Which place is cheaper, Panama City or Bangkok?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Bangkok or Panama City?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bangkok and Panama City can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Bangkok or Panama City?
Bangkok
Bangkok: a name synonymous with all things exotic. The vibrant and exciting capital of Thailand is not just a hub for Southeast Asia, but also a destination into itself. Known for an active nightlife and party scene, as well as great food, historic temples, and busy markets, Bangkok offers a diversity to entertain even the most experienced travelers.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Panama, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Panama City.
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Bangkok Prices
Thailand PricesPanama City Prices
Panama Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBangkok $99Panama City $102
The average daily cost (per person) in Bangkok is $99, 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 Bangkok and Panama City in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBangkok $48Panama City $35
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBangkok $96Panama City $70
Compare Hotels in Bangkok and Panama City
Looking for a hotel in Bangkok 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: Bangkok Hotel Prices and Panama City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bangkok $6.24Panama City $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bangkok are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk to bus station$2.39
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Skytrain Ticket$4.78
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Chao Phraya River Express Ticket$0.96
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Ferry Ride$0.78
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Taxi From Airport$7.46
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Short Taxi Ride$2.69
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Boat Taxi$1.49
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Trains to airport$4.78
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangkok
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangkok:
- Private Transfer from Bangkok to Krabi with 2h of Sightseeing: $295
- Private Transfer from Bangkok to Chiang Mai with 2h of Sightseeing: $273
- Private Transfer from Bangkok to Lampang with 2h of Sightseeing: $238
- Private Transfer from Don Mueang (DMK) Airport to Trat: $227
- Private Transfer from Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport to Trat: $220
- Limousine one way transfer: BKKAirport to/from ChaAm or Hua Hin: $183
- Limousine one way transfer: BKKAirport to/from U-Tapao Airport: $183
- Bangkok Airport DMK to Kanchanaburi Round Trip Private Transfer: $183
- Private Transfer from Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport to Chanthaburi: $172
- Don Muang Airport Bangkok to Pattaya Round trip Transfer Service: $158
- Luxury VIP Transfer: Bangkok ↔ Pattaya in Majesty Platinum+ Van: $151
- Join Cycling in Bangkok (5 hrs) by Private Transfer: $149
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Panama City
Also for Panama City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Arrival Private Transfer Panama PTY Airport to Playa Bonita: $75
- Arrival Private Transfer Panama PTY Airport to Playa Bonita: $84
- Panama 2 days / 1 night : hotel, transfers and city tour: $278
- Panama Airport (PTY) to Panama city - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
- Panama Airport (PTY) to Playa Blanca Round-Trip Private Transfer: $153
- Panama Airport (PTY) to Playa Bonita/Gamboa - Round-Trip Transfer: $64
- 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
- Panama Tocumen Airport (PTY) to Colón - Arrival Private Transfer: $74
- Panama Tocumen Airport (PTY) to Playa Blanca - Private Transfer: $77
- Panama Tocumen Airport PTY to Coronado/Gorgona - Arrival Transfer: $102
Is it cheaper to fly into Bangkok or Panama City?
Prices for flights to both Panama City and Bangkok 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
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Food Meals for one dayBangkok $34Panama City $36
Typical Food Prices in Bangkok
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bangkok:
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Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe (for Two)$27
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Casual Lunch of Prawns (for Two)$5.97
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2 Rotis (Bread)$1.34
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Mango & Sticky Rice$0.90
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Lunch at KFC (for Two)$5.97
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Pad Thai$2.09
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Airport Lunch for 2$16
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Lunch for 2$22
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bangkok
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bangkok.
