Which place is cheaper, Panama City or Clearwater?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Clearwater vs. Panama City for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
Jump to 
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.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayClearwater $309Panama City $224
The average daily cost (per person) in Clearwater is $309, while the average daily cost in Panama City is $224. 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 Clearwater and Panama City in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personClearwater $141Panama City $128
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomClearwater $282Panama City $256
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.
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 $221Panama City $48
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Clearwater
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Clearwater:
- From Orlando: Clearwater Beach Day with Transfers and Lunch: $100
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 dayClearwater $46Panama City $66
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Clearwater -Panama City $19
Tours and Activities in Clearwater
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Clearwater are as follows:
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Clearwater by Operation City Quest: $10
- St. Petersburg Jungle Prada Site History Tour: $15
- Daytime Yacht Sightseeing Cruise with Optional Dining : $27
- Mega Bite Dolphin Tour Boat in Clearwater Beach: $28
- 1-hour Sightseeing Adventure Cruise from Madeira Beach: $28
- Shark Teeth and Shells, Dolphin and Shelling Tour Boat Clearwater Beach : $28
- Clearwater Dolphin Exploration Tour: $29
- Clearwater Sunset Celebration Cruise: $29
- Tour with Dolphins and Sight Seeing: $29
- Dolphin Quest - Sightseeing/Eco Cruise, John's Pass, Madeira Beach, FL : $29
- St. Pete Beach Dolphin Racer Speedboat Adventure: $30
- Haunted History Tour: $30
Tours and Activities in Panama City
Here are a few actual costs in Panama City for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Sunset Dolphin Cruise aboard the Grand-Mére: $25
- Panama City Beach: Gulf World Marine Park Entry Ticket: $27
- Dolphin Sightseeing Tour on The Footloose Catamaran from Panama City Beach: $30
- Self-Guided Bike Tour: Pedal At Your Pace: $31
- Panama City Beach: Sunset Catamaran Cruise: $35
- Shell Island Cruise & Dolphin Watch Aboard the Grand-Mére: $37
- Sunset & Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time: $42
- Lit on Lagoon Glow and Tiki Bar Cruise Tour in Panama City: $52
- Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time : $52
- 90 min Cruise at Lower Grand Lagoon : $54
- Scream Machine Speedboat Cruise in the Lagoon: $55
- Biker Gang Happy Hour E-Bike Adventure: $59
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayClearwater -Panama City $56
Sample the Local Flavors in Clearwater
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Clearwater:
- The Tour and Wine Tasting Experience at Aspirations Winery: $39
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.
Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Panama City?
Clearwater is bigger, and its population is about 2.9 times larger than the population of Panama City. When comparing the population of Clearwater vs. 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 and the activities that interest you.
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 average around 82°F (28°C), and Panama City averages at 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 JulyClearwater 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. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 75°F (24°C), and Panama City fluctuates 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 OctoberClearwater 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 daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 60°F (15°C) in January, and Panama City fluctuates 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 JanuaryClearwater 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 average around 71°F (22°C), and Panama City averages at 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 AprilClearwater 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) |
Related Articles for Clearwater
Related Articles for Panama City
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.
More City Comparisons
Boca Raton vs. ClearwaterBoca Raton vs. Panama City
Cape Canaveral vs. Clearwater
Cape Canaveral vs. Panama City
Clearwater vs. Cocoa Beach
Clearwater vs. Daytona Beach
Clearwater vs. Destin
Clearwater vs. Fort Lauderdale
Clearwater vs. Gainesville
Clearwater vs. Key West
Clearwater vs. Miami
Clearwater vs. Naples
Clearwater vs. Orlando
Clearwater vs. Pensacola
Clearwater vs. Saint Augustine
Clearwater vs. Saint Petersburg
Clearwater vs. Sarasota
Clearwater vs. Tallahassee
Clearwater vs. Tampa
Clearwater vs. West Palm Beach
Cocoa Beach vs. Panama City
Daytona Beach vs. Panama City
Destin vs. Panama City
Fort Lauderdale vs. Panama City
Gainesville vs. Panama City
Key West vs. Panama City
Miami vs. Panama City
Naples vs. Panama City
Pin This Page
Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.