Should I Visit Guatemala City or David for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Guatemala City or David?

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

Should I visit Guatemala City or David? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Guatemala City or David?

Guatemala City

Referred to by the locals as "Guate," Guatemala City is the largest and most modern city in Guatemala, as well as its capital. While the atmosphere of the place is big, dirty, and dangerous with city fumes and skyscrapers, it is the hub of the country. It is the place where travelers first step foot into Guatemala and, though it is a place of modern chaos, it does have some of the best galleries and museums as well as a selection of bars, cafes, and restaurants.

David

In the Pacific West of Panama, David is the capital city of Chiriqui province. The city's population of almost 150,000 is among the wealthiest in the country. There is a well established middle class and unemployment remains low in the area. The area has grown rapidly in recent years with growing commercial and banking sectors. The city is well connected to the rest of the country by the Pan American Highway.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Guatemala, and The Best Budget Tours to Guatemala.

Which place is cheaper, David or Guatemala City?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

Guatemala City Prices
Guatemala Prices

David Prices
Panama Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Guatemala City $55

David $39

The average daily cost (per person) in Guatemala City is $55, while the average daily cost in David is $39. 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 Guatemala City and David in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Guatemala City $24

David $12
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Guatemala City $48

David $24

Compare Hotels in Guatemala City and David

Looking for a hotel in Guatemala City or David? 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: Guatemala City Hotel Prices and David Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Guatemala City $6.18

David $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guatemala City

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guatemala City:

Private Airport Transfer from Guatemala to La Aurora airport: $23
Antigua: One way shared transfer to Guatemala City: $24
One way Shared Transfer to Antigua: $24
Private Airport Transfer to Antigua Guatemala: $25
Private Ground Transfer Airport - Antigua Guatemala: $25
Private Transfer from La Aurora International Airport to Antigua: $27
San Salvadorz: Convenient bus transfer from/to Guatemala: $34
Private Arrival Transfer: La Aurora International Airport to Antigua Hotel: $35
Shared Departure Transfer: Guatemala City Hotels to Airport: $40
Shared Arrival Transfer: Guatemala City Airport to Hotels: $43
From Guatemala City One way shared transfer to Semuc Champey: $49
Guatemala Airport Roundtrip Transfer to Antigua Guatemala: $56

Is it cheaper to fly into Guatemala City or David?

Prices for flights to both David and Guatemala City 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

Guatemala City $27

David $17

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guatemala City

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

Cooking and class with Private Guatemalan Chef : $72
Antigua: Authentic Guatemalan Cooking Class: $90
Small-Group Cooking Class in Antigua from Guatemala City: $120
Antigua Market, Cooking Class and Choco Museum from Guatemala City: $178
Pacaya Volcano Vistas + Enjoy Pizza Cooked Under Volcanic Heat: $180

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Guatemala City $1.21

David $4.36

Tours and Activities in Guatemala City

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

Half Day Antigua Guatemala Tour: $17
Half Day Guatemala City Tour: $27
2-Hour Culture and Historical Tour From Guatemala: $29
Guatemala city Walking Tour and public bus: $30
Graffiti Walking Tour in 4 Grados Norte Guatemala City : $35
Walking Tour: $35
City walking tour Guatemala City and Relieff Map: $47
UNESCO JEWELS: Antigua Half Day Tour from Guatemala City: $49
Half Day Experience in Antigua Guatemala: $50
El mejor Tour Ciudad De Guatemala (el Mas Completo): $55
Half-Day Guatemala City Tour : $55
Antigua Guatemala Full Day Tour: $58

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Guatemala City $6.85

David -

How are these travel costs calculated?

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

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

Which is Bigger, Guatemala City or David?

Guatemala City has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of David. When comparing the sizes of Guatemala City and David, 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.

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Guatemala City vs. David for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Guatemala City or David?

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

Where Should I go: Guatemala City or David?

Guatemala City

David

Which place is cheaper, David or Guatemala City?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Guatemala City and David

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guatemala City

Is it cheaper to fly into Guatemala City or David?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guatemala City

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Guatemala City

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, Guatemala City or David?

Related Articles for Guatemala City

Related Articles for David

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Guatemala City vs. David for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Guatemala City or David?

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

Where Should I go: Guatemala City or David?

Guatemala City

David

Which place is cheaper, David or Guatemala City?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Guatemala City and David

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guatemala City

Is it cheaper to fly into Guatemala City or David?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guatemala City

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Guatemala City

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, Guatemala City or David?

Related Articles for Guatemala City

Related Articles for David

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