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

Should you visit Paris or Panama City?

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

Should I visit Paris 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: Paris or Panama City?

Paris

Paris is a dream destination for many people. It's location on the river Seine contributes to its stunning beauty and you can spend many days wandering through its wonderfully diverse neighborhoods. It's known as a city of culture, fashion, food and fun. There is never a shortage of entertainment and activities around town and a highlight of many people's trips to Paris is to explore the city at night, when it truly comes to life. It is not hard to see why this city has received the nickname as the "City of Lights."

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 Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best Budget Tours to Panama, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Panama City.


Which place is cheaper, Panama City or Paris?

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

  • Paris Prices
    France Prices
    Panama City Prices
    Panama Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Paris 265
    Panama City 89

The average daily cost (per person) in Paris is €265, 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 Paris and Panama City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Paris 153
    Panama City 31
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Paris 306
    Panama City 62
Compare Hotels in Paris and Panama City

Looking for a hotel in Paris 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 Paris


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: Paris Hotel Prices and Panama City Hotel Prices.

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

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Paris are as follows:


  • Metro
    6.40
  • Train from Airport
    9.00
  • Metro tickets
    6.80
  • Train
    20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Paris

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

  • Transfer from Paris to Airport: CDG, Orly, Beauvais: $297
  • Private Transfer from CDG Airport to Paris: $294
  • Private transfer from Beauvais airport to Paris or back: $288
  • Panthéon Paris Private Guided Tour with Transfers: $287
  • Private Direct Transfer From Paris to Reims: $282
  • Private transfer to Reims or Epernay : one way OR 8 hours tour: $280
  • Private Transfer: Paris Airport CDG to Reims / Champagne by Van: $279
  • Transfer by luxury Mercedes from PARIS to => AIRPORT from PARIS with Cab-Bel-Air: $276
  • Transfer Charles de Gaulle Airport CDG to Paris: $276
  • Transfer by luxury Mercedes from ORLY AIRPORT to => PARIS with Cab-Bel-Air: $276
  • Transfer by luxury Mercedes from PARIS AIRPORT to => PARIS with Cab-Bel-Air: $276
  • Paris to Reims one way or round-trip transfer in Sedan Car or Van: $270

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Panama City

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

  • Transfer to Panama City, Hotel and City tour - 1 night: $266
  • Private Transfer from PTY to Playa Blanca resorts: $222
  • Panama Airport (PTY) to Coronado/Gorgona - Round-Trip Transfer: $209
  • Panama Airport (PTY) to Decameron - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $209
  • San Blas Day Trip (Transfers & Lunch included): $175
  • Panama Airport (PTY) to Playa Blanca Round-Trip Private Transfer: $158
  • Panama Tocumen Airport(PTY) to Colón Round-Trip Private Transfer: $153
  • Private Transfer from Panama Tocumen Airport (PTY) to Colón resorts: $147
  • Transfer Hotel/Airport to Resorts in Playa - return or return: $125
  • Panama Tocumen Airport PTY to Coronado/Gorgona - Arrival Transfer: $105
  • Private Transfer Tocumen Airport - Linton Bay Marina: $90
  • Transfer from Tocumen Airport to Playa Blanca Hotels: $85

Is it cheaper to fly into Paris or Panama City?

Prices for flights to both Panama City and Paris 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
    Paris 72
    Panama City 32
Typical Food Prices in Paris

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


  • Ice Cream
    8.00
  • Breakfast
    7.00
  • Breakfast for 2
    30
  • Dinner on River Cruise
    86
  • Dinner
    57
  • Cheese
    13

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Paris

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

  • Paris Marais Walking Food Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $7.63
  • Paris Capitaine Fracasse 3 Course Seine River Dinner Cruise: $67
  • Seine River Cruise and Dinner at Traditional Parisian Restaurant: $75
  • Award Winning Paris Secret Food Tour with Cheese, Wines & Stories: $76
  • Paris en Scene 3 Course Seine River Dinner Cruise: $76
  • Authentic Indian Dinner in Paris: $76
  • Paris Food Tour: $81
  • Seine River Sightseeing Cruise and Dinner at Le Bistro Parisien: $84
  • St Germain Food Tour with 10+ French Delicacies Tastings: $86
  • Paris Bakery Food Tour: Chocolate, Macarons and 10 Sweet Tastings: $87
  • Paris Guided Food Tour by Bike - Ile de la Cité and Marais: $93
  • 2 Hour Paris Centre Food Tour with 4 Tastings & Fine Wine: $94

Typical Food Prices in Panama City

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


  • Sandwich
    7.25

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
  • Panama City FOOD Tour: $65
  • 3.5 -hour Afropanamanian Cooking Experience in Panama: $70
  • Street Food Tour Panama City (25+ tastings) By Paradox Experience: $95
  • 4h Cooking Class in 10 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $95

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Paris 76
    Panama City 58
Typical Entertainment Prices in Paris

For Paris, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Louvre Entry for Two
    18
  • Admission to Pantheon
    5.00
  • Catacombs (2)
    23

Tours and Activities in Paris

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

  • Île de la Cité Guided Tour & Audio-Guided Visit of Notre-Dame: $24
  • Île de la Cité, the Old Town of Paris Private Guided Tour: $214
  • 1 Day Paris City Tour on River & Land with Louvre Museum ticket: $140
  • 1 Hour Express Paris Tour with Scenic Stops: $175
  • 1 Hour Private Photo Session experience with the Eiffel Tower: $223
  • 1-Hour Seine River Cruise Ticket from Eiffel Tower: $21
  • 1.5-hour cruise on the Seine departing at 6:30 PM: $21
  • 1H Orsay Museum Express Small Group Guided Tour: $106
  • 1h30 Private Guided Tour in a Pink Citroën 2CV: $116
  • 1st Day in Paris Discovery Private Tour: 'How-to' Orientation & Sightseeing Fun!: $81
  • 2 Hour Private Paris Tour in a French vintage car - Hidden Gems: $175
  • 2 Hour Walking Tour Through Treasures of the Marais: $46

Tours and Activities in Panama City

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

  • "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 1 Night San Blas Adventure in Pamana: $260
  • 2 Days Island Hopping Adventure San Blas Islands - Private Cabin: $265
  • 2-Day San Blas Adventure from Panama City with WiFi: $260
  • 3 1/2 Hour Experience of Lake Gatun in Panama: $95
  • 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
  • 5 hours Whale Watching Experience from Panama City: $100

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Paris 24
    Panama City 16
Typical Alcohol Prices in Paris

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Paris are as follows:


  • Wine
    14

Sample the Local Flavors in Paris

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Paris:

  • The Original Pub Crawl + Free Shots + VIP Club Entry: $20
  • Paris City Center Guided Pub Crawl With Shots & Club Entry: $21
  • Paris Pub Crawl : Bars with Club Entry and Shots: $29
  • Paris International Pub Crawl with Free Shots & Fun Games: $29
  • Paris Guided Pub Crawl with Bars Shots and Club Entry: $32
  • Visit and tasting at the distillery L'Alambic Parisien: $33
  • Paris Gin Craft Distillery Tour and Tasting: $35
  • Guided Tour of Montmartre with Cheese and Wine Tasting: $42
  • Paris A burlesque cabaret in a former brothel: $44
  • Vegan Wine Tasting in Paris right next to Père Lachaise: $53
  • Wine Tasting in Paris right next to Père Lachaise & l'Atelier des lumières: $53
  • Wine tasting Paris Saint Germain des Pres: $55


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


Which is Bigger, Paris or Panama City?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Panama City. When comparing the sizes of Paris 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.