panama City gets 60 inches of rain on average per year. The U.S. average is 38 inches
  • On average, Panama City gets 0 inches of snow per year. U.S. average is 28 inches
  • Panama City’s winter low in January is 42 degrees
  • Panama City gets 107 days of precipitation every year
moving to Panama City

Top 10 reasons to move to Panama City Florida

People are moving to Panama City FL for many reasons. As one of the major cities in Florida, Panama City is constantly attracting people from all over the state and beyond.

Since you’re considering moving to Panama City, the following are the key reasons people are moving to the city:

  • Panama City’s cost of living is lower than the U.S. average
  • Panama City is known for its vibrant entertainment & nightlife
  • Panama City’s weather is great year-round
  • There are many things to do and see in Panama City
  • Public transportation is efficient and inexpensive
  • You’ll enjoy great tasty food in Panama City
  • There is no income tax in Panama City
  • Panama City is a holiday hotspot for tourists
  • Residents are generally friendly and welcoming
  • Panama City has a short commuting time
    • Panama City pros and cons

    Pros & cons of moving to Panama City Florida

    If you’d like to find out if moving to Panama City FL is right for you or not, we’ve made a list of the pros and cons of living in the city.

    This can make it easier for you to figure out if moving to Panama City is right for you or not.

    Pros of living in Panama City Cons of living in Panama City
    Beautiful beaches, parks, and sunsetsToo many tourists
    Lots of outdoor activitiesBad traffic congestion
    Great weatherOverdevelopment of the waterfront
    Tasty fish and seafoodFrequent rainstorms
    Affordable cost of livingHigh summer heat and humidity
    Good access to educationRisk of hurricanes
    Laid-back residentsPoor quality of life for some
    Limited job market
    The traffic can be congested
    For some, the climate is too hot and humid
    Most locals speak only Spanish
    The city can be very crowded
    The infrastructure is not the best
    Panama loves to party
    place to live Panama City

    Best places to live in Panama City Florida

    Panama City is home to several beautiful livable neighborhoods. Moving to Panama City Florida gives you the perfect chance to live in any of these neighborhoods.

    If you’re moving to Panama City and wondering what neighborhood the best for you is, the following is a list of the ten best neighborhoods in Panama City FL:

    • 1. High Point / Indian Bluff Estates
    • 2. Colony Club / Rivercamps on Crooked Creek
    • 3. Bylsma Manor Estates / Avondale Estates
    • 4. Southport
    • 5. Lake Merial
    • 6. Legend Lakes / Magnolia Bay Club Community
    • 7. Tyndall Air Force Base / Beacon Beach
    • 8. Sweetwater Village North / Leisure Acres
    • 9. Northshore
    • 10. Pretty Bayou

    Tip:When you’ve got a home to move in Panama City, FL, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.

    cost of living in Panama City

    Cost of living in Panama City Florida

    Affordable living in a big city is one of the key perks of moving to Panama City, FL. The cost of living in Panama City FL is 88.4. The United States average is 100.

    Panama City’s average cost of living is below the national average. The following are the key components that make up Panama City’s cost of living:

    Living Expense Panama City Florida National Average
    Overall88.4103.1100
    Grocery96.5102.8100
    Health99.1102.3100
    Housing70101.1100
    Median Home Cost$204,200$294,900$291,700
    Utilities105.9101.3100
    Transportation90112.6100
    Miscellaneous92.187.6100

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    Panama City’s FL housing market

    If you’re interested in buying a home after moving to Panama City, we have the key information you need to know about the city’s housing market. This will make it easier for you to make up your mind about buying a home or not if you’re moving to Panama City, Florida:

    • Panama City’s median home cost is $204,200
    • Over the last ten years, home values in Panama City have risen by 64.9%
    • Currently, Panama City’s home values have appreciated by 12.3%
    • Around 42.2% of Panama City’s residents are renters
    • Up to 4.7% of homes and apartments in Panama City are open to rent

    What’s the average home rental price in Panama City FL?

    Panama City’s rental market is known for its affordable homes. If you’re considering renting a home or an apartment after moving to Panama City, look at the average rental prices below:

    • Panama City’s average rent for a studio apartment is $806
    • Panama City’s average rent for a 1-bedroom home or apartment is $901
    • Panama City’s average rent for a 2-bedroom home or apartment is $1,044
    • Panama City’s average rent for a 3-bedroom home or apartment is $1,439
    • The average rent for a 4-bedroom home or apartment is 1,769
    jobs in Panama City

    How is the job market in Panama City, Florida?

