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

Should you visit Havana 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 Havana and Panama City can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Havana or Panama City?

Havana

The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).

This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.

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 Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Havana and Panama City, we can see that Panama City is more expensive. And not only is Havana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Havana is in Caribbean Islands and Panama City is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Havana would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Havana 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 Havana.

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

Which is Bigger, Havana or Panama City?

Havana has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Panama City. When comparing the sizes of Havana 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 Havana or Panama City?

Panama City has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Havana experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Havana or Panama City in the Summer?

Both Panama City and Havana are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Panama City for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Havana is generally around the same temperature as Panama City. Daily temperatures in Havana average around 27°C (81°F), and Panama City fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Panama City. In July, Havana usually receives less rain than Panama City. Havana gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Panama City receives 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Havana or Panama City in the Autumn?

Both Panama City and Havana during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Panama City in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Havana is a little warmer than Panama City in the autumn. The daily temperature in Havana averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Panama City fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

Havana usually gets less rain in October than Panama City. Havana gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Panama City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Havana or Panama City in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Havana and Panama City. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round. Also, most visitors come to Panama City for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Havana is much warmer than Panama City. Typically, the winter temperatures in Havana in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Panama City averages at about 52°F (11°C).

In January, Havana usually receives less rain than Panama City. Havana gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Panama City receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Havana or Panama City in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Havana as well as Panama City. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Panama City because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Havana is generally a little warmer than Panama City. Daily temperatures in Havana average around 24°C (75°F), and Panama City fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

Havana usually gets less rain in April than Panama City. Havana gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Panama City receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Panama City and Havana