Which place is cheaper, Panama City or London?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit London 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 London and Panama City can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: London or Panama City?
London
The capital of the United Kingdom is a thriving multicultural metropolis. Steeped in iconic landmarks, world-class museums and royal parks, London is energetic, majestic, ambitious and one of the world's greatest cities. London is a cultural and fashion capital, a great place to go out, an amazing place to eat and one of those cities that is constantly changing with new and exciting things sprouting up almost every day. History and tradition greet you at every turn in the UK's capital. London is also a city with an edgy underbelly, delighting in neon pink dive bars, cheeky graffiti and mind-blowing street food. When you need a break from the action, pop into a pub or relax in one of the city's many parks. Blow through the city on a double-decker bus, and take a pinch-me-I'm-in-London walk through the West End. As one of the most visited cities in the world, London is busy, vibrant and very tourist friendly. The only problem with London is that it's very expensive; it can eat away at your budget if you aren't careful. Luckily, there are also tons of free or cheap things to do in London that can fill your time.
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 Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Budget Tours to Panama, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Panama City.
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London Prices
UK PricesPanama City Prices
Panama Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLondon £217Panama City £75
The average daily cost (per person) in London is £217, while the average daily cost in Panama City is £75. 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 London and Panama City in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLondon £125Panama City £26
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLondon £250Panama City £52
Compare Hotels in London and Panama City
Looking for a hotel in London 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: London Hotel Prices and Panama City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.London £26Panama City £7.94
Typical Local Transportation Prices in London
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in London:
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Taxi Ride£15
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Heathrow Express£18
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Luggage Storage£8.00
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London Map£1.29
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Oyster Card£36
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Train to Gatwick Airport (2)£22
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Oyster Card£27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in London
Also for London, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Southampton Port Transfer with Stonehenge stop-over included: $815
- Southampton: LHR to Southampton Executive SUV Transfer: $700
- Private Transfer London Heathrow Airport to Southampton Port: $619
- Private Transfer Heathrow to Southampton Cruise Terminal: $606
- Private Transfer From Southampton Cruise Terminal to London: $606
- Airport - hotel - airport transfers for Heathrow groups.: $532
- Cambridge: LHR to Cambridge Executive SUV Transfer: $525
- Transfer to/ from Dover Cruise port to Central London: $504
- Transfer to/from London Gatwick Airport to Dover Cruise Port: $487
- London Hotels and Airports: Private Transfer to Southampton: $471
- Southampton To London Heathrow Airport Transfers: $471
- Heathrow to Southampton Private Cruise Transfer Luxury MPV: $471
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Panama City
Also for Panama City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Panama 2 days / 1 night : hotel, transfers and city tour: $278
- Transfer to Panama City, Hotel and City tour - 1 night: $266
- Private Transfer from PTY to Playa Blanca resorts: $224
- Private Transfer from Panama Tocumen Airport (PTY) to Playa Blanca resorts: $224
- Panama Airport (PTY) to Coronado/Gorgona - Round-Trip Transfer: $211
- Panama Airport (PTY) to Decameron - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $211
- San Blas Day Trip (Transfers & Lunch included): $175
- Private Transfer from Panama City Airport to Beach Resorts: $175
- Transfer from Tocumen Airport to Colon Cruise Port: $160
- Miraflores Visitor Center Ticket & Transfer: $155
- Private Transfer from Panama Airport (PTY) to Colón Resorts: $148
- Private Transfer from Panama Tocumen Airport (PTY) to Colón resorts: $148
Is it cheaper to fly into London or Panama City?