    How fast can you get a job if you need one in Panama City? The COVID-19 pandemic has affected several job markets across the United States and Panama City wasn’t left out.

    Since you’re considering moving to Panama City, here’s a breakdown of the city’s job market:

    • Panama City’sunemployment rate is 5.3%. The U.S. average is 6.0%
    • Panama City’s job growth has been positive so far
    • Over the past year, Panama City’s jobs have grown by 2.0%
    • Panama City’sfuture job growth is predicted to hit 27.19%
    • Getting a job in Panama City is easier compared to other similar sized cities in the state
    Employment Information Panama City, Florida United States
    The income per Cap$24,732$31,177
    Household Income$40,114$57,652
    Unemployment Rate5.36.0%
    Recent Job Growth-4.26%-6.18%
    Future Job Growth27.19%33.51%

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    What are the top career options in Panama City, Florida?

    You’ll find lots of jobs to choose from if you’re moving to Panama City, FL. Which ones should you opt for? You may be interested in some of the city’s highest-paying jobs. The following is the list of the highest-paying jobs in the city if you’re moving to Panama City, FL.

    Job Description Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
    Oncologist$305,080$25,423$5,866$146.67
    Cardiologist$289,339$24,111$5,564$139.11
    Gastroenterologist$286,067$23,838$5,501$137.53
    Emergency Medicine Physician$283,681$23,640$5,455$136.39
    General Surgeon$281,304$23,442$5,409$135.24
    Plastic Surgeon$278,322$23,193$5,352$133.81
    Otolaryngologist$278,122$23,176$5,348$133.71
    Medical Oncologist$269,355$22,446$5,179$129.50
    Radiation Oncologist$258,986$21,582$4,980$124.51
    Dermatologist$252,095$21,007$4,847$121.20

    What is a good salary in Panama City?

    Moving to Panama City could mean getting a new job. But how many bucks can you earn in the city? Will you be earning more money or less compared to where you are right now? Let’s find out:

    • Panama City’s average annual pay for average jobs is $44,875
    • Panama City’s average hourly pay is $21.57 per hour
    • Panama City’s average weekly pay is $862 per week
    • Panama City’s average monthly payment is $3,739 per month
    • Florida’s minimum wage is $11 per hour

    Major industries in Panama City, FL

    Like several other large cities, Sarasota’s economy is powered by several industries. The best part is that whether you work in a small or large industry, you’ll most likely find a suitable spot for your job in Sarasota. The following is a list of the city’s largest industries since you’re considering moving to Sarasota, FL:

    Rank Title Total Employees Local Mean Salary (Per Year) Local Mean Salary (Per hour) National Growth % 2014-2024
    1.All Occupations76,970$43,780$21.05100
    2.Office and Administrative Support Occupations10,210$34,990$16.8213.75
    3.Sales and Related Occupations9,100$34,500$16.599.5
    4.Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations8,880$25,510$12.268.7
    5.Transportation and Material Moving Occupations5,180$35,510$17.076.7
    6.Construction and Extraction Occupations5,160$38,760$18.634.6
    7.Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations4,290$69,490$33.415.85
    8.Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations3,910$41,830$20.113.75
    9.Retail Salespersons3,790$28,250$13.582.7
    10.Production Occupations3,610$36,130$17.375.6
    taxes in Panama City

    Florida’s taxes

    If you’re moving to Florida from out of state, you may have to get familiar with Florida’s taxes.

    You won’t have to bother about paying income tax in the sunshine state. The following are the key components that make up the states’s taxes. This will give you an idea of what to expect if you’re moving to Panama City, Florida:

    • There is no income tax in Florida
    • Florida sales tax is 6% - 8.50%
    • Florida property tax: 0.83% average effective rate
    • Florida gas tax is 4 cents per gallon of regular diesel and gasoline
    Panama City to do

    Best things to do if you move to Panama City, Florida

    There are lots of exciting things you can do in Panama City FL. The city is home to several attractions, and you’ll find lots of amazing things to do in Panama City FL.

