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

Should you visit Duck Key or Panama City?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Duck Key and Panama City can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Duck Key or Panama City?

Duck Key

If you are thirsty for the taste of tropical splendor, Duck Key, Florida will surely quench your desires. Located in Monroe County, Florida, right beside its neighbor Conch Key, Duck Key stands. The community is chock full of everyone's favorite seaside activities, including fishing, jetskiing, scuba diving, canoeing, and kayaking. Though a quaint town, Duck Key attracts tourists from all over due to its quiet beaches and friendly locals. Whether you are looking to meet and greet with the dolphins or simply lie upon the sandy white beaches as the fire orange sun sets before you, Duck Key is truly a sweet and small subtropical diversion.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Panama City or Duck Key?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Duck Key is $143, 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 Duck Key and Panama City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Duck Key $56
    Panama City $128
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Duck Key $112
    Panama City $256
Compare Hotels in Duck Key and Panama City

Looking for a hotel in Duck Key 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 Duck Key


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: Panama City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Duck Key $69
    Panama City $48

Is it cheaper to fly into Duck Key or Panama City?

Prices for flights to both Panama City and Duck Key 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
    Duck Key $45
    Panama City $66

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Duck Key $30
    Panama City $19

Tours and Activities in Panama City

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

  • 2 Hour Dolphin Sightseeing Tour with Capt. Zach's Adventures: $73
  • 2 Hour Dolphin and Sightseeing Tour in Panama City Beach, Fl: $72
  • 2 Hour Private Dolphin and Sightseeing Tour in Shell Island: $65
  • 3 Hour Cruise, Snorkel, Swim/float Sandbar - tandem tiki option: $80
  • 90 min Cruise at Lower Grand Lagoon : $54
  • Beach Sunset and Lagoon Skyline Tour: $70
  • Beginner Scuba Diving Tour PCB Free Videos: $129
  • Beginner Scuba Diving Tour with Videos-PCB: $129
  • Catamaran Snorkel and Dolphin Watch Tour in Panama City Beach: $60
  • Cypress Springs Eco Adventure: $110
  • Discover Snorkeling Tour in Panama City: $65
  • Dolphin Sightseeing Tour on The Footloose Catamaran from Panama City Beach: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Duck Key $7.99
    Panama City $56


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Duck Key Expensive? and Is Panama City Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Duck Key or Panama City?

Panama City has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Duck Key. When comparing the sizes of Duck Key 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.


When is the best time to visit Duck Key or Panama City?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Duck Key or Panama City in the Summer?

Both Panama City and Duck Key during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Panama City for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Duck Key is around the same temperature as Panama City in the summer. The daily temperature in Duck Key averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Panama City fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

In Panama City, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Duck Key. In the summer, Duck Key often gets more sunshine than Panama City. Duck Key gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Panama City receives 283 hours of full sun.

Panama City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Duck Key usually gets less rain in July than Panama City. Duck Key gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Panama City receives 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Duck Key 84°F (29°C) 
    Panama City 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Duck Key or Panama City in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Duck Key and Panama City. Also, many visitors come to Panama City in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Duck Key is a little warmer than Panama City. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Duck Key in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Panama City averages at about 71°F (22°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Panama City this time of the year. In Duck Key, it's very sunny this time of the year. Duck Key usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Panama City during autumn. Duck Key gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Panama City receives 256 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Duck Key gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Duck Key usually receives more rain than Panama City. Duck Key gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Panama City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Duck Key 80°F (27°C) 
    Panama City 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Duck Key or Panama City in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Duck Key as well as Panama City. Also, most visitors come to Panama City for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Duck Key is generally much warmer than Panama City. Daily temperatures in Duck Key average around 70°F (21°C), and Panama City fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Duck Key this time of the year. In the winter, Duck Key often gets more sunshine than Panama City. Duck Key gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Panama City receives 185 hours of full sun.

Duck Key usually gets less rain in January than Panama City. Duck Key gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Panama City receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Duck Key 70°F (21°C) 
    Panama City 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Duck Key or Panama City in the Spring?

Both Panama City and Duck Key are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Panama City because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Duck Key is a little warmer than Panama City in the spring. The daily temperature in Duck Key averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Panama City fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Panama City. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Duck Key. Duck Key usually receives more sunshine than Panama City during spring. Duck Key gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Panama City receives 295 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Duck Key usually receives less rain than Panama City. Duck Key gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Panama City receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Duck Key 77°F (25°C) 
    Panama City 68°F (20°C)

Typical Weather for Panama City and Duck Key

Duck Key Panama City
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Feb 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Mar 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm) 61°F (16°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Apr 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm) 68°F (20°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 74°F (24°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Jun 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 80°F (27°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Jul 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 82°F (28°C) 7.3 inches (184 mm)
Aug 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 82°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm)
Sep 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm) 79°F (26°C) 7.5 inches (192 mm)
Oct 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Nov 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Dec 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm) 56°F (13°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm)