Which place is cheaper, Panama City or Saint John's?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Saint John's or Panama City?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint John's 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: Saint John's or Panama City?
Saint John's
If you've been to St. John's, Antigua, you were likely on a cruise - which means you likely did not have enough time to truly experience the magic of this tiny island getaway.
St. Johns is the capital of the tiny islands of Antigua and Barbuda. Located on Antigua, this tropical city lives up to its status as a tropical paradise. With 365 beaches on the island, you can enjoy the luxury of lounging in the sand every day of the year.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint John's $222Panama City $224
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint John's is $222, while the average daily cost in Panama City is $224. 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 Saint John's and Panama City in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint John's $120Panama City $128
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint John's $240Panama City $256
Compare Hotels in Saint John's and Panama City
Looking for a hotel in Saint John's 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: Panama City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint John's $17Panama City $48
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint John's
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint John's:
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Local Bus$1.52
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Taxi From Airport$6.99
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint John's
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint John's:
- 3-Hours Stingray City - Transfer, Spanish-Italian Guide Included: $155
- Airport Transfer from/to all resorts in Antigua - Water Inc.: $60
- Airport Transfers to Antigua Hotels/Resorts: $170
- Antigua - VIP Fast Track On Arrival ONLY And Round Trip Transfer : $99
- Antigua Airport Private Roundtrip Transfer to and from Royalton Antigua Resort: $60
- Antigua V.C. Bird Airport (ANU) to Island - Round-Trip Transfer : $156
- Antigua&Barbuda V.C.Bird Airport(ANU) to island Private Transfer: $78
- Antigua&BarbudaV.C.Bird Airport(ANU)to island hotels-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $255
- Biggvee Airport Roundtrip Transfer: $70
- Biggvee Premium Airport One Way Transfer: $200
- Island to Antigua&Barbuda V.C.Bird Airport(ANU)- Private Transfer: $78
- Luxury Airport transfer from or to Antigua Airport : $85
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint John's or Panama City?
Prices for flights to both Panama City and Saint John's 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 daySaint John's $68Panama City $66
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint John's
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Saint John's.
- City Lime Food Tour: Taste our culture on Antigua's only food tour in the city!: $105
- Discover the Flavors of St. Johns Food Tour: $125
- Private Art Tour or Food Tour: $150
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint John's $103Panama City $19
Typical Entertainment Prices in Saint John's
Here are a few typical costs in Saint John's for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entrance to the Museum of Antigua & Barbu$3.00
Tours and Activities in Saint John's
Here are a few actual costs in Saint John's for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Chariot City Tour Antigua: $20
- Antigua Shore Excursion: City of St John's Sightseeing Tour: $59
- City of St John's Sightseeing Tour: $59
- Cultural and Historical Home Tour in The Antiguan Experience : $66
- Glenmon taxi and tours: $70
- Small-Group Hiking Experience in Antigua: $70
- Stingray City Experience Antigua - ONLY TICKET: $73
- Antigua Historical Sites Island Tour: $75
- Kayak Eco Adventures Glass Kayak Nature and Snorkeling Tour: $75
- Authentic Antiguan Experience: $79
- Nightlife Tour of Antigua and Barbuda: $80
- TRIPLE ACTIVITY TOUR, Bike Kayak Hike, ANTIGUA : $80
Tours and Activities in Panama City
Here are a few actual costs in Panama City for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Panama City Beach: SkyWheel Ticket with Sunset Option: $19
- SkyWheel Panama City Beach Sunset Ticket: $23
- Panama City Beach: SkyWheel Ticket and Mini Golf Combo: $26
- Self-Guided Bike Tour: Pedal At Your Pace: $28
- Bike Rental with Smartphone Tour: $28
- Sunset Dolphin Cruise in St. Andrews Bay: $29
- Dolphin Sightseeing Tour on The Footloose Catamaran from Panama City Beach: $35
- Panama City Beach Dolphin Sightseeing Sail: $40
- Sunset & Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time: $42
- Panama City Beach: Sunset Catamaran Cruise: $45
- Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time : $52
- 90 min Cruise at Lower Grand Lagoon : $54
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint John's $18Panama City $56
When comparing the travel costs between Saint John's and Panama City, we can see that Panama City is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Saint John's is in Caribbean Islands and Panama City is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Saint John's Expensive? and Is Panama City Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint John's or Panama City?
Panama City has a larger population, and is about 55% larger than the population of Saint John's. When comparing the sizes of Saint John's 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 Saint John's or Panama City?
Panama City has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Saint John's experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Saint John's or Panama City in the Summer?
Both Panama City and Saint John's are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John's throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Panama City in the summer for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Saint John's is around the same temperature as Panama City in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint John's averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Panama City fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).
It's quite sunny in Panama City. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint John's. Saint John's usually receives less sunshine than Panama City during summer. Saint John's gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Panama City receives 283 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Panama City. It's quite rainy in Saint John's. In July, Saint John's usually receives less rain than Panama City. Saint John's gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Panama City receives 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint John's 27°C (81°F)Panama City 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Saint John's or Panama City in the Autumn?
Both Panama City and Saint John's during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Saint John's because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Panama City for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Saint John's is a little warmer than Panama City. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint John's in October average around 27°C (80°F), and Panama City averages at about 71°F (22°C).
In Panama City, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint John's. In the autumn, Saint John's often gets less sunshine than Panama City. Saint John's gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Panama City receives 256 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint John's. Saint John's usually gets more rain in October than Panama City. Saint John's gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Panama City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint John's 27°C (80°F)Panama City 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Saint John's or Panama City in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint John's and Panama City. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John's year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Panama City because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In January, Saint John's is generally much warmer than Panama City. Daily temperatures in Saint John's average around 24°C (76°F), and Panama City fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).
In Saint John's, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint John's usually receives more sunshine than Panama City during winter. Saint John's gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Panama City receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Saint John's usually receives less rain than Panama City. Saint John's gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Panama City receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint John's 24°C (76°F)Panama City 52°F (11°C)
Should I visit Saint John's or Panama City in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Saint John's as well as Panama City. Saint John's attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Panama City this time of year.
Saint John's is a little warmer than Panama City in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint John's averages around 26°C (78°F) in April, and Panama City fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Panama City. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint John's this time of the year. In the spring, Saint John's often gets less sunshine than Panama City. Saint John's gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Panama City receives 295 hours of full sun.
Saint John's receives a lot of rain in the spring. Saint John's usually gets more rain in April than Panama City. Saint John's gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Panama City receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint John's 26°C (78°F)Panama City 68°F (20°C)
Typical Weather for Panama City and Saint John's
| Saint John's | Panama City | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 52°F (11°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (76°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 61°F (16°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (78°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 4.6 inches (116 mm) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 7.3 inches (184 mm) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 7.5 inches (191 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 7.5 inches (192 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (80°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 3.2 inches (81 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 4.1 inches (104 mm) |
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.