Which place is cheaper, Panama City or Veracruz?
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 Veracruz or Panama City?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Veracruz and Panama City can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Veracruz or Panama City?
Veracruz
Veracruz is the name of both a state and city in the country of Mexico. Locals often call the city "Puerto" (port) in order to differentiate the city from the state. The general area runs along the Gulf of Mexico and encompasses ruins, old colonial cities, lush green mountains, and delicious seafood.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.
-
Veracruz Prices
Mexico PricesPanama City Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVeracruz $156Panama City $272
The average daily cost (per person) in Veracruz is $156, while the average daily cost in Panama City is $272. 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 Veracruz and Panama City in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVeracruz $54Panama City $128
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVeracruz $108Panama City $256
Compare Hotels in Veracruz and Panama City
Looking for a hotel in Veracruz 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: Veracruz Hotel Prices and Panama City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Veracruz $28Panama City $48
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Veracruz
Also for Veracruz, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Veracruz Airport (VER): $26
- Private Transfer to Veracruz Airport (VER): $26
- Roundtrip Private Transfer from Veracruz Airport (VER): $52
- Transfer from Veracruz Airport to Hotel in Veracruz Port: $45
Is it cheaper to fly into Veracruz or Panama City?
Prices for flights to both Panama City and Veracruz 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 dayVeracruz $84Panama City $115
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Veracruz $15Panama City $19
Tours and Activities in Veracruz
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Veracruz.
- Panoramic Sightseeing Bus City Tour of Veracruz: $8.00
- Mandinga And Boat Trip Tour: $25
- Aquatico Inbursa Waterpark: Veracruz - Ticket: $27
- 3-hour tour to the San Juan de Ulúa Fortress: $30
- San Juan De Ulua Tour: $31
- Veracruz City Tour with San Juan de Ulúa and Mandinga Boat: $57
- Full Day Tour to La Antigua, Cempoala and Quiahuiztlán: $94
- City Tour en Veracruz y Acuario: $100
- Full Day Tour to Catemaco and Los Tuxtlas with Transportation: $100
- Full Day Tour to Alvarado and Tlacotalpan from Veracruz or Boca del Río: $104
- Tour with Certified Guide to Xalapa, Xico and Coatepec: $104
- Catemaco And Los Tuxtlas Tour From Veracruz Or Boca Del Rio: $105
Tours and Activities in Panama City
Here are a few actual costs in Panama City for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 HR Private Sunset Tour in St Andrews Bay: $300
- 2 Hour Jet Ski Dolphin Tour to Shell Island: $149
- 2 Hour Private Dolphin and Sightseeing Tour Shell Island: $70
- 2 Hour Shell Island Jet Ski Dolphin Tour: $159
- 3 Hour Panama City Beach Dolphin Cruise and Shell Island Tour: $52
- 3 Hour Tiki Boat Adventure: $55
- 90 Minute Sunset Tiki Boat Tour: $45
- Big Kahuna Sunset Dolphin Cruise Experience: $55
- Cypress Springs Eco Adventure: $125
- Dolphin & Sightseeing Cruise in Panama City Beach (1.5 hours): $32
- Dolphin Sunset Cruise in Panama City Beach on the "Island Time": $42
- Guided Jet Ski Adventure Tour: $152
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayVeracruz $17Panama City $56
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Veracruz and Panama City, we can see that Panama City is more expensive. And not only is Veracruz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Veracruz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Veracruz 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 Veracruz.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Veracruz Expensive? and Is Panama City Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Veracruz or Panama City?
Veracruz has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Panama City. When comparing the sizes of Veracruz 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 Veracruz or Panama City?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Veracruz or Panama City in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Veracruz as well as Panama City. Additionally, many travelers come to Panama City for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Veracruz is around the same temperature as Panama City in the summer. The daily temperature in Veracruz 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 Veracruz this time of the year. In the summer, Veracruz often gets less sunshine than Panama City. Veracruz gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Panama City receives 283 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Panama City. Veracruz receives a lot of rain in the summer. Veracruz usually gets more rain in July than Panama City. Veracruz gets 410 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Panama City receives 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyVeracruz 27°C (81°F)Panama City 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Veracruz or Panama City in the Autumn?
Both Panama City and Veracruz are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Panama City in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Veracruz is a little warmer than Panama City. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Veracruz in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Panama City averages at about 71°F (22°C).
It's quite sunny in Panama City. Veracruz usually receives less sunshine than Panama City during autumn. Veracruz gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Panama City receives 256 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Veracruz. In October, Veracruz usually receives more rain than Panama City. Veracruz gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Panama City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVeracruz 26°C (79°F)Panama City 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Veracruz or Panama City in the Winter?
Both Panama City and Veracruz during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Panama City for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.
In January, Veracruz is generally much warmer than Panama City. Daily temperatures in Veracruz average around 21°C (71°F), and Panama City fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).
In the winter, Veracruz often gets less sunshine than Panama City. Veracruz gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Panama City receives 185 hours of full sun.
Veracruz usually gets less rain in January than Panama City. Veracruz gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Panama City receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVeracruz 21°C (71°F)Panama City 52°F (11°C)
Should I visit Veracruz or Panama City in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Veracruz and Panama City. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Panama City because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
Veracruz is a little warmer than Panama City in the spring. The daily temperature in Veracruz averages around 26°C (78°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 Veracruz, it's very sunny this time of the year. Veracruz usually receives less sunshine than Panama City during spring. Veracruz gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Panama City receives 295 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Veracruz usually receives less rain than Panama City. Veracruz gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Panama City receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilVeracruz 26°C (78°F)Panama City 68°F (20°C)
Typical Weather for Panama City and Veracruz
| Veracruz | Panama City | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (71°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 52°F (11°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) |
| Feb | 22°C (71°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
| Mar | 24°C (74°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 61°F (16°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (78°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 4.6 inches (116 mm) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 410 mm (16.1 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 7.3 inches (184 mm) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 7.5 inches (191 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 346 mm (13.6 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 7.5 inches (192 mm) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) |
| Nov | 25°C (76°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 3.2 inches (81 mm) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 27 mm (1.1 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.