Which place is cheaper, Panama City or Malaga?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Malaga or Panama City?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Malaga and Panama City. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Malaga or Panama City?
Malaga
Malaga is a port city in the southern part of Spain. It is the 6th largest city in Spain and the southernmost large city in Europe. Malaga lies on the Mediterranean on the Costa del Sol, only 62 miles east of the Strait of Gibraltar, and 80 miles north of Africa. Malaga's history dates back about 2,800 years, which makes it one of the oldest cities in the world. The archaeological remains and monuments from the Phoenician, Roman, Arabic and Christian eras make the historic center of the city an "open museum", displaying its history of more than 3,000 years. Because of its important cultural infrastructure and the artistic heritage, Malaga has been nominated for the European Capital of Culture. Malaga's most important economic contributors include tourism, technology, and construction, but transportation and logistics are becoming increasingly important factors as well.
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 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona, The Best Budget Tours to Panama, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Panama City.
-
Malaga Prices
Spain PricesPanama City Prices
Panama Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMalaga €165Panama City €90
The average daily cost (per person) in Malaga is €165, while the average daily cost in Panama City is €90. 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 Malaga and Panama City in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMalaga €75Panama City €31
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMalaga €150Panama City €62
Compare Hotels in Malaga and Panama City
Looking for a hotel in Malaga 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: Malaga Hotel Prices and Panama City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Malaga €31Panama City €9.40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:
- Malaga Airport (AGP): Private Transfer to Granada city: $422
- Transfer from Malaga Airport to Tarifa: $311
- Transfer from Malaga Airport to Granada: $309
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Zafarraya: $287
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Ferreirola: $279
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Loja: $275
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Adra: $274
- Cordoba and its Mosque from Málaga with Private Transfer: $274
- Malaga Airport (AGP) to Cancelada - Arrival Private Transfer: $273
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport AGP to Seville Cruise Port: $273
- Malaga Airport (AGP) to Seville - Arrival Private Transfer: $273
- Malaga to Seville Airport (SVQ) - Departure Private Transfer: $269
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Panama City
Also for Panama City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Airport PTY to/from Panama City: $17
- Private Transfer to Panama City Airport (PTY): $18
- Private One-way Airport Transfer from Tocumen Airport to Panamá: $19
- Private One-way Airport Transfer from Panamá to Tocumen Airport: $19
- Private Transfer from Tocumen Airport to Panama City: $19
- VIP Transfer Panama: Playa Bonita, Panama City & Pacific Riviera: $20
- Private transfer Panama City - Fort Amador Cruise Terminal: $20
- Private Transfer Tocumen Airport to Panama City or Beach: $20
- Tocumen Airport to Hotel Transfer in Panama City: $22
- Panama Airport (PTY) to Panama city - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
- Private Airport Transfer: $23
- Private Transfer Tocumen Airport - Old Town(Casco Viejo): $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Malaga or Panama City?
Prices for flights to both Panama City and Malaga 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 dayMalaga €60Panama City €32
Typical Food Prices in Malaga
Some typical examples of dining costs in Malaga are as follows:
-
Dinner for 2€30
-
Dinner for 2€44
-
Breakfast for 2€8.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malaga
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Malaga.
