Panama City vs Phnom Penh for Veterans (2026)
Scroll down for VA loan estimates, military pension tax details, and FAQ.
Veterans cost breakdown
| Metric | Panama City Panama Province | Phnom Penh Phnom Penh |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR rent / month | $900 | $350Better |
| Median home price | — | — |
| State income tax on pension | NoneBetter | None |
| Sales tax | 7%Better | 10% |
| Monthly utilities | $70 | $60Better |
| Military retire pay rent burden | 31% | 12%Better |
| Walk score | 65 / 100Better | 52 / 100 |
| Overall COL index | 58 | 30Better |
Your biggest money opportunities based on this comparison.
COL advantage
Phnom Penh stretches VA disability pay ~48% further
More purchasing power means more left to invest. Compare brokerage accounts and IRAs.
While you're comparing — don't leave money on the table.
Mortgages
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Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for veterans — Panama City or Phnom Penh?
For veterans, Panama City is the stronger choice based on tax burden on military pension, home affordability with VA loans, and walkability. Panama City has no state income tax on military pensions, which is a significant advantage. Phnom Penh is more affordable overall, which matters when living on a fixed military retirement income.
Is military retirement pay taxed in Panama City and Phnom Penh?
As of 2026, Panama Province does not tax military retirement pay. Phnom Penh does not tax military retirement pay. This is important because federal law does not tax VA disability compensation, but military pension IS subject to state income tax in most states. The difference on a $35K pension is roughly $0/month — or $0/year.
Can a veteran afford to buy a home in Panama City with a VA loan?
Median home price data is not available for Panama City.
How far does VA disability pay go in Panama City vs Phnom Penh?
VA disability compensation is tax-exempt at the federal level, and most states also exempt it from state income tax. 100% P&T disability pay is approximately $3,737/month in 2026. In Phnom Penh (COL index 30), that $3,737 has the purchasing power of $12,457 in a 100-index (average US) city — effectively stretching further than in a higher-cost market.
Which city is more walkable and accessible for veterans with disabilities?
Panama City has a higher walk score (65 vs 52), meaning more daily errands, medical appointments, and services are accessible on foot or via transit. High walkability reduces car dependence — particularly valuable for veterans with mobility limitations or vision impairments. Walk scores above 70 are considered "very walkable."
A $35,000/year military pension in Panama City has the same purchasing power as $18K/year in Phnom Penh based on relative cost of living indexes.
Military retirement pay estimate based on 20-year E-7 equivalent (~$35,000/year). VA disability figures based on 2026 VA rating tables. State tax treatment of military pensions varies; verify your state's specific rules. Data: VA, Tax Foundation, Zillow, BLS · Q1 2026