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

Should you visit Naples or Panama City?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Naples or Panama City, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Naples or Panama City?

Naples

Naples is the most populous city in southern Italy. The city sits against the Bay of Naples, and is in close proximity to Mount Vesuvius, which is most famous for its eruption in 79 AD which destroyed the communities of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Naples has a wonderfully sunny, Mediterranean climate, some great beaches, and beautiful architecture. The historic city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and because city officials have established strict building codes there is almost no condo style development along the coast. This helps Naples to maintain its authentic and historic atmosphere.

Many people love Naples for its history and authenticity, while others complain that it is noisy, crowded, and dirty. You can visibly see that the poverty in Southern Italy is higher than in the northern part of the country. Traffic is also chaotic, but what some travelers consider flaws, others see as benefits. Nobody can deny that Naples is truly an authentic Italian city. It has some of the country's best food and wine, the weather is ideal, and the prices are far cheaper than the northern regions. It has a large number of attractions in the form of museums and galleries, and there are some of the world's best ruins in nearby Pompeii and Herculaneum.

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 in Italy, The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Panama, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Panama City.


Which place is cheaper, Panama City or Naples?

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

  • Naples Prices
    Italy Prices
    Panama City Prices
    Panama Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Naples €158
    Panama City €89

The average daily cost (per person) in Naples is €158, while the average daily cost in Panama City is €89. 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 Naples and Panama City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Naples €66
    Panama City €31
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Naples €132
    Panama City €62
Compare Hotels in Naples and Panama City

Looking for a hotel in Naples 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.

Hotels in Naples


Hotels in Panama City


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: Naples Hotel Prices and Panama City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Naples €21
    Panama City €9.37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Naples

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Naples:


  • Subway Ticket
    €1.20
  • Alibus From Airport
    €3.00
  • Short Taxi Ride
    €7.34
  • Train to Pompeii
    €3.20
  • Taxi
    €15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Naples

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Naples:

  • Naples to Praiano/Amalfi transfer via 2h in Pompei (or viceversa): $299
  • Private Transfer from Naples to Sorrento: $297
  • Private Transfer from Naples to Positano: $296
  • Private Transfer from Naples to Positano: $295
  • Private transfer from Naples to the Amalfi Coast and Salerno: $291
  • Private Transfer from Naples to Positano.: $286
  • Private Transfer from Naples to Sorrento: $286
  • Amalfi Coast Private Transfer from Naples Airport: $286
  • Private Transfer from Naples to Amalfi: $286
  • Pompeii private small group tour - 4 hours including transfers: $286
  • Airport Transfer: $286
  • Transfer from Naples Airport to Minori: $286

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Panama City

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

  • Arrival Private Transfer Panama PTY Airport to Playa Bonita: $75
  • Arrival Private Transfer Panama PTY Airport to Playa Bonita: $84
  • Panama 2 days / 1 night : hotel, transfers and city tour: $278
  • Panama Airport (PTY) to Panama city - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
  • Panama Airport (PTY) to Playa Blanca Round-Trip Private Transfer: $153
  • Panama Airport (PTY) to Playa Bonita/Gamboa - Round-Trip Transfer: $64
  • Panama City Private Departure Transfer: $42
  • Panama One Way Transfer: Van from Tocumen Airport to Panama City: $83
  • Panama Private Airport/Port/Hotel Transfer Service: $28
  • Panama Tocumen Airport (PTY) to Colón - Arrival Private Transfer: $74
  • Panama Tocumen Airport (PTY) to Playa Blanca - Private Transfer: $77
  • Panama Tocumen Airport PTY to Coronado/Gorgona - Arrival Transfer: $102

Is it cheaper to fly into Naples or Panama City?

Prices for flights to both Panama City and Naples 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
    Naples €69
    Panama City €32
Typical Food Prices in Naples

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Naples:


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    €28
  • Three Course Dinner (for Two)
    €49
  • Napoli Pizza
    €7.24
  • Dinner
    €25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Naples

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

  • Naples Certified Pizza & Tiramisu Class Drink and Appetizer: $27
  • Pizza and Beyond Food Tour by Do Eat Better: $34
  • Pizza and Gelato Making Class: $37
  • Naples Pizza and Tiramisu Class with Unlimited Local Wine: $40
  • Naples Pasta Cooking Class: Make Gnocchi and Tagliatelle: $40
  • Naples Street Food tour with 6 gastronomic stops and pizza: $40
  • Naples Official Pizza Making Class & Tiramisu Cooking class: $42
  • Naples Food Tour with Local Guide and City Highlights: $48
  • Authentic Naples Street Food Tour With Local Expert Guide: $48
  • Naples Street Food Tour: Discover Local Flavors with Expert Guide: $48
  • Eat and Visit Naples City Street Food Tour with Local Expert: $48
  • Anna Napoli Food Tours and tours: $50

Typical Food Prices in Panama City

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


  • Sandwich
    €7.24

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:

  • 3.5 -hour Afropanamanian Cooking Experience in Panama: $70
  • Panamanian Dinner and Folkloric Show - All Inclusive Experience: $70
  • Panama City by Night: Rooftop Skyline, Dinner & Folklore Show: $85
  • 4-Hour Guided Panamanian Cooking Class and Markets Experience: $95
  • Embera Village Cooking Class Experience in Chagres National Park: $125
  • The Real Panamanian Private Food Tour through Panama City: $245

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Naples €30
    Panama City €58
Typical Entertainment Prices in Naples

Here are a few typical costs in Naples for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Museo Archeologico Nazionale Entrance
    €9.00
  • Castelnuovo Museum Entrance
    €5.00
  • Entrance to Pompeii
    €11

Tours and Activities in Naples

Here are a few actual costs in Naples for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2-Hour Island Boat Tour with Captain Franco: $48
  • 2-Hour Small Group Walking Tour in the Heart of Naples: $51
  • 2-hour Guided Tour of Ischia's Aragonese Castle: $49
  • 3-Hours Royal Palace Guided Walking Tour in Reggia di Caserta: $154
  • 4 Hours Herculaneum Private Tour from Naples: $153
  • 4 Hours Vesuvius Volcano Tour: $80
  • 4H Naples Historic Center Tour with Underground Ruins Incl.: $96
  • Amalfi Coast & Pompeii Deluxe Group Tour From Naples: $114
  • Amalfi Coast Experience from Naples: $143
  • Amalfi Coast Grand Tour: $79
  • Amalfi Coast Positano & Sorrento Signature Group Tour From Naples: $93
  • Amalfi Coast Small-Group or Private Tour with Boat Option: $102

Tours and Activities in Panama City

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

  • Archaeological Site. Admission ticket to Panama La Vieja: $15
  • Private Historic Tour of the Old Town: $15
  • Panama Chocolate Factory Experience and Tasting: $19
  • Sunset Bike Tour/ Cinta Costera Casco Viejo by Paradox Experience: $22
  • Casco Viejo a Panama's Hidden Treasures Walking Tour: $24
  • Spanish Experience in Panama City: $25
  • Panama City Must-see Attractions Walking Tour with a Guide: $26
  • Rum & Chocolate Pairing: The Casa Baru Experience Casco Viejo: $28
  • Monkey and Sloth Jungle Habitat Panama Tour: $30
  • City Sightseeing Panama City Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $30
  • Panama City : Custom Walking Tour with A Guide (Private Tour): $34
  • Panama Viejo UNESCO Ruins Tour | The Original Panama City: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Naples €21
    Panama City €16
Typical Alcohol Prices in Naples

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Naples:


  • Beer
    €4.10
  • Beer
    €4.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Naples

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Naples:

  • Napoli Pub Crawl in the Old Town: $19
  • Ercolano Vineyards Guided Wine Tasting Experience with Brunch: $43
  • Caserta Winery Visit and Wine Tasting in Casertavecchia: $50
  • Wine Tasting on Mount Vesuvius with lunch: $86
  • Vesuvius National P Tour and Wine Tasting: $86
  • Naples by Night Food and Wine Tasting with Sightseeing Guided Tour: $102
  • Scenic Wine Tasting & Lunch on the Slopes of Vesuvius from Naples: $103
  • Pompeii Tour, Lunch and Vesuvius Wine Tasting: $132
  • Pompeii with Wine Tasting and Lunch from Naples: $137
  • Pompeii & Wine Tasting - Full Day Tour: $137
  • Wine tasting with a light lunch on Vesuvius: $138
  • From Naples & Sorrento: Organic Vesuvius Wine Tour & Lunch: $148


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Naples and Panama City, we can see that Naples is more expensive. And not only is Panama City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Naples 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 Naples would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Naples 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 Naples Expensive? and Is Panama City Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Naples or Panama City?

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