- Authentic Flamenco Dinner Show at Restaurant VinoMio: $17
- Hard Rock Cafe Entrance with Lunch or Dinner: $37
- Paella Cooking Class with English Guide in Malaga: $73
- Málaga: Morning Guided Food Tour: $75
- Japanese cooking class Sushi: $76
- Malaga -Italian cooking class : La domenica italiana: $76
- Authentic Paella Cooking Class with Sangría: $77
- Málaga: Spanish Cooking Workshop with Paella and Sangria: $77
- Food Tour with Local Guide, Tapas, and Drinks: $83
- Malaga Market Food Tour: Tapas, Drinks, and Local Flavors: $86
- Pedregalejo Food Tour: Explore Malaga's most iconic quarter: $86
- Málaga: Tapas, Wine & Rooftops Small Group Food Tour: $93
Typical Food Prices in Panama City
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Panama City:
-
Sandwich€7.33
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 Ravioli Masterclass + Dinner in Panama City center: $55
- 3.5 -hour Afropanamanian Cooking Experience in Panama: $70
- Panamanian Dinner and Folkloric Show - All Inclusive Experience: $70
- E-Tickets Emotions Dinner Live Show Admission: $75
- Street Food Tour Panama City (25+ tastings) By Paradox Experience: $95
- 4-Hour Guided Panamanian Cooking Class and Markets Experience: $95
- 4h Cooking Class in 10 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $95
- Embera Village Cooking Class Experience in Chagres National Park: $125
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Malaga €31Panama City €58
Typical Entertainment Prices in Malaga
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Malaga are as follows:
-
Entrance to Castillos€7.10
-
Concert€31
Tours and Activities in Malaga
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Malaga are as follows:
- 2 Hours Buggy Safari Experience in the Mountains of Mijas with Guide: $171
- 2 hours guided Quad tour in Mijas, Malaga.: $148
- 2-Hour Ronda Walking Tour: $91
- 2h E-bike tours+1day extra in Malaga: $63
- 3 Hours Guided Buggy Safari Adventure in the Mountains of Mijas: $217
- 3-hour guided quad/ATV adventure in Mijas, Málaga: $205
- 90-min Buggy Tour in Almuñecar with Picnic: $159
- Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Private Tour: $67
- Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Private Tour. Skip The Line: $291
- Alcazaba de Málaga: Ticket and Self-Guided Tour created by an Official Guide: $5.82
- Alcazaba of Malaga Private Skip the Line Guided Tour: $193
- Alhambra Guided Tour from Malaga with Private Transportation: $296
Tours and Activities in Panama City
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Panama City.
- BEC Immersive Museum: Panama Through Your Senses Admission Ticket: $15
- Archaeological Site. Admission ticket to Panama La Vieja: $15
- Private Historic Tour of the Old Town: $15
- Panama Old Town Tour: Learn about our History and Culture: $22
- Sunset Bike Tour/ Cinta Costera Casco Viejo by Paradox Experience: $22
- Spanish Experience in Panama City: $25
- Casco Viejo Walking Tour: History, Culture & Local Tasting: $25
- Museum of Illusions Panama Admission Ticket: $26
- Panama City Must-see Attractions Walking Tour with a Guide: $26
- City Sightseeing Panama City Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $30
- Panama City Walking Tour: Explore Top Sights & Hidden Gems: $30
- Get to know the city on board CitySightseeing Panama (24 Hours): $30
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMalaga €22Panama City €16
Sample the Local Flavors in Malaga
Also in Malaga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Málaga: Pub Crawl Málaga Madness: $14
- Malaga Nightlife Pub Crawl Tour with Drinks and Clubs Entry: $18
- Bodegas Quitapenas: Guided Visit + Wine Tasting: $22
- Visit the Oldest Winery of Malaga and Wine Tasting: $23
- Visit to the Oldest Winery of Malaga and Wine Tasting: $31
- Conrad Guided Cellar Tour and wine tasting in Ronda: $40
- Andalusian Wine Tasting Tapas and DE wine tastings: $44
- Frigiliana Small-Group Hike and Wine Tasting Tour from Malaga: $63
- Malaga Food & Wine Tour: Tapas, Drinks and Delights with a Local: $67
- C/Echegaray 5 Málaga center: Malagueño Massage: Massage + Wine Tasting: $68
- Winederlust Wine Tasting: $68
- Málaga: Traditional Andalusian Tapas and Wine Tour: $72
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Malaga and Panama City, we can see that Malaga is more expensive. And not only is Panama City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Malaga 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 Malaga would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Malaga 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 Malaga Expensive? and Is Panama City Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Malaga or Panama City?
Malaga has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Panama City. When comparing the sizes of Malaga 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.