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

North America / Comparisons /
Jump to  down-arrow

Should you visit Gainesville or Panama City?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Gainesville 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: Gainesville or Panama City?

Gainesville

Home to the University of Florida as well as Santa Fe College, the town of Gainesville has all of the shopping, entertainment, and restaurants that you could want in a college town - plus easy access to a number of outdoor adventures from canoeing, diving, and kayaking to birding, fishing, hiking, and biking. Some of the top features include the Butterfly Rainforest, the Florida Museum of Natural History, the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, and Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park.

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 Gainesville?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Gainesville is $172, 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 Gainesville and Panama City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gainesville $95
    Panama City $103
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gainesville $190
    Panama City $206
Compare Hotels in Gainesville and Panama City

Looking for a hotel in Gainesville 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 Gainesville


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: Gainesville Hotel Prices and Panama City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gainesville $32
    Panama City $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gainesville

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Gainesville:

  • Private Transfer from Gainesville to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $453
  • Private Transfer from Gainesville to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $676
  • Private Transfer from Gainesville to Port Canaveral: $658

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 Gainesville or Panama City?

Prices for flights to both Panama City and Gainesville 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
    Gainesville $56
    Panama City $53
Typical Food prices in Gainesville

Some typical examples of dining costs in Gainesville are as follows:


  • Diner Breakfast for Two
    $17
  • Lunch at Chop Stix (for 2)
    $24

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.
    Gainesville $16
    Panama City $15
Typical Entertainment prices in Gainesville

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Gainesville are as follows:


  • Manatee Tour for Two
    $98
  • Tour Guide Tip
    $5.00

Tours and Activities in Gainesville

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

  • Butterfly Rainforest at Florida Museum of Natural History Ticket: $14

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
    Gainesville $39
    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 comparing the travel costs between Gainesville 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. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.


When is the best time to visit Gainesville 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 Gainesville or Panama City in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Gainesville and Panama City. Also, the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Panama City this time of year.

In the summer, Gainesville is around the same temperature as Panama City. Typically, the summer temperatures in Gainesville in July are around 81°F (27°C), and Panama City is about 82°F (28°C).

Panama City receives a lot of rain in the summer. Gainesville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Gainesville usually receives around the same amount of rain as Panama City. Gainesville gets 6.8 inches (174 mm) of rain, while Panama City receives 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gainesville 81°F (27°C) 
    Panama City 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Gainesville or Panama City in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Gainesville as well as Panama City. Also, many travelers come to Panama City for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Gainesville is generally around the same temperature as Panama City. Temperatures in Gainesville average around 71°F (22°C), and Panama City stays around 71°F (22°C).

Gainesville usually gets less rain in October than Panama City. Gainesville gets 2 inches (51 mm) of rain, while Panama City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gainesville 71°F (22°C) 
    Panama City 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Gainesville or Panama City in the Winter?

Both Panama City and Gainesville are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Panama City in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Gainesville is a little warmer than Panama City in the winter. The temperature in Gainesville is usually 54°F (12°C) in January, and Panama City stays around 52°F (11°C).

In January, Gainesville usually receives less rain than Panama City. Gainesville gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Panama City receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gainesville 54°F (12°C) 
    Panama City 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Gainesville or Panama City in the Spring?

Both Panama City and Gainesville during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Panama City for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Gainesville is around the same temperature as Panama City. Typically, the spring temperatures in Gainesville in April are around 69°F (20°C), and Panama City is about 68°F (20°C).

Gainesville usually gets less rain in April than Panama City. Gainesville gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Panama City receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gainesville 69°F (20°C) 
    Panama City 68°F (20°C)

Typical Weather for Panama City and Gainesville

Gainesville Panama City
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 54°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Feb 57°F (14°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Mar 63°F (17°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 61°F (16°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Apr 69°F (20°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 68°F (20°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 74°F (24°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 6.8 inches (174 mm) 80°F (27°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 6.8 inches (174 mm) 82°F (28°C) 7.3 inches (184 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm) 82°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 5.5 inches (139 mm) 79°F (26°C) 7.5 inches (192 mm)
Oct 71°F (22°C) 2 inches (51 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Nov 63°F (17°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Dec 56°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 56°F (13°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm)


Budget Your Trip

Budget Your Trip has average travel costs for thousands of cities around the world, all provided by other travelers. You can also register to organize your spending by category and location with graphs, maps, charts, and tables.
Sign Up

More City Comparisons
Boca Raton vs. Gainesville
Boca Raton vs. Panama City
Cape Canaveral vs. Gainesville
Cape Canaveral vs. Panama City
Clearwater vs. Gainesville
Clearwater vs. Panama City
Cocoa Beach vs. Gainesville
Cocoa Beach vs. Panama City
Daytona Beach vs. Gainesville
Daytona Beach vs. Panama City
Destin vs. Gainesville
Destin vs. Panama City
Fort Lauderdale vs. Gainesville
Fort Lauderdale vs. Panama City
Gainesville vs. Key West
Gainesville vs. Miami
Gainesville vs. Naples
Gainesville vs. Orlando
Gainesville vs. Pensacola
Gainesville vs. Saint Augustine
Gainesville vs. Saint Petersburg
Gainesville vs. Sarasota
Gainesville vs. Tallahassee
Gainesville vs. Tampa
Gainesville vs. West Palm Beach
Key West vs. Panama City
Miami vs. Panama City
Naples vs. Panama City
Share This Page
Pin This Page
Gainesville vs. Panama City Travel Comparison

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.