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

Should you visit San Fernando or Panama City?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Fernando 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: San Fernando or Panama City?

San Fernando

As the industrial capital of Trinidad & Tobago, San Fernando is an oil city which attracts more business visitors than tourists. While it is primarily focused on industry, the city has a certain charm with its old buildings and sloping streets that frame pretty views of the sea. It is the big city of Trinidad's southern half with plenty to offer in nightlife, especially during Carnival.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Panama City or San Fernando?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in San Fernando is $153, 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 San Fernando and Panama City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    San Fernando $74
    Panama City $128
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    San Fernando $148
    Panama City $256
Compare Hotels in San Fernando and Panama City

Looking for a hotel in San Fernando 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 San Fernando


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: Panama City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    San Fernando $50
    Panama City $48

Is it cheaper to fly into San Fernando or Panama City?

Prices for flights to both Panama City and San Fernando 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
    San Fernando $48
    Panama City $66

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    San Fernando $28
    Panama City $19

Tours and Activities in Panama City

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

  • 2 Hour Dolphin Sightseeing Tour with Capt. Zach's Adventures: $73
  • 2 Hour Dolphin and Sightseeing Tour in Panama City Beach, Fl: $72
  • 2 Hour Private Dolphin and Sightseeing Tour in Shell Island: $65
  • 3 Hour Cruise, Snorkel, Swim/float Sandbar - tandem tiki option: $80
  • 90 min Cruise at Lower Grand Lagoon : $54
  • Beach Sunset and Lagoon Skyline Tour: $70
  • Beginner Scuba Diving Tour PCB Free Videos: $129
  • Beginner Scuba Diving Tour with Videos-PCB: $129
  • Catamaran Snorkel and Dolphin Watch Tour in Panama City Beach: $60
  • Cypress Springs Eco Adventure: $110
  • Discover Snorkeling Tour in Panama City: $65
  • Dolphin Sightseeing Tour on The Footloose Catamaran from Panama City Beach: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    San Fernando $22
    Panama City $56


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Fernando and Panama City, we can see that Panama City is more expensive. And not only is San Fernando much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since San Fernando is in Caribbean Islands and Panama City is in North 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 San Fernando would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Fernando 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 Panama City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Panama City than you might in San Fernando.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is San Fernando Expensive? and Is Panama City Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, San Fernando or Panama City?

San Fernando has a larger population, and is about 50% larger than the population of Panama City. When comparing the sizes of San Fernando 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 San Fernando or Panama City?

Panama City has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Fernando experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit San Fernando or Panama City in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to San Fernando as well as Panama City. San Fernando attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Panama City this time of year.

San Fernando is around the same temperature as Panama City in the summer. The daily temperature in San Fernando averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Panama City fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Panama City. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Fernando this time of the year. In the summer, San Fernando often gets less sunshine than Panama City. San Fernando gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Panama City receives 283 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Panama City. San Fernando receives a lot of rain in the summer. San Fernando usually gets more rain in July than Panama City. San Fernando gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Panama City receives 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    San Fernando 27°C (81°F) 
    Panama City 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit San Fernando or Panama City in the Autumn?

Both Panama City and San Fernando are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Fernando throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Panama City for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, San Fernando is a little warmer than Panama City. Typically, the autumn temperatures in San Fernando in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Panama City averages at about 71°F (22°C).

It's quite sunny in Panama City. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Fernando. San Fernando usually receives less sunshine than Panama City during autumn. San Fernando gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Panama City receives 256 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in San Fernando. In October, San Fernando usually receives more rain than Panama City. San Fernando gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Panama City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    San Fernando 27°C (81°F) 
    Panama City 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit San Fernando or Panama City in the Winter?

Both Panama City and San Fernando during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to San Fernando because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Panama City in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, San Fernando is generally much warmer than Panama City. Daily temperatures in San Fernando average around 26°C (78°F), and Panama City fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in San Fernando. In the winter, San Fernando often gets more sunshine than Panama City. San Fernando gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Panama City receives 185 hours of full sun.

San Fernando usually gets less rain in January than Panama City. San Fernando gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Panama City receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    San Fernando 26°C (78°F) 
    Panama City 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit San Fernando or Panama City in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both San Fernando and Panama City. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Fernando year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Panama City for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

San Fernando is a little warmer than Panama City in the spring. The daily temperature in San Fernando averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Panama City fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Panama City this time of the year. In San Fernando, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Fernando usually receives less sunshine than Panama City during spring. San Fernando gets 238 hours of sunny skies, while Panama City receives 295 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, San Fernando usually receives less rain than Panama City. San Fernando gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Panama City receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    San Fernando 27°C (81°F) 
    Panama City 68°F (20°C)

Typical Weather for Panama City and San Fernando

San Fernando Panama City
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (78°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 52°F (11°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 55°F (13°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 61°F (16°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 51 mm (2 in) 68°F (20°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 74°F (24°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 252 mm (9.9 in) 80°F (27°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 266 mm (10.5 in) 82°F (28°C) 7.3 inches (184 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 225 mm (8.9 in) 82°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 203 mm (8 in) 79°F (26°C) 7.5 inches (192 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 199 mm (7.8 in) 71°F (22°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in) 63°F (17°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 155 mm (6.1 in) 56°F (13°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm)