A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Clearwater vs. Panama City for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Clearwater or Panama City?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Clearwater and Panama City. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Clearwater or Panama City?

Clearwater

Clearwater is a city in Florida's Tampa Bay area known for its sunny weather and gulf coast beaches. Its most famous beach (Clearwater Beach) is located on a barrier island with white sands and crystal waters - a perfect setting for activities such as fishing, sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, dolphin and sunset tours, parasailing, and more.

Panama City

As the tropical breeze kisses your face amidst the never-ending rows of palm trees and high-rise beach condos, you find both pleasure and peace in this popular beach vacation spot. Such a city could be no place else than Panama City, Florida, located on the Florida Panhandle on the Gulf Coast. The entire region is known for it's calm beach with white sand, blue water, and spring break and summer vacation fun. Panama City offers a multitude of hotels, parks, beaches, and restaurants to make it a prime destination to both party and relax. However, as you explore the city, you will find that Panama City acquires its own diverse, vibrant character unique to other beach towns. Bring out the fishing rods and boogie boards and take advantage of one of Florida's most popular destinations! It's a great destination for families, kids, younger travelers, singles, couples, and retirees alike.

Which city is cheaper, Panama City or Clearwater?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Clearwater is $241, while the average daily cost in Panama City is $179. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Clearwater and Panama City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Clearwater $104
    Panama City $103
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Clearwater $208
    Panama City $206
Compare Hotels in Clearwater and Panama City

Looking for a hotel in Clearwater 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.

Hotels in Clearwater


Hotels in Panama City


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: Clearwater Hotel Prices and Panama City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Clearwater $177
    Panama City $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Clearwater

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Clearwater:

  • Clearwater Beach to St.Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) -Departure Private Transfer: $37
  • Clearwater Beach to Tampa Airport (TPA) - Departure Private Transfer: $83
  • Private Transfer from Clearwater Beach to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $453
  • Private Transfer from Clearwater Beach to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $588
  • Private Transfer from Clearwater Beach to Port Canaveral: $658
  • St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) to Clearwater Beach - Arrival Private Transfer: $75
  • St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) to St. Petersburg - Arrival Private Transfer: $37
  • St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) to St. Petersburg - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $147
  • St.Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) to Clearwater Beach -Roundtrip Private Transfer: $72

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Panama City

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Panama City:

  • Transfer to Panama Canal (Miraflores Locks): $11
  • Private Departure Transfer to Panama City Airport (PTY): $12
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Panama City Airport (PTY): $12
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Tocumen International Airport to Panama City Hotels: $15
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Panama City Hotels to Tocumen International Airport: $15
  • Airport Private Transfer Tocumen Direct to Panama City: $18
  • Transfer to Dreams Playa Bonita: $18
  • Private Airport Transfer: Panama City to Tocumen International Airport (PTY): $19
  • Private Airport Transfer: Tocumen International Airport (PTY) to Panama City: $19
  • Transfer from Panama City to Tocumen Airport: $19
  • Private Transfer from Tocumen Airport to Downtown Panama City, Panama: $20
  • Private Transfer Airport PTY to Panama City: $22

Is it cheaper to fly into Clearwater or Panama City?

Prices for flights to both Panama City and Clearwater 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 day
    Clearwater $38
    Panama City $53

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Panama City

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Panama City.

  • Food Tour - Panama Gastronomy: $102
  • Casco Antiguo Sunset Walking Tour with Dinner: $170
  • The 'Real' Panamanian Private Food Tour: $200
  • Whale Watching + Beach + Seafood Dinner - BEST VALUE IN PANAMA: $205

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Clearwater -
    Panama City $15

Tours and Activities in Clearwater

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Clearwater are as follows:

  • Beach Cruiser Bicycle: $15
  • Journey through Space Simulator Experience: $15
  • Clearwater Encounters with Dolphins Tour: $20
  • Dolphin Sightseeing Tour of Clearwater Beach with Free Ice Cream: $21
  • Clearwater Evening Yacht Cruise with Optional Dining: $22
  • Clearwater Daytime Yacht Music Cruise with Optional Dining: $22
  • Adventure Boat in Clearwater Beach: $23
  • Sea Screamer Dolphin Tour Boat Ride Ticket: $25
  • Sunset Cruise from Clearwater: $27
  • Clearwater Dolphin-Watching Tour: $27
  • Clearwater Sunset Celebration Cruise: $29
  • Clearwater Beach: Boat Cruise with Dolphin Sightings: $29

Tours and Activities in Panama City

Here are a few actual costs in Panama City for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Casco Antiguo Virtual Live Tour: $12
  • Skip the Line: Panama La Vieja Admission Ticket: $15
  • Dolphin Sightseeing Tour on The Footloose Catamaran from Panama City Beach: $25
  • Sea Breeze Champagne Adventure: $28
  • Panama City and Canal Tour ( Centro de Visitante de Miraflores): $31
  • Panama City Beach: Gulf World Marine Park Entrance Ticket: $36
  • Private Panama Canal Tour: $41
  • Shopping Tour in Panama: $42
  • Tour Colonial Panama: $42
  • Panama Viejo Ruins Sightseeing Tour: $43
  • Panama City Tour highlight: $45
  • Panama City Sunset E-Bike Adventure: $48

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Clearwater -
    Panama City $45

Sample the Local Flavors in Panama City

Also in Panama City, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Panama Bar Crawl (private): $33

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Clearwater and Panama City, we can see that Clearwater is more expensive. And not only is Panama City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Clearwater would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Clearwater than you might in Panama City.


When is the best time to visit Clearwater or Panama City?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Clearwater or Panama City in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Panama City. Also, most visitors come to Panama City for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Clearwater is around the same temperature as Panama City. Typically, the summer temperatures in Clearwater in July are around 82°F (28°C), and Panama City is about 82°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Panama City this time of the year. In Clearwater, it's very sunny this time of the year. Clearwater usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Panama City during summer. Clearwater gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Panama City receives 283 hours of full sun in the summer.

Panama City receives a lot of rain in the summer. Clearwater gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Clearwater usually receives more rain than Panama City. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Panama City receives 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Clearwater 82°F (28°C) 
    Panama City 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Clearwater or Panama City in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Panama City. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Panama City because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Clearwater is generally a little warmer than Panama City. Temperatures in Clearwater average around 75°F (24°C), and Panama City stays around 71°F (22°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Panama City. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Clearwater this time of the year. In the autumn, Clearwater often gets less sunshine than Panama City. Clearwater gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Panama City receives 256 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets less rain in October than Panama City. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Panama City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Clearwater 75°F (24°C) 
    Panama City 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Clearwater or Panama City in the Winter?

Both Panama City and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Panama City this time of year.

Clearwater is a little warmer than Panama City in the winter. The temperature in Clearwater is usually 60°F (15°C) in January, and Panama City stays around 52°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Panama City during winter. Clearwater gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Panama City receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Panama City. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Panama City receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Clearwater 60°F (15°C) 
    Panama City 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Clearwater or Panama City in the Spring?

Both Panama City and Clearwater during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Panama City for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Clearwater is around the same temperature as Panama City. Typically, the spring temperatures in Clearwater in April are around 71°F (22°C), and Panama City is about 68°F (20°C).

In Panama City, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Clearwater. In the spring, Clearwater often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Panama City. Clearwater gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Panama City receives 295 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets less rain in April than Panama City. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Panama City receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Clearwater 71°F (22°C) 
    Panama City 68°F (20°C)

Typical Weather for Panama City and Clearwater

Clearwater Panama City
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Feb 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Mar 67°F (19°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 61°F (16°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Apr 71°F (22°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 68°F (20°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 74°F (24°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 80°F (27°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 82°F (28°C) 7.3 inches (184 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 82°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 79°F (26°C) 7.5 inches (192 mm)
Oct 75°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Nov 68°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 56°F (13°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm)


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Clearwater vs. Panama City Travel Comparison

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