    If you’re moving to Panama City, we’ve made a list of the various things you can do and places to visit and explore. Check out this list below:

    • Get soaked at the Shipwreck Island Waterpark
    • Swim with dolphins at Gulf World Marine Park
    • Get lost in Coconut Creek Family Fun Park
    • Set sail on the Gulf of Mexico!
    • Meet a giraffe at ZooWorld Zoological and Botanical Conservatory
    • Be amazed by all the weird stuff at Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
    • Join a dolphin-watching tour
    • Try a few different watersports at the beach
    • Shop till you drop at the Pier Park mall
    • Get a little buzzed at Panama City Beach Winery
    • Unleash your inner Sherlock Homles in an escape room
    • Hike, camp, or fish at St. Andrews State Park
    • Take a stroll through Conservation Park
    • Walk down Russell-Fields Pier
    • Spot gators on an airboat ride!

    What is the crime rate in Panama City, FL?

    Is Panama City a safe city for you and your loved ones? Like several other large cities in the United States, Panama City has its fair share of crime problems. The following are key stats about the city’s crime rates since you’re considering moving to Panama City, FL:

    • The violent crime rate in Panama City is 43.6. The national average is 22.7
    • The property crime rate in Panama City is 84.6. The national average is 35.4
    • Residents have a 1 in 114.4 chance of being the victim o f a violent crime
    • Residents have a 1 in 23.9 chance of being the victim of a property crime

    Tip:Often, you feel like calculating the moving cost before you connect with a moving company. To help you, we've got a free moving cost calculator.

    Statistic Count Raw Panama City/ 100k People Florida/ 100k People National/ 100k People
    Total Crimes Per 100K1,7565,064.62,153.02,346.0
    Violent Crime303873.9383.6387.8
    Murder411.55.96.5
    Robbery2983.662.273.9
    Aggravated Assault232669.1280.1279.7
    Burglary252726.8240.6314.2
    Larceny1,0593,054.31,352.71,398.0
    Car Theft142409.6176.1246.0
    Property Crime1,4534,190.71,769.41,958.2
    schools in Panama City

    Best Schools & Universities in Panama City, Florida

    Panama City FL is home to several top-quality schools. If you’re moving to Panama City, you’ll have easier access to several excellent schools from universities and colleges to elementary, middle, and high schools.

    The following is a list of the best schools in the city since you’re considering moving to Panama City, FL:

    Top 5 Public Elementary Schools in Panama City, Florida

    • University Academy (Sabl, Inc.)
      Charter, K-8 | 652 students, Rating: 7/10

    • North Bay Haven Charter Academy Elementary School
      Charter, K-5 | 696 students, Rating: 7/10

    • Palm Bay Elementary School
      Charter, K-5 | 375 students, Rating: 7/10

    • Bay Haven Charter Academy
      Charter, K-5 | 768 students, Rating: 7/10

    • Rising Leaders Academy
      Charter, K-10 | 207 students, Rating: 7/10

    Top Public Middle Schools in Panama City, Florida

    • University Academy (Sabl, Inc.)
      Charter, K-8 | 652 students, Rating: 7/10

    • Bay Haven Charter Middle School
      Charter, 6-8 | 464 students, Rating: 7/10

    • North Bay Haven Charter Academy Middle School
      Charter, 6-8 | 524 students, Rating: 7/10

    • Bay Virtual Franchise
      Public, 6-12 | 62 students, Rating: 7/10

    • Rising Leaders Academy
      Charter, K-10 | 207 students, Rating: 7/10

    Best Public High Schools in Panama City, Florida

    • North Bay Haven Career Academy
      Charter, 9-12 | 847 students, Rating: 7/10

    • Bay Virtual Franchise
      Public, 6-12 | 62 students, Rating: 7/10

    • Rising Leaders Academy
      Charter, K-10 | 207 students, Rating: 7/10

    • Deane Bozeman School
      Public, PK-12 | 1,265 students, Rating: 7/10

    • Palm Bay Preparatory Academy 6-12
      Charter, 6-12 | 355 students, Rating: 7/10

    Top Colleges and Universities in Panama City, Florida

    • Florida State University/Panama City Campus

    • Florida A & M University

    • Gulf Coast State College

    • Troy University

    • University of Florida bay county extension

    • Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

    • Gulf Coast Community College

    • Almega Bible College

    • First Words Project

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