Prices for flights to both Panama City and London 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
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Food Meals for one dayLondon £59Panama City £27
Typical Food Prices in London
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to London:
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Lunch at Starbucks£13
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Tea£6.00
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Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason£39
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Morning Tea£6.35
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Pastry£5.00
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Sushi Dinner for One£18
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in London
For London, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- London Food Tour of Soho & Covent Garden: $19
- The English Food You Don't Expect Food Tour of London: $68
- Authentic Japanese Cooking Class in North London Home: $94
- London Soho & Covent Garden Full Meal Food Tour by Do Eat Better: $105
- Private South Indian Home Cooking Class in London with a Local: $109
- Plant Power - Vegan Food Tour: $116
- Japanese Izakaya Dinner & Comedy Show Experience, Covent Garden: $116
- London Borough Market and London Bridge Food Tour: $118
- Indian Cooking Masterclass with Market Tour: $120
- London's East End Food Tour From Bhajis to Bagels: $120
- London Cheese Chocolate and Christmas Lights Food Tour: $123
- London Dinner Cruise on the Thames River: $123
Typical Food Prices in Panama City
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Panama City:
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Sandwich£6.14
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:
- Panama Evening Food Tour: $60
- Panamanian Dinner and Folkloric Show Ticket with Pickup: $65
- Panama City FOOD Tour: $65
- 3.5 -hour Afropanamanian Cooking Experience in Panama: $70
- E-Tickets Emotions Dinner Live Show Admission: $75
- Afro-Panamanian Cooking Class with Meal: $75
- Street Food Tour with 24 Tastings: $75
- Street Food Tour Panama (25+ tastings) By Paradox Experience: $90
- 4-Hour Guided Panamanian Cooking Class and Markets Experience: $95
- 4h Cooking Class in 10 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $95
- Panama: 10-Recipe Boozy Panamanian Cooking Class + Dinner: $95
- Folkloric Dance & Typical Dinner at Sabroso Panamá: $110
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.London £33Panama City £49
Typical Entertainment Prices in London
For London, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Two Tickets to a Concert£83
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London Symphony Orchestra£34
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London Pass£47
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Comedy Show£8.00
Tours and Activities in London
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for London.
- “South London Riverside Ebike Tour – Battersea to Richmond Park”: $171
- 2 hour British Museum Highlights Private Guided Tour: $260
- 2 hour Walking Tour in Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage in London: $27
- 2-Hour Jack the Ripper Small Group Walking Tour in London: $23
- 3 Hour London Landmarks Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour: $26
- 3 Hour Private Downton Abbey London Locations Walking Tour: $260
- 3 Hours Historic Pub Experience in London: $81
- 3 Locks Brewing Company Tour and Tasting Experience in Camden: $34
- 3 hour Self Guided Canoe Adventures on the Thames: $75
- 3-Hour Historic Pub Experience in London: $81
- 3-Hour Private London Photography Tour of famous Landmarks: $175
- 30 Major London Attractions Walking Tour With Photos: $68
Tours and Activities in Panama City
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Panama City.
- “Bike Tour Casco Viejo and Panama City Discover the Essence: $40
- "Bridge of the Americas Stand-Up Paddle Private 2 hours Tour ": $100
- 1- or 2-Night Experience in San Blas Islands: $260
- 1st Mysteries and FreeMasons Tour: $38
- 2 Days Island Hopping Adventure San Blas Islands - Private Cabin: $265
- 2 Hours Private Luxury Tour in a Convertible Car in Panama City: $255
- 2 Nights in San Blas - Shared Cabin + Meals + Boat Tour: $179
- 3 Hour Airport Tour from Tocumen: $125
- 3 Hours Private Walking Tour in Casco Antiguo Panama City: $45
- 4-Hour Guided Tour of Panama Canal & Old Town & More: $150
- 4-hour tour in Panama: $105
- 5 Hours Private Panama City Tour: $200
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLondon £15Panama City £14
Sample the Local Flavors in London
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in London:
- An Epic Bar Crawl in London United Kingdom: $15
- London Pub Crawl: $29
- London Historic Pub Tour: Fleet Street Taverns, Small Group: $31
- London PUB CRAWL Shots Pints & Good Times: $34
- The Original Shoreditch Pub Crawl: $34
- Sipsmith Distillery Tour and Complimentary Tasting: $41
- Potter Pub Tour for Muggles: London: $44
- Beer Babe Bar Crawl in London: $52
- Wine Tasting London Bus Tour: $57
- London Sightseeing Gusbourne Sparkling Wine Tasting & Cheese: $67
- North London Craft Brewery Tour: $67
- London Historical Pub Tour with Pilgrims and Pirates: $81
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between London and Panama City, we can see that London is more expensive. And not only is Panama City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since London is in Europe and Panama City is in Central 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 Panama City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Panama 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 London would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in London than you might in Panama City.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is London Expensive? and Is Panama City Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, London or Panama City?
London has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Panama City. When comparing the sizes of London 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.