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

Should you visit Guatemala City or Panama City?

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

Should I visit Guatemala City or Panama City? 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 Panama City?

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.

Panama City

Panama City is the cosmopolitan capital city of the country of Panama. With a population of almost 900,000 and almost 1.5 million in the metropolitan area, it's a very diverse city with expat residents from all over the world. You don't have to search far to find someone who speaks English, and many Panamanians are quite helpful and friendly.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Guatemala City, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Guatemala, The Best Adventure Tours to Panama, and The Best Adventure Tours to Panama.

Which place is cheaper, Panama City 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

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

Guatemala City $55

Panama City $101

The average daily cost (per person) in Guatemala City is $55, while the average daily cost in Panama City is $101. 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 Panama City in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Guatemala City $24

Panama City $35
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Guatemala City $48

Panama City $70

Compare Hotels in Guatemala City and Panama City

Looking for a hotel in Guatemala City 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: Guatemala City Hotel Prices and Panama City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Guatemala City $6.18

Panama City $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guatemala City

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guatemala City:

Private Transfer - Guatemala Airport (GUA) to Puerto Quetzal Port: $261
Private transfer - San Pedro la Laguna to Guatemala City: $200
Private Transfer from La Aurora Airport to Antigua Guatemala: $120
Private Ground Transfer Airport to Antigua Guatemala: $95
Private Ground Transfer Guatemala City To Panajachel, LakeAtitlan: $80
Transfer from Airport to Antigua: $80
Private Transfer from Guatemala City to Antigua: $74
Private transfer from La Aurora Airport to Panajachel: $65
One way private transfer to Antigua: $64
From One way shared transfer to El Paredon: $59
Guatemala Airport Roundtrip Transfer to Antigua Guatemala: $56
From Guatemala City One way shared transfer to Semuc Champey: $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Panama City

Also for Panama City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

Private Departure Transfer to Panama City Airport (PTY): $13
Transfer to Panama Canal (Miraflores Locks): $14
Private transfer from airport to hotels in Panama City: $15
Ciudad de Panamá Private Airport Transfer (PTY) to City: $16
Private One-way Airport Transfer from Tocumen Airport to Panamá: $17
Private One-way Airport Transfer from Panamá to Tocumen Airport : $17
Transfer Airport-City Hotel and Beach Hotel, Tours 5hrs Panama: $20
One Way Private transfer Panama City PTY Airport to City: $20
Panama: Private transfer to Tocumen Airport: $20
Panama: Private Transfer from Tocumen Airport: $20
Private transfer Panama City - Fort Amador Cruise Terminal: $20
Transfer from Panama City to Amador Cruise Terminal: $20

Is it cheaper to fly into Guatemala City or Panama City?

Prices for flights to both Panama City 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

Panama City $36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guatemala City

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

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

Typical Food Prices in Panama City

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Panama City:

Sandwich

$8.21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Panama City

For Panama City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

Panamanian Dinner and Folkloric Show Ticket with Pickup: $60
Panama Evening Food Tour: $60
3-hour Afropanamanian Cooking Experience in Panama: $70
4-Hour Guided Panamanian Cooking Class and Markets Experience: $85
Panama: 10-Recipe Boozy Panamanian Cooking Class + Dinner: $85
Embera Village Cooking Class with Gatun Lake Boat Safari: $105
Folkloric Dance & Typical Dinner at Sabroso Panamá: $125
The 'Real' Panamanian Private Food Tour: $200

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Guatemala City $1.21

Panama City $65

Tours and Activities in Guatemala City

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

2-Hour Culture and Historical Tour From Guatemala: $29
3-hour Bike Tour Guatemala City South: $60
Antigua City Tour from Guatemala City: $77
Antigua Guatemala , Full-Day Shared Tour from Guatemala City: $75
Antigua Guatemala Full Day Tour: $58
Antigua Guatemala Half Day Tour: $60
Antigua walking tour from Guatemala City : $90
Chichicastenango - Panajachel collective tour: $150
Chichicastenango Market Tour: $124
City walking tour Guatemala City and Relieff Map: $47
Climb Active Pacaya Volcano + Box Lunch at the Top - Shared Tour: $75
Day Tour Between Mangroves, Fishing & Black Sand Beach Activities + Lunch: $285

Tours and Activities in Panama City

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Panama City.

Guided Walking Tour in Panama City: $22
Bike Tour and visit to Old Town: $22
Panama : Must-See Sites Walking Tour With A Guide: $24
Best Bike tour to Old Town with locals: $27
Walking tour in Casco Viejo with locals: $27
walking tour in Casco Antiguo !: $30
Get to know the city aboard CitySightseeing Panama: $30
City Sightseeing Panama City Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $30
City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $30
Panama: Highlights Bike Tour in Casco Viejo & Cinta Costera: $31
Panama City Must-see Attractions Walking Tour with a Guide: $31
POIN Swing Experience: $32

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Guatemala City $6.85

Panama City $18

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Guatemala City and Panama City, we can see that Panama City is more expensive. And not only is Guatemala City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Guatemala City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Guatemala 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 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 Guatemala City.

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 Panama City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Guatemala City or Panama City?

Guatemala City has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Panama City. When comparing the sizes of Guatemala City 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.

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

Should you visit Guatemala City or Panama City?

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

Where Should I go: Guatemala City or Panama City?

Guatemala City

Panama City

Which place is cheaper, Panama City or Guatemala City?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Guatemala City and Panama City

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guatemala City

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Panama City

Is it cheaper to fly into Guatemala City or Panama City?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guatemala City

Typical Food Prices in Panama City

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Panama City

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Guatemala City

Tours and Activities in Panama City

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, Guatemala City or Panama City?

Related Articles for Guatemala City

Related Articles for Panama City

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

Should you visit Guatemala City or Panama City?

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

Where Should I go: Guatemala City or Panama City?

Guatemala City

Panama City

Which place is cheaper, Panama City or Guatemala City?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Guatemala City and Panama City

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guatemala City

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Panama City

Is it cheaper to fly into Guatemala City or Panama City?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guatemala City

Typical Food Prices in Panama City

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Panama City

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Guatemala City

Tours and Activities in Panama City

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, Guatemala City or Panama City?

Related Articles for Guatemala City

Related Articles for Panama City

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