- Mahanakorn Pad Thai & Tom Yum Cooking Class in Bangkok: $21
- Royal Princess Dinner Cruise in Bangkok: $25
- Chao Phraya Princess Sunset and Dinner Cruise: $26
- Twilight Dinner Cruise Along Chao Phraya River in Bangkok: $27
- Baiyoke Sky Observation Deck Ticket with Buffet Lunch or Dinner: $28
- Bangkok Sunset or Evening Dinner Cruise (The Planet Cruise): $30
- Alangka Dinner Cruise from Bangkok on Chao Phraya River ICONSIAM: $30
- Peaceful Wat Pho and Authentic Street Food Tour: $30
- Bangkok The Luxury White Sunset or Dinner Cruise (Asiatique Pier): $30
- Royal Princess Cruise Sunset Dinner on the Chao Phraya in Bangkok: $31
- Bangkok Meridian Dinner Cruise from ICONSIAM: $31
- Bangkok Unicorn Chao Phraya River Scenic Buffet Dinner Cruise: $33
Typical Food Prices in Panama City
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Panama City:
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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:
- 3.5 -hour Afropanamanian Cooking Experience in Panama: $70
- Panamanian Dinner and Folkloric Show - All Inclusive Experience: $70
- Panama City by Night: Rooftop Skyline, Dinner & Folklore Show: $85
- 4-Hour Guided Panamanian Cooking Class and Markets Experience: $95
- Embera Village Cooking Class Experience in Chagres National Park: $125
- The Real Panamanian Private Food Tour through Panama City: $245
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bangkok $17Panama City $66
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bangkok
Here are a few typical costs in Bangkok for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Movie Ticket$4.78
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Grand Palace Entrance Ticket$10
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Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) Ticket$1.49
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Dusit Zoo Entrance Fee (for Two)$5.97
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Club Cover Charge$11
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Thai Boxing Tickets (for Two)$72
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Fish Pedicure$4.48
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Wat Pho entrance ticket$2.98
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Siriraj Museum (2)$12
Tours and Activities in Bangkok
Here are a few actual costs in Bangkok for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- "Bangkok Walking Hopping Tour" show city’s historic sights are located.: $74
- 1 Hour Axe Throwing Experience: $19
- 2 Day Guided Tour from Bangkok to Ayutthaya: $91
- 2 Hour Electric Tuk Tuk Cultural Tour of Bangkok: $29
- 2 Hour Longtail Boat Bangkok Canal Tour: $79
- 2 Hours Bangkok Canal Tour By Longtail Boat: $70
- 3 Hour Bus Tour in Ayutthaya Heritage and Temples: $34
- 3hr Sunset Canal Cruise & Stop at Biggest Buddha (fully guided): $73
- 4 Dishes Thai Cuisine Experience at Bang Kruai, Nonthaburi: $59
- 5-Hour Bike Tour of Hidden Bangkok: $55
- 8 Hours Tuk Tuk Private Tour within Bangkok Area: Customed Trips: $111
- 8 hours Bangkok Customized Private Day Tour Pick up from Hotel: $76
Tours and Activities in Panama City
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Panama City.
- Archaeological Site. Admission ticket to Panama La Vieja: $15
- Private Historic Tour of the Old Town: $15
- Panama Chocolate Factory Experience and Tasting: $19
- Sunset Bike Tour/ Cinta Costera Casco Viejo by Paradox Experience: $22
- Casco Viejo a Panama's Hidden Treasures Walking Tour: $24
- Spanish Experience in Panama City: $25
- Panama City Must-see Attractions Walking Tour with a Guide: $26
- Rum & Chocolate Pairing: The Casa Baru Experience Casco Viejo: $28
- Monkey and Sloth Jungle Habitat Panama Tour: $30
- City Sightseeing Panama City Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $30
- Panama City : Custom Walking Tour with A Guide (Private Tour): $34
- Panama Viejo UNESCO Ruins Tour | The Original Panama City: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBangkok $5.46Panama City $18
Typical Alcohol Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Bangkok are as follows:
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Beer$1.19
Sample the Local Flavors in Bangkok
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bangkok:
- Sunset Rooftop, TukTuk Ride, Night Market & Bar Crawl: $29
When comparing the travel costs between Bangkok and Panama City, we can see that Panama City is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Bangkok is in Asia and Panama City is in Central America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bangkok Expensive? and Is Panama City Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Panama City?
Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Panama City. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok 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.