Which place is cheaper, Panama City or Aqaba?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Aqaba or Panama City?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Panama City, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Aqaba or Panama City?
Aqaba
Aqaba is a port city in Jordan, in fact, it is the only port city in the country. This city is located on the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea, which is in the southern part of Jordan. The city is still being developed; many of its facilities and infrastructures are being improved. The population of Aqaba is about 190,000 and the city has been key in developing Jordan's economy via trade and tourism.
Panama City
Panama City is the cosmopolitan capital city of the country of Panama. With a population of almost 900,000 and almost 1.5 million in the metropolitan area, it's a very diverse city with expat residents from all over the world. You don't have to search far to find someone who speaks English, and many Panamanians are quite helpful and friendly.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Panama, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Panama City.
-
Aqaba Prices
Jordan PricesPanama City Prices
Panama Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $157Panama City $102
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $157, while the average daily cost in Panama City is $102. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Aqaba and Panama City in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59Panama City $35
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Panama City $70
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Panama City
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Panama City? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Aqaba Hotel Prices and Panama City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24Panama City $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:
- Private Petra Day Trip from Aqaba Port with Return Transfer: $190
- Aqaba or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Dead Sea: $185
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Allenby King Hussein Bridge: $173
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Dead Sea Hotels: $160
- Private Transfer Aqaba Airport to Amman Queen Alia Airport: $153
- Transfers , Meet & Assistance at Wadi Araba Crossing Border: $153
- Hassle-Free Aqaba South Beach to Wadi Rum Transfer – 24/7 Service: $150
- Aqaba Airport (AQJ) to Petra - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $141
- Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Wadi rum: $140
- Private Transfer from Wadi Rum to Amman Airport: $133
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Amman Airport: $133
- Private Transfers from Wadi Rum Inside Jordan and Vice Versa: $129
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Panama City
Also for Panama City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport To City Hotel transfer: $50
- Arrival Private Transfer Panama PTY Airport to Playa Bonita: $84
- Arrival Private Transfer Panama PTY Airport to Playa Bonita: $75
- Panama Airport (PTY) to Coronado/Gorgona - Round-Trip Transfer: $209
- Panama Airport (PTY) to Decameron - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $209
- Panama Airport (PTY) to Panama city - Arrival Private Transfer: $24
- Panama Airport (PTY) to Playa Blanca Round-Trip Private Transfer: $158
- Panama Airport (PTY) to Playa Bonita/Gamboa - Private Transfer: $33
- Panama Airport (PTY) to Playa Bonita/Gamboa - Round-Trip Transfer: $66
- Panama City Private Departure Transfer: $42
- Panama One Way Transfer: Van from Tocumen Airport to Panama City: $83
- Panama Private Airport/Port/Hotel Transfer Service: $28
Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Panama City?
Prices for flights to both Panama City and Aqaba change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
-
Food Meals for one dayAqaba $73Panama City $36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aqaba
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Aqaba.
- Suhaila (connecting through cooking): $50
- Traditional Bedouin Cooking Experience in the Desert: $50
- "Wadi Rum Jeep Tour + Bedouin Camp & Dinner Under the Stars: $80
- Explore Wadi Rum: Jeep Tour, Bed and Breakfast, and Dinner: $82
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight in Bedouin Camp & Dinner: $90
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $109
Typical Food Prices in Panama City
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Panama City:
-
Sandwich$8.27
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Panama City
For Panama City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Panamanian Ravioli Masterclass + Dinner in Panama City center: $55
- Panama City FOOD Tour: $65
- 3.5 -hour Afropanamanian Cooking Experience in Panama: $70
- Street Food Tour Panama City (25+ tastings) By Paradox Experience: $95
- 4h Cooking Class in 10 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $95
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Panama City $66
Tours and Activities in Aqaba
Here are a few actual costs in Aqaba for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 03 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $61
- 04 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $73
- 05 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $68
- 1 Day & 1 Night | Stay & Jeep + Camel Tour in Wadi Rum | Magic Bedouin Star: $99
- 2 Days & 1 Night | Jeep & Hike Tour in Wadi Rum Desert | Magic Bedouin Star: $258
- 2 Days Guided Hiking Tour To Wadi Rum Jebal Al Hash: $103
- 2 Days Tour | Petra, Wadi Rum, and Dead Sea From Amman.: $190
- 2 Hour Jeep Tour - Wadi Rum Desert & Canyon: $35
- 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $32
- 2 To 5 Hours Glass Bottom Boat Private Tour At Read Sea: $90
- 2 hours Jeep tour in Wadi Rum with Bedouin guide (incl. bottled water and tea): $100
- 3 Hours Private Stargazing Experience in Wadi Rum: $40
Tours and Activities in Panama City
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Panama City.
- Sunset Bike Tour/ Cinta Costera Casco Viejo by Paradox Experience: $22
- Spanish Experience in Panama City: $25
- Casco Viejo Walking Tour: History, Culture & Local Tasting: $25
- Panama City Must-see Attractions Walking Tour with a Guide: $27
- 5-hour tour in Panama by a Local Guide: $29
- Private Walking Tour of Casco Antiguo: $30
- City Sightseeing Panama City Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $30
- Get to know the city on board CitySightseeing Panama (24 Hours): $30
- Panama City Walking Tour: Explore Top Sights & Hidden Gems: $30
- City Tour guiado en Panamá con Canal y Casco Antiguo: $35
- Half-Day Casco Viejo The Real City Guided with a Local Touch Tour: $35
- Panama Viejo UNESCO Ruins Tour | The Original Panama City: $35
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Panama City $18
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Panama City, we can see that Aqaba is more expensive. And not only is Panama City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aqaba is in Middle East and Panama City is in Central America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Panama City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Panama City and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Aqaba would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aqaba than you might in Panama City.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aqaba Expensive? and Is Panama City Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Panama City?
Panama City has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Panama City, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.