David Photo Gallery
City life, markets, the Chiriqui highlands backdrop, and western Panama
Panama's second-largest city — the bustling commercial hub of western Panama and the gateway to Boquete, Volcán, and the Chiriqui Highlands.
Key facts about life in David
David is Panama's second-largest city and the commercial capital of western Panama, serving as the economic engine for Chiriqui Province and the surrounding region. With a population of over 150,000, David is a real, functioning city with a full range of urban amenities — hospitals, shopping centers, banks, universities, restaurants, and a domestic airport with connections to Panama City.
David sits at a low elevation in the Pacific lowlands of Chiriqui, which means it is hot and humid year-round — quite different from the cool mountain towns of Boquete and Volcán located just 30–45 minutes away in the highlands. For expats who prefer cooler climates, David is typically a service base rather than a full-time residence. But for those who don't mind the heat and want city-level infrastructure at a fraction of Panama City's cost, David is a compelling choice.
The city's greatest strength is its role as the gateway and service hub for the entire western Panama expat region. Boquete residents regularly drive down to David for PriceSmart shopping, hospital care at Hospital Chiriqui, car dealerships, government offices, and everything the region's mountain towns cannot provide. Living in David means having it all within walking distance or a short drive — without ever needing to make the 6-hour trip to Panama City.
Hospitals, PriceSmart, shopping malls, car dealerships, universities, government offices — everything a major city offers at a fraction of Panama City prices.
Boquete is 30 minutes away, Volcán 45 minutes. David is the perfect base for those who want city access alongside easy highland escapes.
David is one of the most affordable mid-size cities in Panama. Rent, food, and services are significantly cheaper than Panama City with comparable urban conveniences.
David's Enrique Malek Airport offers daily flights to Panama City with Copa Airlines — avoiding the long overland drive when you need to fly internationally.
Hospital Chiriqui is western Panama's top private hospital with a wide range of specialists. Far better medical access than smaller mountain towns offer on their own.
A real, working Panamanian city with local markets, street food, annual fairs, and a warm, welcoming local culture in the heart of Chiriqui.
City life, markets, the Chiriqui highlands backdrop, and western Panama
Climate, shopping, healthcare, real estate, and daily city life
David is hot and humid year-round, sitting at low elevation in Chiriqui's Pacific lowlands. Temperatures typically range from 85–95°F with high humidity. This is the primary reason many expats choose Boquete or Volcán in the nearby highlands. That said, the dry season (December–April) is warm and breezy rather than oppressively hot, and the highland towns are just a short drive away whenever you want cooler air.
David is the shopping capital of western Panama. PriceSmart (Panama's Costco equivalent) is a major draw for the entire region — Boquete and Volcán residents drive down regularly for bulk shopping. The city also has large supermarkets, electronics stores, home goods retailers, auto dealerships, building supply stores, and two modern shopping malls.
Hospital Chiriqui is western Panama's leading private hospital, offering a wide range of specialists, modern diagnostic equipment, surgery, and emergency care. It serves patients from Boquete, Volcán, and the surrounding region. For expats in the highlands, David's medical facilities are accessible in just 30–45 minutes — a key part of the regional living equation.
Enrique Malek International Airport (DAV) connects David to Panama City with multiple daily Copa Airlines flights — a one-hour flight versus a 6–7 hour drive. This makes international travel significantly more convenient for expats in the Chiriqui region. For the western Panama expat community, David's airport is a critical piece of infrastructure that greatly reduces the sense of isolation.
David offers solid real estate value as a mid-size city. Apartment rentals start around $500/month for a basic 2-bedroom and go up to $1,100+ for newer, nicer units. Home purchase prices are well below Panama City levels. David is not a major expat real estate destination the way Boquete is, but for those who want urban living in western Panama, it provides comfortable options at very affordable prices.
Many expats use David as a strategic base. Living here means 30 minutes from Boquete's coffee and hiking, 45 minutes from Volcán's volcano views, and roughly 1 hour from the Pacific coast beaches near the Gulf of Chiriqui — all while having full city infrastructure at your doorstep. For people who value access and convenience above climate or scenery, David makes excellent practical sense.
Great places within easy reach of David
~30 min drive
Panama's top mountain town — cool climate, world-famous coffee, hiking, and a large established expat community.
~45 min drive
Peaceful highland farming town with spring-like weather, volcano views, and a quieter, more authentic mountain lifestyle.
~1 hr drive
The Pacific beaches and islands of the Gulf of Chiriqui offer snorkeling, fishing, and tropical island day trips.
~1 hr drive
The Paso Canoas border crossing into Costa Rica is just an hour away — useful for visa runs and regional travel.
Common questions about living in and visiting David, Panama
Check out our guides to other popular towns and cities throughout Panama.
Learn about Panama visa options, pensionado benefits, and everything you need to start your life in western Panama.